Applications open for the 2026 PM&R Pitch Tank
Innovators developing solutions for rehabilitation medicine now have an opportunity to connect directly with the leaders shaping the future of the specialty.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) and MATTER have launched the 2026 PM&R Pitch Tank.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation spans one of the broadest and most human-centered fields in healthcare. Physiatrists and rehabilitation teams work with people recovering from stroke and brain injury, adapting to life-changing conditions, managing chronic pain and regaining mobility after injury or amputation.
As technology continues to advance, opportunities remain to bring promising solutions to the people who can benefit from them most. The PM&R Pitch Tank aims to help bridge that gap by connecting innovators with the specialty leaders, clinicians and decision-makers driving the future of rehabilitation medicine.
The program is open to innovators working on product, service and technology-enabled solutions across the physical medicine and rehabilitation ecosystem. Applicants may include startups, researchers, clinicians, academics and entrepreneurs whose work has progressed beyond the concept stage.
Areas of interest
- Stroke recovery and neurological rehabilitation
- Brain injury and brain-computer interface technologies
- Adaptive equipment and exoskeletons for mobility restoration
- Prosthetics, orthotics and assistive devices
- Pain management and musculoskeletal care
- Remote monitoring and telerehabilitation
- AI-enabled tools for functional assessment and recovery
- Rehabilitation access in underserved and under-resourced communities
Three finalists will be selected to present live at AAPM&R’s Annual Assembly in Orlando on November 12, 2026. Finalists will receive pitch preparation support from MATTER and the opportunity to compete for non-dilutive funding and an audience favorite award.
Applications are now open. Innovators working to improve function, outcomes and access across rehabilitation medicine are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply on the PM&R Pitch Tank webpage.