Align Technology Launches 2026 Global Research Program to Advance Digital Orthodontics and Dental Care
Align Technology, Inc the global leader in digital orthodontic and restorative dentistry solutions, has officially opened applications for its 2026 Annual Research Award Program, a global initiative that aims to advance innovation and clinical research in orthodontics and dentistry. Through this program, Align will award up to $300,000 in funding to support groundbreaking research conducted by university faculty around the world.
This long-standing initiative, which began in 2010, has already distributed nearly $4 million in grants to academic researchers who are shaping the future of digital dental care. The 2026 cycle marks another important step in Align’s mission to foster collaboration between the academic and clinical communities and to continue driving forward patient-centered innovation in orthodontic and restorative treatment.
A Commitment to Research and Innovation in Dentistry
Align Technology is best known for revolutionizing orthodontic care through its Invisalign® System—a clear aligner therapy that has transformed how millions of people achieve straighter smiles—and for developing advanced iTero™ intraoral scanners and exocad™ CAD/CAM software, which are used globally in digital orthodontics, prosthodontics, and restorative dental workflows.
Through its Annual Research Award Program, Align seeks to bridge the gap between academic theory and clinical practice. The program empowers faculty researchers to explore new methods, technologies, and treatment models that improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes in modern dentistry.
Since its inception, the program has provided critical support to projects that investigate a wide spectrum of topics—from 3D imaging and biomechanics to AI-based treatment planning and digital workflows for restorative dentistry. The funding has helped universities conduct studies that not only deepen scientific understanding but also translate directly into innovations that improve daily dental practice.
Supporting a Global Academic Community
For 2026, Align will distribute twelve one-year awards, each worth up to US$25,000, across three major global regions:
- Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America): Four awards
- EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa): Four awards
- APAC (Asia Pacific): Four awards
The company’s decision to continue this geographically balanced approach reflects its recognition of the global nature of dental research and the diverse expertise found within universities worldwide. The program encourages applications from both full-time and part-time faculty involved in dental or scientific research, provided their institutions use Invisalign® treatment or the iTero™ scanner.
All submitted proposals will undergo a rigorous review process. An independent academic committee composed of recognized dental experts will evaluate the submissions and forward its recommendations to Align Technology, which will make the final selections. The company also emphasizes its commitment to inclusivity by encouraging first-time applicants from universities that have not previously received Align funding to participate.
Interested faculty can find complete program details, including submission guidelines and application materials, on Align’s learning platform at:
👉 https://learn.aligntech.com/pages/61/resources
Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 6, 2026, and award recipients will be notified by June 1, 2026.
Advancing Science-Backed Dentistry
Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align’s Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Global Treatment Planning and Clinical Services, emphasized how the program continues to inspire the company each year.
“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. Derakhshan. “The awarded research projects that are supported through our Align Research Award Program help uncover insights that directly impact treatment outcomes and elevate the standard of care in orthodontics and dentistry.”
Dr. Derakhshan’s statement highlights Align’s scientific philosophy: innovation is only as strong as the research behind it. The company believes that academic partnerships are key to discovering new solutions that can be integrated into real-world practice—whether through refining aligner materials, optimizing treatment planning algorithms, or improving digital workflow interoperability.
Empowering Faculty and Fostering Collaboration
Align’s Vice President of Product Innovation and Technical Fellow, John Morton, reinforced the company’s dedication to enabling academic research that pushes dentistry forward.
“We believe that empowering the academic community through this funding program is essential to advance knowledge that will drive progress in dentistry to help more doctors achieve better clinical outcomes for their patients,” Morton said. “Through this program, we continue to support the vision and research efforts of the expert faculty members around the globe.”
Morton’s comments underscore the dual purpose of Align’s research funding strategy: not only to fuel technological discovery but also to build a network of innovators who are committed to evidence-based dentistry. Align envisions a world where dental practitioners and scientists work hand in hand to refine methods, technologies, and patient-care standards.
Driving the Future of Digital Dentistry
The Annual Research Award Program fits squarely within Align’s broader mission to transform smiles and change lives through digital technology. Its product ecosystem—comprising Invisalign clear aligners, iTero scanners, and exocad CAD/CAM solutions—represents one of the most comprehensive digital dental platforms in the world.
Each component plays a critical role in Align’s vision of a fully integrated, end-to-end digital workflow. Research funded by the Annual Award Program often contributes directly to improving these tools—by enhancing scan accuracy, refining aligner fit and biomechanics, or enabling more precise restorative designs.
For example, past recipients of Align’s research grants have conducted studies on topics such as:
- Evaluating the accuracy of 3D digital impressions compared with traditional methods
- Exploring artificial intelligence for predictive tooth movement modeling
- Investigating the mechanical performance of new aligner materials
- Assessing patient-reported outcomes with digital versus manual restorative workflows
- Developing training models that integrate digital scanning and design into dental education
These projects exemplify how Align’s financial support fosters real-world progress that benefits clinicians and patients alike.
A Legacy of Support Since 2010
Since launching the Research Award Program in 2010, Align Technology has funded approximately $3.96 million in research grants to dental universities across the globe. This consistent investment underscores the company’s recognition that clinical progress depends on sustained academic inquiry.
Over the past decade and a half, research supported by Align has contributed to advancements that now define modern orthodontics—such as digital treatment planning, 3D printing applications, and biomechanical modeling of aligner forces.
In addition, the program’s global reach has cultivated collaboration among dental schools, enabling international knowledge-sharing that enhances the quality of both research and patient outcomes.
Align’s Broader Role in Advancing Oral Health
Beyond the Annual Research Award Program, Align invests heavily in professional education, digital workflow training, and technology integration for practitioners. Through ongoing partnerships with universities and professional organizations, the company contributes to curriculum development, clinical training, and research dissemination.
These initiatives reflect Align’s long-term goal: to shape a future where digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry are more precise, efficient, and accessible to patients worldwide. The company’s combination of innovative product development and academic collaboration ensures that both science and practice evolve together.
How to Apply
University faculty members interested in participating in Align’s 2026 Research Award Program should follow these steps:
- Visit the official program webpage: https://learn.aligntech.com/pages/61/resources
- Review the eligibility criteria for their respective regions (Americas, EMEA, or APAC).
- Prepare a research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to orthodontic or dental patient care.
- Submit the completed application by March 6, 2026 (5:00 p.m. PT).
- Await notification of award selection by June 1, 2026.
By adhering to these timelines, applicants will have the opportunity to join a growing network of researchers whose work is helping redefine standards in digital dental care.
