Alaska SBDC: 'Pitch Your Healthcare AI Idea & Compete for AWS Partner Support'

Across Alaska, entrepreneurs are using AI to tackle some of the state's toughest healthcare challenges, from access and delivery in remote communities to improving efficiency, data management and patient experience. Now it's your turn.

Supported by PREDICTif Solutions and Amazon Web Services (AWS) and hosted by UAA's Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC), this competition brings together Alaska's most promising healthcare innovators and AI-driven entrepreneurs for a high-energy pitch experience focused on improving health outcomes statewide.

Up to 10 selected businesses will pitch their healthcare-focused AI innovations virtually to a panel of AWS and healthcare AI experts on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. The top three finalists will then advance to pitch live and in person at the Alaska SBDC Summit in Anchorage on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Prize awards

Finalists will compete for AWS partner funding for professional services, delivered by PREDICTif Solutions. These awards are not cash prizes; all funding is dedicated exclusively to implementing and scaling winning healthcare AI solutions.

• 1st place: $50,000 in AWS partner funding for professional services
• 2nd place: $35,000 in AWS partner funding for professional services
• 3rd place: $25,000 in AWS partner funding for professional services

These in-kind awards provide technical guidance, strategy support and implementation resources to help turn your healthcare AI idea into a real-world solution that benefits Alaska communities, including rural and remote areas.

Why participate

This competition is part of the Alaska SBDC's ongoing work to support healthcare entrepreneurs using AI to:

• Strengthen care delivery
• Improve operational efficiency
• Increase access across Alaska

Whether you are exploring AI for the first time or already deploying solutions, this is your opportunity to:

• Compete for up to $50,000 in AWS professional services to advance your healthcare AI solution
• Pitch directly to AWS and healthcare AI experts who understand complex, real-world systems
• Receive meaningful feedback to refine your AI strategy and use case
• Build connections with AWS, PREDICTif Solutions and Alaska SBDC for future growth and collaboration

Who should apply?

This competition is designed for Alaska small businesses that are:

• Exploring or implementing AI-driven solutions in healthcare
• Addressing challenges such as access, workforce shortages, efficiency, data management or patient outcomes
• Seeking expert support to scale solutions in Alaska's unique, often rural and remote environments
• Ready to connect with leaders in AI, healthcare innovation and business strategy

Important dates

Applications close: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
Virtual Pitch Showcase (up to 10 finalists): Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Alaska SBDC Summit Showcase (top 3 finalists): Friday, March 6, 2026

How to apply

1. Apply to pitch:
   • Submit a 300-500 word synopsis describing how you plan to use AI to improve healthcare delivery, operations, access, or outcomes. Strong applications clearly explain the problem, the AI solution, and why it matters in Alaska.
2. Virtual livepitch (statewide participation):
   • Selected businesses will deliver a 7-10 minute virtual pitch to a live panel of AWS and healthcare AI experts, followed by a brief Q and A. Slides or demos are encouraged. Participants will join from communities across Alaska, showcasing innovation happening statewide.
3. Live pitch at the Alaska SBDC Summit:
   • The top three finalists will pitch live at the Alaska SBDC Summit on March 6, 2026, competing for AWS professional services and statewide visibility.
4. Network and learn:
   • Following the showcase, join a facilitated Q and A with AWS, PREDICTif Solutions and Alaska SBDC leaders to explore practical next steps for implementing and scaling your healthcare AI solution.

Applications close Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

About the hosts and supporters

Alaska SBDC: Expert business advising, training, and resources to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive across Alaska's urban, rural, and remote communities.
AWS (Amazon Web Services): A global leader in cloud computing and AI innovation, supporting healthcare organizations and businesses of all sizes.
PREDICTif Solutions: An AWS Advanced Tier Partner with 17+ years of experience in AI/ML, generative AI, data analytics and cloud-based solutions.

Questions?

Contact [email protected] or call (907) 786-7201 for event details or accommodations.

Take your healthcare AI idea further, gain the support, expertise, and connections you need to make a real impact across Alaska.