Bold ideas to drive the future of diabetes treatment and care will compete for potential backing of $50,000 during the Innovation Challenge. Five emerging companies will take the stage as part of the 2026 Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) to pitch their research, products, or ideas for game-changing solutions to real-world problems impacting people living with diabetes, their family members, or caregivers.
The challenge’s three winners will receive consideration for potential investment of up to $50,000 through the ADA’s Innovation Fund, possible participation in post-challenge engagement opportunities facilitated by the ADA, additional visibility through select ADA platforms, and possible engagements with ADA leadership and subject-matter experts.
The competition will take place on Saturday, June 6 from 4:30–6:00 p.m. in Hall F of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. On-demand access to recorded presentations will be available to registered participants following the conclusion of the 2026 Scientific Sessions, from June 10–August 10.
The Innovation Challenge was first introduced in 2023 at the Scientific Sessions in San Diego.
Past winners have included companies pitching an insulin pen that allows people with diabetes to buy insulin in vials and fill the pen as needed, a software platform to improve infusion failure detection in insulin pump and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, a diagnostic test to measure the rate of beta cell death through a liquid biopsy, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven neuroprosthetic smart sock for diabetes-related neuropathy to reduce pain and regain stability, and a first-in-class antagonist of the undruggable retinoid pathway to treat and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes.
The competing companies were selected through a competitive application process that closed in March. In addition to the five finalists on stage, the 10 runners-up will have the opportunity to display their business pitches in the room before and after the event.
Register On-site for the 2026 Scientific Sessions
You can register on-site at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans to join the 2026 Scientific Sessions, taking place June 5–8. Don’t miss your chance to learn about the latest advances in diabetes research, prevention, and care. After the meeting, registered participants will have on-demand access to recorded presentations.
