Do you have an innovative solution to a problem in healthcare or biotech? The Sloan Healthcare Innovation Prize (SHIP) is MIT’s premier pitch competition for early-stage healthcare startups. Pitch your idea to top healthcare VCs and industry leaders for a chance to win up to $30,000 while gaining invaluable feedback and networking opportunities!
Application deadline: January 9, 2026 at 11L59pm EST
Semifinals: February 9, 10, and 11, 2026 (7-9pm EST, virtual)
Virtual mentorship opportunities: week of February 2, 2026
Finals: February 26, 2026 (6-9:30pm EST, in-person)
Winner will present at Sloan Healthcare and Bioinnovations Conference: February 27, 2026 (MIT Media Lab)
At least one member of the team is a current student or recent graduate (graduated within the past three years) in an undergraduate, Masters, or PhD program
Team has not received more than $250K in funding thus far
At least one team member is available to pitch at the virtual semifinals on the evening of February 9, 10, OR 11, and at least one team member is available for the in-person finals at the MIT Media Lab on the evening of February 26
Apply now here
Learn more: SHIP Website
Questions? Reach out to ship2026@mit.edu
Disclaimer: MIT Startup Exchange can make introductions that ideally provide open ended discussions in order to share mutual interests and potentially create common ground that incite the parties to collaborate. MIT Startup Exchange introductions may eventually lead to mutual partnerships, but that is not in any way guaranteed by MIT, MIT Corporate Relations, MIT Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) or MIT Startup Exchange, which takes no responsibility for these outcomes and no formal part in such discussions following our introduction. MIT Startup Exchange and its activities and events are not for purposes of soliciting investment or offering securities.