Thursday, October 29, 2026
Krystle Karoscik
Healthcare Start-ups:
Call for Submission for our second annual Wharton Healthcare Alumni Pitch Competition
Final Pitch Event to be held at the Wharton Healthcare Alumni Association Conference in Philadelphia
October 29 from 4:00-5:30pm at The Inn at Penn and October 30 during the main conference at Huntsman Hall
Submission deadline is September 25, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Join the Wharton Health Alumni Association (WHAA) for our 2nd annual startup pitch event! Participating companies will gain visibility among top investors, judges, and healthcare leaders, while providing WHAA conference attendees an inside look at the cutting-edge innovations they are developing across the healthcare ecosystem. Founders compete for the chance to showcase their solutions as well as the visibility that finalists and winners will receive from WHAA and our partners (PxB, PCI Ventures, and others) leading up to, during, and following the competition.
Confirmed expert judges include:
- Vikas Goyal, WG'10, Partner at Longwood Fund
- Craig Gravitz, JD, Executive Director, PCI Ventures
- Anne Sissel, CFA, WG'05, Vice President, Corporate Development at Johnson & Johnson
- Anna Turetsky, General Partner, PXB Fund
- Eric Reimer, WG'96, CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board at Healthmap Solutions
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. Finalists will pitch live at the WHAA Conference (October 29-30) in Philadelphia.
Volunteer Evaluators play a key role in screening startups, and expert judges evaluate the final pitches live during the conference. Participants can leverage this opportunity to secure future funding and mentorship.
We invite early-stage startups across the categories of life sciences, medtech, and services/digital health to apply for this exciting opportunity. Apply Here!
We are also seeking Volunteer Evaluators to screen the applicants and help shape the next wave of healthcare innovation. Volunteer today!
This event is hosted by the Wharton Healthcare Alumni Association (WHAA) 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 10, 2026. Ability to attend the pitch event in Philadelphia on October 29-30 is a requirement to apply.
Please contact [email protected] with questions.
