Inaugural Wharton Healthcare Alumni Pitch Competition

Healthcare Start-ups:
Call for Submission for the Inaugural Wharton Healthcare Alumni Pitch Competition in Partnership with Wharton Alumni Angels
Final Pitch Event to be held at the Wharton Health Care Management Alumni Association Conference in Philadelphia
November 13 from 4:00-6:00pm and November 14 during the main conference

Applications are no longer being accepted. Submission deadline was September 19, 2025

Join the Wharton Health Care Management Alumni Association (WHCMAA) and Wharton Alumni Angels (WAA) for an exciting co-branded startup pitch event! Startups participating in this process will gain visibility among top investors, judges, and healthcare leaders, while judges and evaluators have the opportunity to discover cutting-edge innovations. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or volunteer, this affords the opportunity to participate in dynamic ecosystem driving healthcare entrepreneurship forward.

The selection process is rigorous yet collaborative. Startups are sourced through the Wharton and University of Pennsylvania alumni networks, reviewed by volunteer evaluators, and ranked based on predefined criteria. A Top 10 is selected for deeper diligence, culminating in finalists pitching live at the WHCMAA Conference (November 13-14) in Philadelphia. 

Confirmed judges include:

• Anya Schiess, WG'05, Partner, J.P. Morgan Ventures 
• Pitou Devgon, MD, WG'10, Co-founder, Velano Vascular, Wharton Healthcare Entrepreneurship Lecturer
• Ed Chan, WG'11, Partner, Rivana Equity Partners
• Krystle Karoscik, Managing Director Life Sciences, Wharton Alumni Angels

Volunteers evaluators play a key role in screening startups, and expert judges evaluate the final pitches. Participants can leverage this opportunity to secure future funding and mentorship.

We invite early stage startups to apply for this exciting opportunity. 

We are also seeking volunteer evaluators to screen the applicants and help shape the next wave of healthcare innovation. Whether you’re pitching, evaluating, or investing, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and drive change. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience — sign up to volunteer today!

This event is co-hosted by the Wharton Health Care Management Alumni Association (WHCMAA) and Wharton Alumni Angels (WAA) and does not represent any commitment nor recommendation for investment by any participant or event host. 

Companies with ties to the Wharton community and University of Pennsylvania are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Finalists to be notified by October 24th.  

Please contact [email protected] with questions.