The American Heart Association (AHA) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies that address cardiovascular and brain health challenges. Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising technologies fail to reach patients who need them most. This competition aims to close that gap by connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world care settings.
Hosted by the AHA's Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition identifies and accelerates technologies that can transform how conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Five finalists will be selected to present their innovations at Scientific Sessions 2026, the Association's flagship global event for cardiovascular science, scheduled for Nov. 6–9 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and 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. 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 AHA. "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 competition is open to emerging companies with market-ready solutions backed by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The AHA seeks technologies that actively engage patients, support clinicians, and demonstrate measurable potential to improve patient outcomes across a variety of care settings. Unlike traditional startup competitions, this program emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, ensuring solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
Key dates for the 2026 competition include: applications open now through Sept. 18, 2026; five finalists announced on Oct. 10, 2026; live pitches at Scientific Sessions on Nov. 7–8; and the winner announced on Nov. 9. The Health Tech Competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions, reflecting the AHA's commitment to accelerating innovation, advancing science, and fostering collaboration to improve cardiovascular and brain health outcomes worldwide.
Interested parties can learn more about the competition and review terms and conditions at ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. Additional resources include previous AHA news releases about the 2025 competition winner and finalists, available on the AHA news page. Follow AHA/ASA news on X at @HeartNews.
