About this Event
The future of health depends on more than breakthrough ideas. It depends on innovators who can transform those ideas into solutions that improve lives and create lasting change.
The American Heart Association’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator, proudly supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation and MATTER, helps mission-driven entrepreneurs do just that. Through mentorship, strategic guidance and meaningful connections, the program equips founders to navigate the complexities of healthcare, strengthen their businesses and accelerate the adoption of solutions that improve health in communities across the country.
The day opens with the Community Showcase, where each company in this year's cohort will present lightning pitches to share their solutions. The Community Showcase will be followed by a Founder Expo, where you will be able to meet with founders and learn more about their solutions. The day will conclude with a networking reception.
Together, the Community Showcase and Founder Expo offer an opportunity to celebrate the 2026 cohort, engage directly with emerging health innovators, and learn how their solutions are helping address real needs in communities across the country. We invite you to join us for a day of connection, inspiration, and shared commitment to advancing longer, healthier lives for all.
Agenda (all times in CT)
9:30am | Doors open
10:00am | Welcome remarks
10:15am | Health-Tech Track lightning pitches
11:15am | Networking break
11:45am | Collegiate Track lightning pitches
12:45pm | Community spotlight
1:15pm | Closing remarks and evening preview
2:00pm | Event concludes
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About MATTER
At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation are committed to helping communities thrive, by supporting financially resilient families, vibrant businesses, and affordable places to call home. Our grantmaking focuses on opportunities that align with our strategic funding priorities: financial opportunity, housing access and affordability, and business growth. For more information, visit wellsfargo.com/impact.
Event venue & nearby stays
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228, 222 West Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, United States
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