The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced the opening of its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies aimed at improving cardiovascular and brain health. Despite rapid advances in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising health technologies fail to reach the patients who need them most. The competition seeks to address this gap by connecting market-ready solutions with opportunities to scale into real-world clinical settings.
Hosted by the AHA’s Center for Technology & Innovation, the competition focuses on identifying 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 solutions at Scientific Sessions 2026, the Association’s flagship global event for cardiovascular science, scheduled for November 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The significance of this initiative is underscored by the fact that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. Health systems are facing growing demand, workforce shortages, and rising costs, making scalable, data-driven solutions more critical than ever. The Health Tech Competition is designed to bridge the gap between innovation and clinical adoption, ensuring that evidence-based technologies reach 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, CEO 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 competition is open to emerging companies with market-ready solutions supported by clinical or pilot data and a viable business model. The AHA is seeking 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 that selected solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
Key dates for the competition include: applications open now through September 18, 2026; five finalists announced on October 10, 2026; live pitches at Scientific Sessions on November 7-8, 2026; and the winner announced on November 9, 2026. The Health Tech Competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions and reflects the AHA’s ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation, advancing science, and fostering collaboration to improve cardiovascular and brain health outcomes worldwide.
The implications of this competition are far-reaching. For healthcare leaders, it represents an opportunity to see cutting-edge solutions that could be integrated into their systems. For investors, it highlights startups that have passed rigorous clinical validation. For patients, it promises faster access to technologies that could prevent or manage life-threatening conditions. The AHA’s focus on evidence-based care ensures that the finalists are not just innovative but also practical and effective in real-world settings.
More information about the competition and terms and conditions can be found at ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. The AHA also referenced its previous competition, where a Houston-based medical technology company won the overall global health tech competition at Scientific Sessions 2025, demonstrating the program’s track record of identifying successful innovations.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the Health Tech Competition are vital in ensuring that technological advancements translate into tangible improvements in patient care. By fostering collaboration between innovators, clinicians, and investors, the AHA is helping to shape the future of cardiovascular and brain health on a global scale.
