The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation is a public, national organization that is affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation’s mission is to support seniors and individuals with disabilities by connecting them with technologies that can help improve their lives. Through grants, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation helps contribute to and fund programs that empower successful living for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
CTA Foundation Innovation Challenge
The theme and focus for this year’s competition is “Digital Health for All” and it's aimed primarily at working adults between the ages 18 and 64. This challenge asks consumer technology companies to think about how their technologies can provide solutions for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in order to access digital health care. The WITH Foundation is the presenting sponsor for the CTA Foundation Innovation Challenge.
Healthcare assistive technologies are vital tools in today’s environment and help seniors and individuals with disabilities by:
Empowering and providing autonomy
Creating accessible and equitable healthcare
Supporting inclusivity
Eligibility and Rules
The CTA Foundation Innovation Challenge is open to any technology company, especially those which are considered start-up to mid-size companies, that has a healthcare consumer technology product or idea that could potentially benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For the Round 1 submissions, applicants are asked to submit the following:
Pitch Slide Deck — up to 20 slides total
Pitch Video — presenting the disability healthcare solution pitch in a video of no more than 5 minutes in length
The judges then select between 4 to 6 finalists from the Round 1 applications to go on and compete in Round 2. Finalists are chosen based on the applicant’s successful submission of materials as well as the merits of the products:
Potential benefit in the consumer technology space
Engineering qualities
Aesthetics and design qualities
The finalists will have the distinguished opportunity to present their healthcare product solutions in person to a panel of 3 to 4 judges who have expert knowledge of the technology industry. These presentations will take place at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is held each year in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Applications and Winning Prizes
The Round 1 applications opened on September 15, 2025. All Round 1 applications are due by November 6, 2025. Then, by December 5, the top applicants from Round 1 will be invited to participate in Round 2 of the competition, which will occur onsite at the CES 2026 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 6-9, 2026. Registration for CES 2026 is a requirement for finalists to participate in Round 2.
The Grand Prize winner will receive $25,000 while the runner-up, which is sponsored this year by Ability Central, will receive $15,000. Additionally, winners will receive recognition and interview opportunities as well as an opportunity to meet personally with Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation Executives and Trustees.
A Look Ahead at CES 2026
Stephen Ewell, Executive Director of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation is looking forward to CES 2026 and welcomes Ability Central as the prize sponsor. Mr. Ewell shares this sentiment:
The CTA Foundation is proud to return the Health Innovation Challenge to CES 2026, where the intellectual and developmental disability community directly shapes the future of health technology. By connecting those with lived experience to innovative companies addressing real-world challenges identified through community surveys and focus groups, we’re driving meaningful solutions. We're deeply grateful to Ability Central as our prize sponsor and the WITH Foundation as our presenting sponsor for making this transformative event possible.
The CES 2026 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada will once again bring together technology companies, leaders, and creators from all around the world. Some new things that are happening at the upcoming 2026 conference include:
CES Foundry — a two-day experience for networking and showcases on the future of AI, blockchain, and quantum technologies
CES AI Trainings — expert-led workshops for business leaders and innovators on AI readiness and risks
CES Innovation Awards — the annual competition is expanding to include additional products and industries such as EdTech and Filmmaking & Distribution
CES Creator Space — featuring 3 days of sessions on topics like commerce, creator economy, and brand partnerships, now open to all attendees
CTA Foundation Accessibility Stage — debuting for 2026 to highlight accessibility technology like smart glasses and voice-activated home assistants
CES Focus on Women’s Health — wearable health tracking technology will be spotlighted, such as smart rings and fitness trackers
Your support helps us continue promoting innovation and accessibility for people with disabilities. Learn more about Ability Central by visiting our home page or donate today.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
