2026 PM&R Pitch Tank

PM&R Pitch Tank

Challenge statement

Seeking innovations that improve recovery, function, and access to care across the physical medicine and rehabilitation ecosystem. 

Background

Physical medicine and rehabilitation spans one of the broadest, most human-centered fields in healthcare. Physiatrists and their colleagues work at the intersection of function and possibility — helping people recover from stroke and brain injury, regain mobility after amputation, manage chronic pain, and adapt to other life-changing conditions.

Technology is advancing but the pipeline of solutions reaching the people who need them most has room to grow. That's why AAPM&R has partnered with MATTER to launch PM&R Pitch Tank, a new competition designed to surface promising innovations in rehabilitation medicine and connect them with the specialty leaders who can help them succeed.

What we're looking for

PM&R Pitch Tank is open to innovators working on early-stage or growth-stage products, services, or technology-enabled solutions anywhere across the physical medicine and rehabilitation ecosystem.

Solutions might address areas including, but not limited to:

• Adaptive Equipment
• AI-enabled tools for functional assessment and recovery
• Brain injury and brain-computer interface technologies
• Pain management and musculoskeletal care
• Prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive devices
• Rehabilitation access in underserved and under-resourced communities
• Remote monitoring and telerehabilitation
• Spinal cord injury and exoskeletons for mobility restoration
• Stroke recovery and neurological rehabilitation

If your work has the potential to improve function and transform lives in the PM&R space, we want to hear from you.

Who should apply?

PM&R Pitch Tank is open to a wide range of innovators, including:

• Startups and early-stage companies with solutions connected to physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Researchers and clinicians with innovations past the concept stage
• Entrepreneurs developing health tech, med tech or device-based solutions in the PM&R space

We welcome anyone meaningfully connected to the field, regardless of professional background or geographic location. Please note that travel expenses are not covered as part of this program.

Benefits of participation

Three finalists will be selected to present at AAPM&R’s Annual Assembly on November 12 in Orlando. As a finalist, you will receive:

• A 15-minute live pitch opportunity in front of a curated audience of PM&R specialists and rehabilitation leaders
• Pitch preparation and practice sessions with MATTER
• The winner will be provided a $5,000 award.
• Opportunity to continue engaging with MATTER after the competition to support ongoing growth and visibility.
• Feature in a future issue of Physiatry to highlight the winner and their innovation.    

Selection criteria

Submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Relevance: Clear connection to the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation and in alignment with the challenge statement
• Stage of development: Evidence that the solution is beyond the idea stage, with a working prototype, pilot data, early traction, or other demonstrated progress
• Innovation and differentiation: A distinct approach to a meaningful, unmet need in PM&R
• Team strength: Relevant expertise and the capacity to execute and grow the solution
• Potential for impact: Clear potential to improve function, other clinical outcomes, or access for the people PM&R serves
• Scalability: Can this solution realistically be implemented across multiple PM&R practice settings? 
• Clinical workflow integration: Does it fit naturally into existing care delivery or require major changes? 
• Potential for reimbursement or financial sustainability: Even great ideas struggle if there is no viable path to adoption.

Timeline

• August 11, 2026: Applications open 
• October 2, 2026: Applications close 
• Week of October 19, 2026: Finalists selected and notified 
• November 12, 2026: Finalists present at AAPM&R’s Annual Assembly Welcome Reception (5:15-6:15 pm ET) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.