The Bernstein Disruptors 30: AI and affordability challenges driving adoption of innovation

In this note we present our annual list of the most disruptive privately held healthcare services companies, the Bernstein Disruptor 30, expanded from 25 companies this year. We expect healthcare is heading for major disruption driven by 1) high and growing costs, 2) consumer demands for improved outcomes and experiences, 3) access and capacity challenges, and 4) innovations which enable the potential for an improved system. The top two drivers of disruption going forward are solutions for cost pressure and applications of AI, with AI seen as the most disruptive theme long term. We see five key disruptive themes in 2026: 1) AI and digital health, for care extension/automation and provider efficiencies; 2) value-based care (platform and specialty VBC); 3) access to providers, particularly in specialty areas such as behavioral; 4) pharmacy disruptions;