Arete Announced as Finalist for rm8 Pitch Competition
Arete Medical Devices has been selected as a Top 5 Finalist for the 2025 rm8 competition. The premier pitch competition for nurse anesthesiology innovators, the competition will take place during the AANA Annual Congress on August 12th in Nashville, Tennessee.
When asked about the Top 5 selection, Chief Operating Officer, Jason Keen, would say “Arete is incredibly honored to showcase its groundbreaking oral airway device before hundreds, if not thousands of respected peers, industry leaders and potential investors..”
The contest comes with a top prize of $15,000 with the hope of accelerating innovation. Each finalist will also receive two complimentary AANA Annual Congress registrations, personalized pitch coaching, and exposure at the AANA 2025 Annual Congress.
About the rm8 Pitch Competition
The Rm8 iNoV8 Pitch Competition allows nurse anesthesiology innovators to bring their ideas to life with support from Rm8, AANA’s innovation lab.
The competition seeks 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.
Important 2025 Dates
- May 9, 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!
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.
Pitch Competition & Awards
- 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.
About the AANA
The AANA has been furthering the profession and enhancing patient care since 1931. More than 65,000 AANA members — practicing, retired, current nurse anesthesia students/residents, and aspiring residents trust AANA for advocacy, evidence-based practice standards, continuing education, professional development, research, awards, grants, and scholarships, diversity, equity, and inclusion,
AANA Mission
AANA advances, supports, and protects nurse anesthesiology.
AANA Vision
AANA is the transformational leader driving innovation and excellence in healthcare.
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