At the American Diabetes Association (ADA), we are dedicated to advancing care that will improve the lives of everyone affected by diabetes—until the day we find a cure. To that end, we’re on the lookout for game-changing ideas from developing companies that will transform care. If you think your startup’s business proposal fits this bill, join us for the Innovation Challenge happening onstage at the ADA’s Scientific Sessions—the world’s largest diabetes conference—to pitch your ideas and gain exposure in front of the thought-leaders and diabetes care experts.
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Innovation Challenge
2025 Innovation Challenge
The Innovation Challenge returns to the Scientific Sessions! Share your innovative solutions to improve diabetes care for the chance to bring your vision to life. Apply by March 3
Overview
Every year at the ADA’s Scientific Sessions, the Innovation Challenge invites emerging companies in the field of diabetes research and care to pitch novel ideas tackling the everyday problems faced by people with diabetes, their families, and caregivers. Startups compete for the chance to bring their vision to life and showcase their work to a panel of expert judges and an audience of professionals in the field—including primary care doctors, researchers, nurses, pharmacists, diabetes educators, endocrinologists, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and more.
This year, the 85th Scientific Sessions is taking place in Chicago, IL, from June 20–23 at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Learn more about the 85th Scientific Sessions.
What to Know
The top five applicants will be selected to participate in the challenge and the top 10 runners-up will have the opportunity to display their business pitches in the room pre- and post-event. Those participating in the challenge will have five minutes to present their ideas to the panel of judges and audience members and five minutes to answer questions.
The five finalists and 10 runners-up will receive complimentary registration to the Scientific Sessions!
Three winners—selected based on the popular vote from both the judges and audience—will have the opportunity to speak privately with the judges for the chance to make their idea a reality.
This is a great chance to:
- Be a critical part of the 85th Scientific Sessions, the foremost global diabetes conference with an anticipated 11,000+ attendees.
- Forge connections with leading innovation backers, heightening your chances of success in the market.
- Refine your business concept by tapping into feedback from diabetes practitioners, researchers, and industry leaders.