Championing & supporting the next wave of digital health innovators
Building on its mission to prepare future physicians to lead change, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is launching its first-ever Digital Innovation Festival (InnoFest) on April 18 in Washington, DC, at the AMSA Annual Convention. This competition highlights medical students developing groundbreaking digital health solutions to tackle today’s most pressing healthcare challenges: specifically, those solutions that drive health equity forward.
InnoFest is a student launchpad: providing a national platform, networks, and support to help aspiring physician-innovators bring their ideas to life and advance their careers as digital health changemakers.
“At AMSA, we believe that preparing future physicians to lead change means equipping them with the resources to turn ideas into impact,” said Jennifer Salehi, Executive Director of AMSA. “InnoFest is a reflection of that mission. These students are not only innovating in digital health—they’re building solutions that advance equity, ensuring a future where all people have access to healthcare.”
After reviewing applications from student teams around the country and globe, a selection of semifinalists were invited to a competitive lightning pitch round in February to a panel of healthcare, technology and venture capital experts. The judges have now selected eight standout teams to advance to the InnoFest finals in Washington, DC. Their innovations—ranging from AI-driven diagnostics to wearable medical devices—are designed to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and equitable.
“Technology belongs in the hands of those who understand patient care best,” said Dr. Shuhan He, physician at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Data Analytics, faculty at Harvard Medical School, and AMSA’s InnoFest Advisor. “With AMSA’s Innovation Festival, we’re witnessing a national sample of the incredible talent and creativity from emerging physician leaders. This is how we bridge the gap between possibility and real-world impact.”
The InnoFest Judges
A distinguished panel of physician-innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors has been deeply involved in this journey—reviewing applications, witnessing lightning pitches, and providing mentorship. Now, they will take on the final role of evaluating the finalists.
- Dr. Shuhan He – Physician, Mass General Hospital Institute for Health Data Analytics; Faculty, Harvard Medical School; Entrepreneur & Celebrated Innovator (InnoFest Advisor)
- Dr. Jason Reminick – CEO & Founder, Thalamus; Physician Entrepreneur (InnoFest Judge)
- Chris Martinez – Investor; Lead, BK/XL Accelerator, powered by the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation’s Social Justice Fund (InnoFest Judge)
