Healthcare Hackathon
WUHC’s Healthcare Hackathon is a two-week virtual competition that brings together passionate high school students to design innovative solutions to real-world healthcare challenges. Participants will work individually or in teams to develop either a research-driven proposal or a technical solution, culminating in a final submission that includes a written proposal, a video pitch, and a visual summary.
What is a ‘Healthcare Hackathon’?
A ‘hackathon’ is a portmanteau of ‘hack’ (by way of exploring novel solutions) and ‘marathon’ (for the intense atmosphere over a sustained period of time). The conventional hackathon typically lasts between 24-72 hours and often results in the development of functioning software or prototypes.
However, our Healthcare Hackathon is more of an ‘ideathon’ - participants create and refine new ideas, but neither websites nor apps are needed (but can be) to submit a project. Thus, no prior coding or programming experience is required!
What are we expecting?
Participants will choose one of three tracks: AI and Innovation, Cancer, or Social Equity, and spend 2 weeks developing a solution to a healthcare problem within their chosen theme. Projects may range from AI-driven tools and technical prototypes to policy proposals or research-based interventions. Teams will be expected to demonstrate strong problem understanding, innovation, and feasibility in their work.
Throughout the hackathon, students will independently research, design, and refine their ideas. Final submissions will include:
● A research proposal or project document (maximum 10 pages)
● A maximum 3 minute recorded video pitch
● A one-slide visual summary (e.g., poster, quad chart, or infographic)
Submissions should be sent with the subject line: “Submission for 2026 HH | [Team Name] | [List Team Members]”.
Timeline
● March 23: Challenge Released
● March 28: Opening Ceremony
● March 28 – April 11: Work Period
● April 1: Track Confirmation Form Due
● April 11: Final Submission Deadline
● April 12–18: Judging Period
● April 19: Closing Ceremony & Awards
Past Seasons
The theme for our Spring 2024 iteration of the WUHC Healthcare Hackathon was 'Value-Based Payment and Revolutionizing Healthcare Financing,' in which we challenged participants to reimagine the payment landscape of healthcare, with emphasis on supporting the goals of value-based care, improved health outcomes, and enhanced efficiency.
The theme for our Spring 2025 iteration of the WUHC Healthcare Hackathon was 'Social Determinants of Health and Crises in South Sudan,' in which we challenged participants to investigate how social, environmental, and economic factors shape health outcomes, and how to strategize solutions around these considerations.