QUARTERFINALS
6 core evaluation criteria
FINALISTS
3 high-level differentiators
WINNERS
3 defining measures
Round 01 • Quarterfinalists
Start with the fundamentals.
The first round looks at whether a company is solving a meaningful problem, creating real impact, standing apart from the market and demonstrating evidence of traction and value.
01
Scope of Problem
How significant, urgent, or widespread is the healthcare problem being addressed?
02
Impact
What measurable difference can the solution make for patients, providers, organizations, or the broader healthcare system?
03
Differentiation
How distinct is the company’s approach compared with existing alternatives?
04
Clinical Validation
What evidence supports the solution’s effectiveness, safety, or clinical value?
05
Economic ROI
Does the solution demonstrate a credible financial, operational, or system-level return on investment?
06
Customer Adoption & Market Traction
Is there meaningful evidence of adoption, demand, growth, referenceable customers, or market momentum?
Round 02 • Finalists
Then ask:
Is this truly game-changing?
As the field narrows, judges focus less on baseline qualification and more on the company’s ability to deliver differentiated value and materially reshape its category.
01
Game-Changing Innovation
Does the company represent a meaningful leap forward rather than an incremental improvement?
02
Unique Value to Customers
Does the solution deliver clear and differentiated value to the people or organizations it serves?
03
Scale of Impact on the Category
Could this company meaningfully shape, lead, or redefine its category?
Round 03 • Winners
What separates the best from the rest?
The final decision comes back to three defining questions: Is the problem important? Is the impact meaningful? And is the company truly differentiated?
01
Scope of Problem
Is the company tackling a problem that matters at meaningful scale?
02
Impact
Does the solution demonstrate the potential for significant real-world improvement?
03
Differentiation
Does the company clearly stand apart from alternatives in the market?
Best in Class
Established market leadership.
Best in Class companies are evaluated within their own track, recognizing companies that demonstrate scale, traction, differentiated value and the potential to lead their category.
Rising Star
Breakthrough potential.
Rising Stars are evaluated separately from Best in Class companies, recognizing emerging companies demonstrating exceptional innovation, early traction and the potential to become category-defining leaders.
What Great Judging Looks Like
Consistent. Independent.
Focused on impact.
A strong judging process balances evidence, market context, clinical relevance and forward-looking potential.
Evaluate the company in its track.
Rising Star and Best in Class are reviewed separately
Look beyond the pitch.
Prioritize evidence, traction and demonstrated value
Judge the category impact.
Consider the company in the context of its market
Reward true differentiation.
Recognize meaningful advances, not incremental change
8th Annual · 2026 · HLTH Las Vegas
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