AHA Accepting Applications for 2026 Health Tech Competition

Aug. 18, 2026 — Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence and remote patient monitoring, many promising health technologies still fail to reach patients who need them most. To help close that gap, the American Heart Association (AHA), a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, is now accepting applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world cardiovascular and brain health care.

Hosted by the American Heart Association Center for Technology & Innovation, the global competition identifies and accelerates technologies that can transform how cardiovascular and brain health conditions, including high blood pressure, stroke and heart failure, are prevented, diagnosed and treated.

Five finalists will take the stage at Scientific Sessions 2026, the Association’s flagship global event for the latest research and clinical advancements in cardiovascular science, taking place Nov. 6–9 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and as health systems face growing demand, workforce shortages and rising costs, scalable, data-driven solutions are more critical than ever to delivering timely, effective and equitable care.¹ The Health Tech Competition connects healthcare innovators with clinicians, researchers and investors to accelerate adoption and bring evidence-based technologies to patients faster.

“For more than a century, the American Heart Association has been at the intersection of science, research, clinical expertise and innovation to drive improvements in cardiovascular and brain health,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Through the Health Tech Competition, we continue that work by helping advance evidence-based solutions that address today’s most pressing health challenges and reach people where they live, work and receive care.”

The AHA competition is open to emerging companies building market-ready solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The Association is seeking technologies that actively engage patients, support clinicians and demonstrate measurable potential to improve patient outcomes across a wide range of care settings. Unlike traditional startup competitions, the program emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, ensuring solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.

AHA Key Dates:

• Applications open – through Sept. 18, 2026
• Five finalists announced – Oct. 10, 2026
• Live pitches at Scientific Sessions – Nov. 7-8, 2026
• Winner announced – Nov. 9. 2026

The Health Tech Competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions and reflects the Association’s ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation, advancing science and fostering collaboration to improve cardiovascular and brain health outcomes worldwide.

To learn more about the Health Tech competition and to view the terms and conditions, visit: ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026.

1. Fahim YA, Hasani IW, Kabba S, Ragab WM. Artificial intelligence in healthcare and medicine: clinical applications, therapeutic advances, and future perspectives. Eur J Med Res. 2025 Sep 23;30(1):848. doi: 10.1186/s40001-025-03196-w. PMID: 40988064; PMCID: PMC12455834.