January 21, 2026
Innovation at the Frontlines with The 2026 Critical Care Innovation Incubator
MTEC is sponsoring a $5,000 Pitch Award at the 2026 SCCM Critical Care Innovation Incubator in Chicago, supporting innovators developing solutions that can transform critical care for military and civilian patients. The one-day Incubator brings together clinicians, researchers, technologists, investors, and industry leaders to advance ideas ranging from AI-enabled decision support to ruggedized, far-forward critical care technologies. Open to all stages of development, this opportunity offers selected teams a platform to pitch, connect, and accelerate real-world impact. Apply at https://sccmawards.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/351/home
UPDATE: THE DUE DATE FOR PITCH PROPOSALS WAS EXTENDED TO FEB 12, 2026
During my time with MTEC, I’ve learned that most innovation happens when bright minds collide around a shared purpose. In critical care, where minutes can mean the difference between life and death, turning these bold ideas into practical solutions requires a great technology, yes, but it also requires collaboration, insight, and the right platform to accelerate impact. That’s why I’m excited to share that MTEC is sponsoring a $5,000 Pitch Award at the 2026 Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Critical Care Innovation Incubator, taking place March 21, 2026, at McCormick Place West in Chicago.
The Incubator is an innovation launchpad. Clinicians, researchers, technologists, investors, and industry leaders come together in a single day to explore innovations that could transform critical care. From advanced AI tools that support complex decision-making in the ICU to portable, ruggedized monitoring systems designed for austere environments, this event showcases ideas that can move from concept to real-world impact.
For 2026, MTEC is taking an active role sponsoring the Pitch Award and by shaping a dedicated MTEC-focused Request for Applications aligned with military medical priorities. Our leadership will engage in panels and roundtables, contributing scientific and strategic expertise, and ensuring that solutions developed here are informed by both clinical need and operational reality.
We’re looking for innovators whose ideas could improve critical care for military or civilian patients and have the potential for commercialization. All stages of development are welcome, and SCCM membership is not required, neither is MTEC membership. Pitch submissions should address one of several high-impact areas:
- Portable, ruggedized critical care monitoring and tele-ICU capabilities
- Far-forward critical care and prolonged field care solutions
- Autonomous or AI-enabled clinical decision support for austere care
- Advanced hemorrhage control and battlefield resuscitation
Selected pitches will have the opportunity to present to an audience of clinicians, investors, and industry leaders, opening doors that could turn an innovative idea into a life-saving solution.
Want to see what last year’s winners brought to the table? Take Hyunwoo Yuk, PhD, and his team behind SanaHeal. Their bold, innovative approach, supported by the right guidance and platform, transformed a concept into a practical solution with real-world impact. You can read more about the 2025 winners here.
The submission deadline is February 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. If you have a solution that could redefine critical care, I encourage you to submit a pitch and join us in Chicago to shape the future of this vital field.
UPDATE: We heard your feedback and have removed the need to create an account to submit an application. The direct link is: https://sccmawards.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/351/home
UPDATE: Submission date was extended to February 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time
—Madison Bell
MTEC Brand Growth