Startup Coalition has opened applications for the return of Pitch in Parliament, with this year’s edition focused on artificial intelligence in health technology and its potential to transform the NHS.
The event will take place in UK Parliament on 2 February 2026 and will bring together startups, investors, policymakers and senior figures from across government and healthcare.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural competition, won by Adora Digital Health and presented by Business Secretary Peter Kyle, organisers say the bar has been raised for 2026.
This year’s theme centres on AI-powered solutions addressing critical challenges facing the NHS, with a judging panel comprising leading investors, sector experts and senior government voices.
Startup Coalition said it is inviting applications from UK startups that are using AI to tackle pressing NHS problems and that have demonstrated early traction, either by raising at least £500,000 in funding or generating £100,000 or more in product revenue over the past year.
Finalists will pitch live in Parliament, offering a rare opportunity to present directly to those shaping healthcare policy and investment decisions.
Successful applicants will gain exposure to UK investors and influencers, the chance to engage directly with policymakers, and an opportunity to help bridge the gap between government and the tech sector. The winner will receive the Pitch in Parliament trophy and exclusive invitations to future Startup Coalition events.
Applications close at 11:59pm on 18 January, with shortlist interviews scheduled for 22 January and finalists notified the following day. The live pitch event will take place in person in London on 2 February.
Startup Coalition said the initiative is designed to showcase what startup innovation can deliver for public services, while giving founders a platform to influence the policy environment in which they operate.
“This is a unique chance for founders building the future of NHS technology to demonstrate how AI can drive real change in healthcare,” the group said.
Amy Ingham
Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.
