The 2026 Collegiate Healthcare Innovation Challenge

A healthcare technologies pitch competition and investment panel.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash prizes. Opportunity for financial and/or in-kind support from the investment panel.

Hosted in-person on Saturday, April 4th at The University of Texas at Austin.

Open to all undergraduate teams that aim to bring their healthcare design project to market.

Find the opportunity to gain seed funding and investor support for your healthcare innovation project!

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Our Partners

Viva Films

Acuity Surgical

AmiKus Law

Innolitics LLC

Rubric and Eligibility

Eligibility for Application:

  1. The project must solve a healthcare related problem or have a healthcare related application.

  2. Project must have been started after January 1st, 2024

  3. Project must be driven by undergraduate students studying in the United States of America

    1. Projects worked on by non-undergraduate students are ineligible.

    2. Projects mentored by non-undergraduate students are eligible

  4. Projects must not have utilized significant funding (>$50k)

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for application, please contact us at austin.tewh@gmail.com

Simplified Rubric for Virtual Application

The virtual application opens on February 1st. It will include a two-page summary of your project, as well as a 90-second video introducing your project. The virtual application will be graded by the judging panel.

Content

The virtual application (both the summary and video) will be evaluated by the following criteria.

  1. Problem Description

    Thoroughly defines the problem, connects it to broader healthcare or societal needs, and provides a detailed critique of existing/past solutions, highlighting gaps that the innovation aims to fill.

  2. Design Considerations

    Demonstrates a clear understanding of technical, biological, and implementation challenges, and shows how the design strategically addresses each one.

  3. Design Solution

    High-quality visuals, clear explanation of functionality, and discussion of how the solution integrates science, technology, and entrepreneurship to create measurable healthcare impact.

  4. Market Understanding

    Detailed market analysis, including a thorough competitive landscape analysis (direct and indirect competitors) and validated need supported by primary/secondary research. TAM/SAM/SOM estimates are clearly presented and logically derived.

Guidelines for Final Round Pitches

Info

Final round pitches will take place in-person on the University of Texas at Austin Campus on Saturday April 4th from 8am-4pm. Teams will have the opportunity to pitch once to the combined panel of judges and investors. Please note: some investors may also be volunteering as judges. Some judges may not be investors.

The judging panel will determine your eligibility on qualifying for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place cash prize based upon a fixed rubric, given below.

The investment panel is composed of individual or group investors, or representatives from investment firms. Each investor will determine their support, if any, for your project based upon their personal investment criteria. Each team can accept offers from the investment panel upon their own discretion.

Guidelines

We recommend that teams consider that they are presenting to both judges and potential investors.

  • Utilize non-technical and general language where possible

  • Be clear about your future goals and what you are seeking (financial support, mentorship on commercialization, strategic partnerships, etc).

  • Some judges and investors are given below. Be sure to research their respective backgrounds.

Timeline

February 1st: Virtual applications open

March 1st: Virtual applications due

March 14th: Finalists announced

April 4th: In-person competition on the UT Austin Campus

  • The investment panel consists of individual investors, angel investors, group investors, and representatives from investment firms/companies. They have a shared interest in supporting student teams.

  • Teams can only win one cash prize. Prizes are distributed via the University of Texas at Austin as a middleman and are subject to University code and guidelines.

  • There is no limit on virtual round applications. Each team may only apply once. Sixteen teams will be accepted to the final in-person round.

  • Support is assessed on a need basis. Teams that require travel support can email us at austin.tewh@gmail.com to petition for support.

Judging and Investment Panel

Victor Elizalde

Together, we outline a path forward that’s realistic, strategic, and tailored to your specific needs.

Dr. Brent Iverson

You’re part of the process. We keep communication open and decisions shared—no black boxes or surprises.

Tom Wala

Every project is different. We stay flexible and responsive to make sure the process fits your flow—not the other way around.

Dr. Nuttada Panpradist

When we deliver, it’s not just a finished product—it’s a solution you can trust, backed by real care and effort.

Let’s Work Together

This form will be reviewed for all inquires related to competing teams, interested judges, investors, or corporate sponsors. Thank you!