Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition
The Premier Pitch Competition for Nurse Anesthesiology Innovators
AANA 2025 Annual Congress | Aug. 12 | Nashville, TN
Supported by AANA Insurance Services
Do you have a groundbreaking idea that could transform the field of nurse anesthesiology? The Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition gives nurse anesthesiology innovators the opportunity to bring their ideas to life with support from Rm8, AANA’s innovation lab.
We are seeking CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist-led or RN-APRN-led concepts that enhance patient safety, outcomes, or provider experience across various healthcare settings, including academia, clinical practice, public health, and beyond.
Why Compete?
- Win up to $15,000 to accelerate your innovation.
- Receive two complimentary AANA Annual Congress registrations ($2,590 value).
- Get personalized pitch coaching to perfect your 5-minute presentation.
- Gain exposure at AANA 2025 Annual Congress with a live pitch before industry leaders and potential investors.
- Unlock potential funding opportunities from Rm8 or other strategic partners.
Important 2025 Dates
April 25, 5 p.m. CT – Applications close
May 15-22 – Participants selected & notified
June 2-July 7 – Pitch coaching period
Aug. 10, 6-7 p.m. CT – Meet & Greet at the JW Marriott Bourbon Sky Lounge
Aug. 11 – Mandatory technical rehearsal
Aug. 12 – Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition at AANA 2025 Annual Congress in Nashville!
Who Should Apply?
- CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists or CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist-led teams
- RNs, APRNs, or RN-APRN-led teams
- Those with an innovative solution in care delivery models, medical devices, research, educational interventions, business models, apps, or healthcare technology
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist, nurse anesthesiology resident, RN or APRN must be actively working in or leading the company.
- The product/solution must be innovative with market potential to benefit patient care or provider experience.
- The company must not have raised more than $5 million in funding.
- Participants must commit to pitch coaching, technical rehearsal, and live competition participation.
See Official Rules for more details.
Selection & Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated using a double-blind peer review process based on:
- Innovation vs. Existing Market Solutions – Is this a new or significantly improved product?
- Depth of Product Description – Clear articulation of what the solution does and how it works.
- Performance Metrics – Demonstrated potential impact on efficiency, accuracy, or patient outcomes.
- Market & Societal Impact – Potential industry transformation.
- AANA Alignment – Relevance to the nurse anesthesiology profession and healthcare.
Pitch Competition & Awards
At AANA 2025 Annual Congress in Nashville, the top five finalists will compete live on Aug. 12.
1st Place – $15,000
2nd Place – $10,000
3rd Place – $5,000
4th & 5th Place – $2,500
Winners will be announced on the AANA Annual Congress main stage and will have the opportunity to showcase their progress at AANA 2026 Annual Congress in Boston.
Submit my ideaMeet Last Year’s Winner: HAI Solutions
What began as a bold idea became a $15,000 win and a partnership with Rm8.
HAI Solutions, co-founded by Nicholas Perrenoud, MSN, CRNA, and Paul Swaney, MBA, is now developing devices to help protect patients from contamination in critical care settings. Their innovation will save lives—and it all started with a pitch.