The ACRM Technology Networking Group presents the ACRM LaunchPad
ACRM LaunchPad, hosted by the ACRM Technology Networking Group (TNG), is an annual competition showcasing breakthrough rehabilitation technologies from early-stage companies, research labs, and innovators. Finalists pitch their solutions live at the ACRM Annual Conference to a panel of interdisciplinary experts and an audience of clinicians, researchers, engineers, administrators, and decision-makers.
Submit your innovation, gain expert feedback, expand visibility, and compete for prizes that accelerate your impact in rehabilitation technology.
Deadline: 30 April, 2026
Questions or Referrals?
Please contact the ACRM Launchpad Task Force Chair, Amber M. Walter, PT, DPT, NCS and the past ACRM LaunchPad Task Force Chair, Raeda Anderson, PhD
ACRM Launchpad Task Force Chair
Amber M. Walter, PT, DPT, NCS
Clinical Science Director
Sheltering Arms Institute
Email
Past ACRM Launchpad Task Force Chair
Raeda Anderson, PhD
Research Scientist at
Shepherd Center
& Affiliate Professor of Sociology
Georgia State University
Email
ACRM especially encourages proposals that are:
- Interdisciplinary in nature
- Include international topics / are from international applicants
- From students and early career professionals
- From those who identify with groups that are traditionally underrepresented in science.
Launchpad at the ACRM Annual 2026 Fall Conference
This year’s competition will be held during the ACRM Annual Conference — the largest interdisciplinary rehabilitation research conference in the world.
ACRM is where cutting-edge research and technology meet clinical practice to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The conference is attended by thousands of researchers and clinicians who value cutting-edge research and technology.
What is it?
The ACRM Technology Networking Group is pleased to announce LaunchPad — an exciting opportunity to pitch your company or idea to a panel of rehab industry experts and an audience of clinicians, researchers, engineers, and decision-makers to receive market feedback and win prizes.
LaunchPad is an annual competition created to highlight innovative rehabilitation technologies developed by non-profit research and engineering labs and startup companies. The competition is held at ACRM’s annual conference each fall.
How it works
STAGE 1 – Spring
LaunchPad is a 6-month, 2-stage competition, beginning with the submission of applications in the spring by competitors. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. Applications should include an Executive Summary that describes the following:
- Your innovative rehabilitation technology
- Your target user
- The problem addressed
- Evidence of efficacy and other user feedback
- Evidence of adoption, if any
Download the Executive Summary Outline to identify the information needed to submit an application.
Contestant are announced in early summer
Accepted Competitors receive 20% DISCOUNT off the Registration Rates for the Annual Conference.
Applications will be reviewed by the LaunchPad Task Force of ACRM’s Technology Networking Group and five finalists will be chosen.
STAGE 2 – Fall
Finalists will present their technologies before a panel of interdisciplinary judges, including healthcare administrators, rehabilitation technology researchers and engineers, rehabilitation clinicians, medical doctors, and technology entrepreneurs to win prizes and gain valuable feedback from rehab professionals at the ACRM Annual Conference.
Who Should Apply?
- Early-stage health technology companies
- (Limited to companies that have been in business less than 5 years, have up to Series A funding OR below $500K in gross revenue from product sales)
- Rehabilitation research labs/ researchers working on technology-based solutions
- Accepted Competitors receive 20% DISCOUNT off the Registration Rates for the Annual Conference
Audience
The conference is attended by thousands of researchers, physicians and clinicians, engineers, and business and community leaders who value cutting-edge rehabilitation research and technology. Last year, 81% of all attendees identified themselves as purchasing decision-makers & influencers for their departments!
Awards & Prizes
First place: “Best Overall”
- The recipient will receive an 8 x 10 inline exhibit booth space at the ACRM 2026 Annual Conference EXPO, including 1 exhibitor registration to attend Core Conference programming ($4,499 value)
- The recipient will be interviewed for an upcoming episode of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation podcast, RehabCast.
Secondary awards: “Most Innovative” and “Most Impactful”
* The “Most Innovative” and “Most Impactful” winners will be featured in a shared inline booth space (8’ x 10’) at the ACRM 2025 Annual Conference EXPO. (Please note this is the same year in which the competition is held. We encourage finalists to be prepared to exhibit if they win these awards.)
In addition, all three winners will be featured in a complimentary, shared, full-color, one-page LaunchPad advertisement in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
ACRM Technology Networking Group
The Technology Networking Group (TNG) aims to be recognized as the leading international networking group providing collaboration and resources for development and deployment of technology in the field of rehabilitation medicine.
- Venue for interdisciplinary group of rehabilitation professionals – academicians, clinicians, researchers, rehabilitation, technology industry, end-users.
- Interdisciplinary group dedicated to promoting rehab technology R&D, bench-to-bedside application to the clinical environment and effective technology transfer for availability to end-users.
Register Now — Don’t miss your chance to see this session in Washington, DC
