Healthcare is a $4 trillion industry that is ripe for disruption and innovation. Unsustainable cost trends, barriers to access, overly complex processes and a long list of pain points for patients and providers all make the industry fertile ground for change and new business models.
That's where the innovators come in.
Fierce Healthcare launched the Fierce 15 recognition in 2019, a time when digital health and telehealth startups were starting to gain ground. Our inaugural Fierce 15 class includes many well-recognized names, including Cityblock Health, which was only two years old when it made the list; Cricket Health, a pioneer in tech-enabled kidney care; and Civica Rx, a startup formed when a group of hospitals—fed up with drug shortages and price spikes—promised to upend the market.
From scrappy startups to private companies run by healthcare veterans, we want to spotlight the teams doing groundbreaking work in healthcare, from cutting-edge technology to new care models to innovative approaches to reach and engage patients.
Fast facts: Previous Fierce 15 winners are not eligible
Companies do not have to disclose funding or revenue to be considered
There is no word limit for the nomination, but keeping it short and sweet is appreciated
Beginning today, we're opening nominations for our annual Fierce 15 honorees. 2026 will mark the eighth year we've highlighted private healthcare companies that are really looking to change the face of the industry.
The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being “fierce”—championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. The Fierce 15 selection represents many corners of the industry from health tech and artificial-intelligence-enabled software to health payers and care delivery organizations.
The editors at Fierce Healthcare have a strong track record of identifying the "fiercest" companies in the market. Consider some of our previous honorees—Abridge, Maven Clinic, Hims & Hers, Sword Health, Oula, Talkiatry, K Health, Homeward Health, Transcarent, Ro, b.well Connected Health, Capital Rx, Color and Aledade.
Think your company has what it takes to make our 2026 list?
Submit your nomination below by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 23. Note: These awards are for companies that operate in the healthcare space. We have a separate Fierce 15 award for therapeutics-focused biotechnology companies (Fierce Biotech Fierce 15).
Any questions? Contact Executive Editor Heather Landi at hlandi@questex.com.
Interested in checking out our previous Fierce 15 honorees?
Check out the Fierce 15 classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025