The Medical Futurist has released its annual list of the 100 Digital Health and AI Companies of 2026, curated by Bertalan Meskó. Now in its ninth year, the list aims to cut through hype and spotlight companies showing real momentum across healthcare AI, devices, and platforms—without sponsorship or financial ties.
What’s new in 2026
- 23 companies dropped from last year’s list due to shutdowns, pivots, mergers, or reduced market relevance.
- 23 new entrants added, reflecting where innovation energy is shifting.
- Several brand transitions highlight consolidation and repositioning (e.g., Arterys → Tempus Radiology; Augmedix → Commure).
Key patterns worth watching
- Health management becomes the center of gravity
Many new entrants—across wearables, AI, and platforms—are converging on continuous, longitudinal health oversight. The focus is less on point solutions and more on always-on health management. - Lab testing moves closer to patients
Companies like RedDrop, YourBio, and Eli.health signal a shift toward decentralized, frequent sampling. The lab is no longer a location—it’s becoming an embedded service. - AI clusters around specific clinical friction points
Instead of broad “AI for healthcare” claims, newer companies are targeting defined bottlenecks:
- Imaging and diagnostics (e.g., Viz.ai, Qure.ai)
- Clinical documentation and cognitive load (e.g., DeepScribe, Suki AI)
- Surgery, trials, and drug discovery (e.g., Caresyntax, Turbine, Owkin)
- Patient-facing support and navigation (e.g., Belong.life)
- Imaging and diagnostics (e.g., Viz.ai, Qure.ai)