Align Technology Opens 2026 Annual Research Award Program to Support Innovation in Orthodontics and Dentistry
TEMPE, Ariz., [Date] – Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN), a global leader in medical devices that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, today announced the launch of its 2026 Annual Research Award Program. This global initiative reaffirms Align’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry through evidence-based innovation and academic collaboration.
The program provides significant research funding for university faculty across the world who are pursuing innovative scientific and clinical projects designed to improve patient care, treatment precision, and the overall standard of dental health. For 2026, Align will make up to $300,000 available in total funding for selected projects. Since its inception in 2010, the Align Research Award Program has distributed nearly $3.96 million to support high-quality academic research in orthodontics and dentistry across multiple regions.
Driving Innovation in Digital Dentistry
Align Technology’s research awards are designed to accelerate the pace of innovation in the rapidly evolving field of digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry. By empowering academic researchers and clinicians to explore new frontiers in treatment methodologies, materials, and digital workflows, the program plays a vital role in bridging the gap between research and real-world patient outcomes.
Each year, we’re inspired by the innovative research proposals submitted by university faculty around the world to advance digital orthodontics and dentistry through science-backed innovation that improves patient care,” said Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align’s Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Global Treatment Planning and Clinical Services. “The awarded research projects help uncover insights that directly impact treatment outcomes and elevate the standard of care in orthodontics and dentistry.”
Dr. Derakhshan emphasized that the initiative serves as a cornerstone of Align’s scientific mission — to support continuous improvement in clinical effectiveness and innovation in digital care. These projects often lead to new discoveries that influence how practitioners approach diagnostics, treatment planning, and long-term patient outcomes.
Empowering Academic Research Globally
In addition to advancing Align’s vision for the future of digital dentistry, the Research Award Program strengthens the company’s partnerships with academic institutions and dental educators worldwide. By supporting university research, Align enables faculty and students to test hypotheses, explore digital treatment modalities, and generate data that can guide the next generation of orthodontic care technologies.
Empowering the academic community through this funding program is essential to driving progress in dentistry,” said John Morton, Align’s Vice President, Product Innovation and Technical Fellow. “By supporting the vision and research of faculty members worldwide, we continue to help doctors achieve better clinical outcomes for their patients.”
Morton added that collaboration between academia and industry has never been more important. As digital tools become integral to dental care delivery, strong partnerships ensure that new technologies are developed with scientific validation and clinical practicality in mind.
Expanding Access Across Regions
For 2026, Align Technology will distribute research awards across three key geographic regions — the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and APAC (Asia-Pacific). Each region will have four one-year grants of up to US$25,000 per project, reflecting Its commitment to supporting a diverse range of research perspectives and clinical challenges around the world.
- Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America): Four one-year awards of up to US$25,000 each
- EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa): Four one-year awards of up to US$25,000 each
- APAC (Asia-Pacific): Four one-year awards of up to US$25,000 each
This regional distribution model ensures balanced participation and encourages innovation across different clinical practices and educational environments. The program particularly welcomes submissions that explore advancements in digital workflows, biomechanics, aligner materials, scanning technologies, or interdisciplinary treatment approaches combining orthodontics and restorative dentistry.
Eligibility and Review Process
Eligible applicants include full-time and part-time faculty engaged in dental or scientific research at accredited universities where Invisalign® treatment or iTero™ scanners are available. encourages proposals that are novel, scientifically rigorous, and demonstrate clear potential to improve treatment outcomes or expand the applications of digital dental technologies.
All applications undergo a rigorous independent review by a committee of academic experts in dentistry and orthodontics. The committee evaluates proposals based on scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact on patient care. Recommendations are then forwarded to Align Technology for final selection. To encourage fresh perspectives and emerging voices in research, priority consideration will be given to first-time applicants from new or developing university programs.
Application Process and Key Dates
Prospective applicants can find comprehensive program details, eligibility requirements, and submission materials at:
👉 https://learn.aligntech.com/pages/61/resources
Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 6, 2026, and all materials should include a detailed research proposal, objectives, methodology, anticipated impact, and budget justification. Award recipients will be officially announced on June 1, 2026, allowing projects to commence in the following academic cycle.
This timeline ensures that researchers have sufficient preparation time to plan and align their studies with institutional schedules and ethical approval processes.
Align’s Legacy of Research Suppor
Over the past 15 years, The Technology’s Research Award Program has become a cornerstone of its global engagement with the scientific community. Since 2010, more than $3.96 million in funding has been allocated to research projects that have yielded influential publications, conference presentations, and real-world advancements in clinical practice.
These projects have contributed to:
- Enhanced understanding of biomechanics in aligner therapy
- Improvements in 3D imaging and digital scanning accuracy
- Development of AI-based treatment planning tools
- Research on patient compliance and comfort in orthodontic treatments
- Integration of digital workflows for restorative and interdisciplinary care
By continuing to support high-impact research, Align ensures that clinical innovations are grounded in evidence and continuously evolve to meet patient needs.
Commitment to the Future of Digital Orthodontics
This Technology’s leadership views academic research as fundamental to shaping the future of dentistry. The annual award program not only provides financial support but also fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technological advancement across global dental communities.
Through these initiatives, Align aims to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions that make orthodontic and restorative treatments more efficient, predictable, and patient-friendly. By encouraging data-driven inquiry and clinical innovation, the company continues to help doctors transform smiles and improve lives around the world.
About Align Technology, Inc.
This Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® System, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for approximately 291.0 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 28 years, It has helped doctors treat over 21.4 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Digital Platform™, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners
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