American Heart Association Opens 2026 Health Tech Competition to Accelerate Cardiovascular and Brain Health Innovations

The American Heart Association (AHA) has 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. The competition, hosted by the AHA’s Center for Technology & Innovation, seeks to bridge the gap between promising health technologies and their real-world implementation, particularly in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure.

Despite rapid advancements in digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote patient monitoring, many technologies fail to reach patients who need them most. The Health Tech Competition aims to change that by connecting healthcare innovators with clinicians, researchers, and investors to facilitate the scaling of evidence-based solutions. Five finalists will be selected to present their innovations at Scientific Sessions 2026, the AHA’s flagship global event, scheduled for November 6-9 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and health systems are facing increasing demands, workforce shortages, and rising costs. Scalable, data-driven solutions are critical to delivering timely, effective, and equitable care. The competition emphasizes clinical validation and alignment with evidence-based care, ensuring that selected technologies are positioned for real-world adoption.

“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 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. Unlike traditional startup competitions, this program prioritizes clinical evidence and practical applicability.

Key dates for the 2026 competition include an application deadline of September 18, 2026, with five finalists announced on October 10, 2026. Finalists will deliver live pitches at Scientific Sessions on November 7-8, and the winner will be announced on November 9, 2026. The competition is a cornerstone of the Health Innovation Pavilion at Scientific Sessions, reflecting the AHA’s commitment to accelerating innovation and fostering collaboration to improve health outcomes worldwide.

The Health Tech Competition has a track record of recognizing impactful innovations. In 2025, a Houston-based medical technology company won the overall global health tech competition, and previous finalists have gone on to make significant strides in the industry. This year’s competition promises to highlight technologies that can transform cardiovascular and brain health care on a global scale.

For more information about the Health Tech Competition and to view the terms and conditions, visit ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2026. Follow AHA/ASA news on X at @HeartNews for updates.