HLTH aims for largest gathering of startups

Some of the largest technology companies in the world have a presence at the HLTH conference, but many new and emerging companies are attending the big event in Las Vegas.

The health technology conference has been a draw for young companies aiming to find customers and investors. This year, scores of healthcare startup companies are coming to the conference, says Rich Scarfo, president of HLTH.

“I think what we've been able to build at HLTH is the largest gathering of startups in health care anywhere,” he says.

Reflecting HLTH’s appeal to young companies, the conference’s startup pavilion has sold out.

The conference has seen “a really nice increase” in the number of startups and investors participating in HLTH’s “Investor Connect” program.

“That's a really important program that makes it a little bit easier for them to get in front of an investor or a potential partner,” Scarfo says.

HLTH is seeing an influx of new AI startup companies this year.

Some larger companies are also coming to HLTH to check out startups that could help their business.

“We also have a lot of companies that are coming to the event this year focused on the innovation side of their company. So they're looking for these startups,” Scarfo says.

HLTH is offering roundtables and labs to help build up skills, as well as opportunities to network with executives off the showroom floor.

“This has been something that we found has been more important to companies that really do need to sit down with a curated group of executives and work through issues, or test ideas, or gather input,” Scarfo says.

The conference also features a startup pitch tournament. Participants can get exposure to investors and direct feedback from healthcare leaders. There are nine separate competitions focusing on different aspects of health care, including AI, women's health, diagnostics, and more.

There’s a grand prize of $25,000 in cash for the winner and another $25,000 in credit for HLTH’s 2026 conference.

Besides connecting startups with investors, HLTH is also offering more resources as well. Scarfo says the event is providing more boot camps and sessions aimed at startups.

HLTH is also drawing international startups, and is holding a session for those companies on how to navigate working with hospital systems in the United States.

Startups, and everyone attending HLTH, should scour the agenda and come to the conference with a plan. Attendees should find ways to “curate” the conference to get the maximum value.

“You can't come to health unless you've prepared,” Scarfo says. “Whether you're a startup, a medium-sized company, a large company, a CEO, an investor or just a first-time delegate at the event, it's too big and too important of an event to not know what you're stepping into. So that's my advice. Look at the agenda.”

• Read more: At HLTH this year, AI will take center stage