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Xcelerate Pitch Competition

Xcelerating What’s Next in Health

Competition open for entries
Deadline for Xcelerate competition entries: 10 January 2026
Submit your entry

Welcome to Xcelerate - the ultimate launchpad for health and tech disruptors ready to scale. This is where breakthrough ideas meet capital, vision meets execution, and bold startups redefine the future of healthcare.

Over four high-energy days, 30 early-stage startups will compete in front of global investors for a chance to win part of a USD 25,000 prize pool and the title of Xcelerate Champion of Innovation.

Supported by

 

Why join?

Be seen by global investors - pitch in front of VCs, angels, and strategic partners who are actively scouting for early-stage innovation

Win up to USD 25,000 in prizes - cash, exposure, and a guaranteed presence at WHX Tech 2026 with complimentary startup pods for winners.

Maximise visibility - secure a startup pod at WHX Tech 2026 to showcase your solution, network with decision-makers, and validate your product with real-world feedback

Targeted matchmaking - get matched with investors and industry stakeholders in curated 1:1 meeting throughout the event

Total Start-ups: 30

Key innovation sectors

Going beyond conventional healthcare

Clinical AI & Diagnostics

Digital Therapeutics & Remote Care

HealthTech Infrastructure & Data Systems

Cybersecurity & Data Governance

Next-Gen Automation & Intelligent Systems

Drug Discovery & Development

Genomics & Precision Medicine

Cell, Gene & Regenerative Therapies

Synthetic Biology & Biomanufacturing

Diagnostics & Medical Devices

Reproductive & Maternal Health

Hormonal & Menopausal Health

Maximize your participation at WHX Dubai

Connect with global & regional investors

Meet esteemed investors from across the world.

COnnect with Investors

Matchmaking

Meet investors, buyers, and hospital leaders through curated 1:1 meetings during the event. It’s your chance to build partnerships, secure potential funding, and explore pilot opportunities.

Secure your start-up pod

Enhance your visibility by securing a startup pod at WHX Dubai. For details and reservations, please reach out to our sales team.

Book your pod

Engage and impress

Showcase your innovations and interact directly with leading investors and industry experts from your own dedicated pod.

Book a stand

Xcelerate competition prizes

Total Prize Pool: USD 25,000

Hospital Digital Interfaces
Xcelerate Champion of Innovation

Xcelerate Champion of Innovation

Cash Prize: USD 12,000

Including a 9 sq m Complimentary stand for 2027 edition

Mentorship Programme with Deloitte

Male presenting on a WHX stage
Xcelerate Champion of Innovation

1st Runner-Up

Cash Prize: USD 8,000

Complimentary Start-up Pod

Mentorship Programme with Deloitte

Hospital AI Diagnostics
Xcelerate Champion of Innovation

2nd Runner-Up

Cash Prize: USD 5,000

Complimentary Start-up Pod

Mentorship Programme with Deloitte

 

Xcelerate terms & conditions

1 Application Deadline: 10th January 2026

2 Travel & Accommodation: Startups shortlisted for the competition are responsible for their own travel/lodging

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Deadline to submit your application: 10th January 2026
Submit your application now!
WHX Dubai
Dubai Exhibition Centre, United Arab Emirates
Opening times

Monday, 09 February 2026: 11:00 - 18:00

Tuesday, 10 February 2026: 10:00 - 18:00

Wednesday, 11 February 2026: 10:00 - 18:00

Thursday, 12 February 2026: 10:00 - 17:00

Get in touch

Ross Williams
Commercial Director
[email protected]

Kareem Emara
Head of Attendee Marketing
[email protected]

PR related inquiries:
[email protected]

Conference inquiries:
[email protected]

Customer support:
WhatsApp (Message only): +971 4 245 7111
[email protected]
Phone: +971 4 408 2888
Support hours: 9am-5pm UAE time, Monday to Friday.

About Informa

World Health Expo is the world's leading healthcare platform for deeper learning, building relationships and doing business across the healthcare ecosystem.

Our commitment to data privacy

WHX is committed to safeguarding your privacy and will never sell or provide any personal data (including email, phone, address) to any third parties. Any third party claiming to sell or have access to attendee information should be treated as fraudulent and reported immediately.

Events
Discover 15 international exhibitions
Conferences
Learn from industry leaders and pioneers
Insights & trends
Connecting you to ideas from the best minds in healthcare
Sustainability
Our commitment to hosting eco-friendly healthcare events around the world
About
How WHX connects the global healthcare community
Newsletter
Get the latest updates, trends and insights from WHX
About Informa

World Health Expo is the world's leading healthcare platform for deeper learning, building relationships and doing business across the healthcare ecosystem.

Our commitment to data privacy

WHX is committed to safeguarding your privacy and will never sell or provide any personal data (including email, phone, address) to any third parties. Any third party claiming to sell or have access to attendee information should be treated as fraudulent and reported immediately.

Events
Discover 15 international exhibitions
Conferences
Learn from industry leaders and pioneers
Insights & trends
Connecting you to ideas from the best minds in healthcare
Sustainability
Our commitment to hosting eco-friendly healthcare events around the world
About
How WHX connects the global healthcare community
Newsletter
Get the latest updates, trends and insights from WHX
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