2026 Grand Challenge
Get found and funded faster — pitch your healthcare innovation to the crowd that cares.
The 2026 Grand Challenge invites healthcare innovators — from ideas to early-revenue companies — to pitch their solutions to a global crowd of patients, providers, investors, and care professionals. Winners join the MedStartr accelerator class for funding, partner services, and mentorship.
There has never been a better time to start, grow, or scale a healthcare company: AI is reshaping care, and patients, providers, and payers are all demanding better quality at lower cost with more access and transparency.
Prizes
- Cash prizeInvestment for top finalists (subject to an equity agreement — see rules)
- Up to $250,000 in goods and services
- Three years of MedStartr Acceleration Program (MAP) + mentorship
Acceleration package for top finalists: investment plus up to $250,000 in goods and services, three years of the MedStartr Acceleration Program (MAP) and mentorship, an equity-crowdfunding relaunch, and access to the MedStartr mentor and partner network. NO FUNDING IS GUARANTEED — see the official rules for full terms.
Our sponsors
Leading healthcare institutions are funding this challenge to find the innovations they need.
Challenge tracks
Access
Solutions that help people with medical issues get access to the right provider or treatment.
Artificial Intelligence
Advanced algorithms and systems that improve care, diagnosis, and operations.
Chronic Disease Management
Platforms and methods that help people manage long-term conditions.
Diagnosis
Technologies that help people learn, stay healthy, and get properly diagnosed.
Telemedicine & Provider Enablement
Innovations that help care providers deliver better care through technology, AI, and communication.
Population Health
Solutions that keep communities and populations healthier.
Meet the judges
Finalists are selected by a hybrid panel of MedStartr mentors, healthcare leaders, and the crowd.
How it works
Apply
Teams submit their innovations through a short structured application.
Crowd review
Patients, providers, investors, and advisors review the projects online and weigh in.
Live finals
Finalists pitch live; winners receive funding, pilots, and accelerator consideration.
Who should apply
- 🚀Early-stage healthcare startups
Building a digital health, medtech, or care-delivery innovation that addresses one of the challenge tracks.
- 🧪Rapid-growth innovators
With early traction looking for funding, pilots, and access to leading health systems.
- 🌍Mission-driven teams
Ready to deploy in the challenge's community and partner with its sponsoring institutions.
Get involved
Ready to sponsor a track, apply to compete, or get involved? Tell us how and we'll be in touch.
MedStartr.ai is operated by MedStartr, Inc., which is not a broker-dealer, funding portal, or investment advisor, and does not participate in the offer or sale of securities. Challenge participation is subject to the official rules. No purchase necessary. See the official rules and terms for full eligibility details.