The American Heart Association (AHA) has opened applications for its 2026 Health Tech Competition, a global initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of market-ready technologies that can transform cardiovascular and brain health care. The competition, hosted by the AHA’s Center for Technology & Innovation, seeks to identify and accelerate solutions that address critical conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure.
Despite rapid advancements in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many promising technologies fail to reach patients who could benefit most. The AHA’s competition aims to bridge this gap by connecting innovators with clinicians, researchers, and investors, ensuring that evidence-based solutions are positioned for real-world adoption.
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 competition emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, setting it apart from traditional startup competitions.
“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 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 various care settings.
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, 2026; and the winner announced on Nov. 9, 2026. Scientific Sessions 2026, the AHA’s flagship global event for cardiovascular science, will take place Nov. 6–9 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
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.
For more information and to apply, visit the competition’s official page at ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. Additional resources include news about the 2025 competition winner and finalists, available on the AHA’s news site.
The competition underscores the urgency of addressing cardiovascular disease, which remains the world’s leading cause of death. By supporting innovations that can be integrated into clinical practice, the AHA aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of heart and brain diseases globally.
