Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition
The Premier Pitch Competition for Nurse Anesthesiology Innovators
AANA 2026 Annual Congress in Boston | Aug. 23
Supported by AANA Insurance Services
Do you have a groundbreaking idea that could transform healthcare? The Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition gives nurse anesthesiology innovators the opportunity to bring their ideas to life with support from Rm8, AANA’s innovation lab.
We are seeking CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist-led or RN-APRN-led concepts that enhance patient safety, outcomes, or provider experience across various healthcare settings, including academia, clinical practice, public health, and beyond.
Ready to iNoV8?
Sign up to be the first to know when applications open.
Why Compete?
- Win up to $15,000 to accelerate your innovation.
- Receive two complimentary AANA Annual Congress registrations ($2,890 value).
- Get personalized pitch coaching to perfect your 5-minute presentation.
- Gain exposure at AANA 2026 Annual Congress with a live pitch before industry leaders and potential investors.
- Unlock potential funding opportunities from Rm8 or other strategic partners.
Important 2026 Dates
April 1 – Applications open
May 1, noon CT – Applications close
May 26-29 – Participants selected & notified
June 8-26 – Pitch-coaching period
Aug. 22 – Meet-and-greet and mandatory technical rehearsal
Aug. 23 – Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition at AANA 2026 Annual Congress in Boston!
Who Should Participate?
CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, nurse anesthesiology residents, and RN-APRNs with an innovative solution in care delivery models, medical devices, research, educational interventions, business models, apps, or healthcare technology
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist, nurse anesthesiology resident, RN or APRN must be actively working in or leading the company.
- The product/solution must be innovative with market potential to benefit patient care or provider experience.
- The company must not have raised more than $5 million in funding.
- Participants must commit to pitch coaching, technical rehearsal, and live competition participation.
See Official Rules for more details.
Selection & Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated using a double-blind peer review process based on:
- Innovation vs. Existing Market Solutions – Is this a new or significantly improved product?
- Depth of Product Description – Clear articulation of what the solution does and how it works.
- Performance Metrics – Demonstrated potential impact on efficiency, accuracy, or patient outcomes.
- Market & Societal Impact – Potential industry transformation.
- AANA Alignment – Relevance to the nurse anesthesiology profession and healthcare.
Pitch Competition & Awards
The top five finalists will compete live during the Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition at AANA 2026 Annual Congress in Boston.
1st Place – $15,000
2nd Place – $10,000
3rd Place – $5,000
4th & 5th Place – $2,500 each
Winners will be announced onstage after scores are tabulated, as well as on AANA’s social media channels.
Meet Last Year’s Winner: The Access Gown
What began as a bold idea became a $15,000 win and a partnership with Rm8. The Access Gown, the core product of Access Healthwear, a division of Access Threads, is a new kind of hospital gown that elevates patient care and supports clinician needs. The gowns feature various clinically informed access points and offer side-tie closures that preserve patient modesty and comfort. They’re also reversible, MRI-safe, and moisture-wicking.