Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence by Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab.
The Harvard HSIL Hackathon 2025 is a global innovation challenge that brings together students, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to develop AI-powered solutions for critical health challenges. Organized by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Health Systems Innovation Lab, this hackathon fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, pushing the boundaries of healthcare technology.
Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation & Commercialization(IRIIC),United International University (UIU) is proud to be the first and only Bangladesh Hub, providing a platform for local talent to showcase their innovative ideas and contribute to global healthcare advancements.
Welcoming all the Hackers!
HSIL Hackathon 2025 – Dhaka Hub
💡The Health Systems Innovation Lab is a global research and training lab that specializes in health system performance, health policy, and venture creation.
April 11 & 12, 2025
8:00 AM - 5.00 PM
10th floor, United International University, United City, Madani Avenue, Badda, Dhaka-1212
Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation & Commercialization(IRIIC)
Innovation Hub
Organizing and Supporting Entities
Welcome!
Prof. Khondaker Abdullah Al Mamun, PhD.
Academician, Scientist, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Policy Consultant
Professor of Digital Health and Intelligent Technology (4IR), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, UIU
Founder & Director, IRIIC
Founder, CMED Health
Director's Message
It is with immense pride and excitement that I welcome you to the Harvard HSIL Hackathon 2025, a landmark event co-hosted by the Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation & Commercialization (IRIIC) at United International University (UIU) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Health Systems Innovation Lab.
For the first time ever, Bangladesh serves as a proud hub for this prestigious global innovation challenge. This hackathon provides a unique platform for students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to come together and design AI-powered solutions for pressing health system challenges.
At IRIIC, we believe in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and local talent. By co-hosting this hackathon, we aim to empower innovators across the country to contribute to the future of high-value health systems. We are excited to see ideas that push boundaries, harness artificial intelligence, and create meaningful global impact.
I invite all enthusiastic minds to participate, collaborate, and innovate. Together, let’s shape the future of healthcare.
Selected Participants for Harvard HSIL Hackathon 2025
Participants Guidelines
Moments
Hackathon Summary
Challenge Themes
Use AI to address real-world health system challenges
- EHR Analysis
- Diagnostic Tools
- Clinical Chatbots
- Fragmented Care
- Health App Overload
- Healthcare Workforce Shortages
- Pediatric AI
- Health Literacy
- Preventive Health
- Communication Barriers
Judging Criteria
Each team will be scored across these categories (Total: 30 points)
- Challenge Relevance
- Innovation & Technical Feasibility
- Implementation Plan
- Team Skills & Diversity
- Pitch Delivery
- Q&A Defense
Pitch time: 3 Minutes Presentation + 3 minutes Q&A
Fill Out The Form
Schedule
11 April, Friday
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Registration, Networking
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Welcome Address
9:30- 10:45 AM
Keynote & Opening Panel “AI-Driven Health: Pioneering Digital Solutions for Tomorrow”
10:45 -11:10 AM
Hack 101, Rules, Challenges, Format, Judges, Mentors introduction
11:10 - 11:30 AM
Keynote Session 1
11:30-11:45 AM
Team formation, participant pitches to form teams
11:45 -12:30 PM
Starting to hack, mentoring
12:30 - 2:30 PM
Lunch and Prayer break
2:30 - 2:40 PM
Keynote Session 2
2:40 - 5:00 PM
Hacking
5:00 PM
End of Day 1
8:00 PM
Deadline for Team Registration
12 April, Saturday
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Check in, Networking
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Welcome, Day 2, Introduction of mentors
9:15- 9:50 AM
Panel Discussion “Empowering Women in HealthTech”
9:50 -12:30 PM
Hacking Practice Pitch sessions
12:30-1:00 PM
Lunch break
1:00-3:00 PM
Finalize ideas, practice pitches
2:00 PM
Slide submission deadline
3:00-5:00 PM
Pitches to local judges
5:00-6:00 PM
Prize Giving Ceremony
Judges and Mentors
Judges
Dr. Arif Mahmud
Director, Medical Services
Evercare Hospital Dhaka
Prof. Dr. Shah Ali Akbar Ashrafi
Director (MIS)
DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Dr. Rui Liu
Chief of Health
Asian Development Bank
Dr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam,
MPH(NIPSOM),MPS (DU), MDS (DU), MIPH (Sydney)
Health Advisor, Development Cooperation Section
Embassy of Sweden
Professor Khondar A Mamun
Professor
United International University
Dr. S M Zia Hyder
Senior Health Consultant
World Bank
Fahima Choudhury
Business Development Specialist
Adcomm
Mentors
Faizur Rahman
CEO
United Healthcare
Dr. Aminul Hasan, PhD
Health Consultant
Quality Care Concern
Ashraful Islam, PhD
Assistant Professor
Independent University Bangladesh
Dr. Marzia Zaman
Head of Medical Service
CMED Health
Waliuddin Bhuiyan
Managing Director
Light of Hope
Sumaiya Mutiatur Rasul
Head of Communications
United International University
Mohammad Tohidul Islam Miya
Associate Professor - School of Business & Economics
United International University
Hamudi Sonnet
Programmer, CITS
United International University
Fayedaan Farabi
CEO & Founder
Hishab
Dr. Farhana Sarker
Associate Professor, CSE
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)
Dr. Hasin Anupama Azhari, PhD
Professor
United International University
Md. Khairul Islam
IT Consultant, MIS
DGHS, MoHFW
Dr. B M Riazul Islam
Deputy Chief (Medical), Health Information Unit
DGHS, MoHFW
Dr. Md. Toufiq Hassan Shawon
Medical Officer, MIS
DGHS, MoHFW
Dr. Ashish Kumar Shah
Ex Director, MIS
DGHS, MoHFW
Kaisar Galib Hossain
Healthcare IT Consultant
Health Canada
Mohammad Solaimun Rasel
Chief Technology Officer
Digital Healthcare Solutions
Grameen Telecom Trust
Shamim Ahmed
CEO Retails
PRAN RFL
Resources & Data Sources on Top Killer Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases and Diabetes
1. State of Cardiovascular Disease in G20+Countries (Health Systems Innovation Lab
Harvard): https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/health-systems-innovationlab/2022/05/11/cvd-g20/
2. Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes Roadmaps (World Heart Federation):
https://world-heart-federation.org/cvd-roadmaps/whf-global-roadmaps/cvd-diabetes/
3. Diabetes Fact Sheet (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/diabetes
4. Cardiovascular Disease Fact Sheet (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
5. “Diabetes a defining disease of the 21st Century” (Lancet Article):
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01296-5/fulltext
Cancer
1. Global cancer burden growing, amidst mounting need for services
https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2024-global-cancer-burden-growing--
amidst-mounting-need-for-services
2. International Agency for Research on Cancer https://www.iarc.who.int/Union for
International Cancer Control https://www.uicc.org/
Mental Health
1. The Mental Health Atlas by the World Health Organization (WHO):
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240036703
2. A comprehensive study on the global burden of 12 mental disorders across 204
countries and territories from 1990 to 2019:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(21)00395-3/fulltext
3. Global suicide data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO):
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/data-research/suicidedata
4. Access to the WHO MiNDbank online database, which contains a wealth of mental
health data, policies, and strategies: https://extranet.who.int/mindbank/
5. Visualization of the global burden of mental health diseases through the Global
Burden of Disease Study: https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/
6. Mental health data available from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
(IHME): https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/health-risks-issues/mentalhealth#:~:text=12%25%20of%20the%20world's%20population,to%20mental%20dis
orders%20in%202019
Infectious Diseases
The Global Health Data Exchange platform (IHME): https://ghdx.healthdata.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where is the Hackathon taking place?
The Hackathon will be held on Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th, 2025, across multiple global hubs including Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Venue - Innovation Hub,Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation & Commercialization(IRIIC),United International University, United City, Madani Avenue, Badda, Dhaka-1212
What is the theme this year?
Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
Who can participate?
Students, young professionals, and early-stage startups from any background (healthcare, tech, design, business, etc.) are encouraged to join. No prior Hackathon experience is needed.
Do I need a team to apply?
No. You can apply as an individual. Teams will be formed via Slack before the event, or you can join the channel if you're still looking for teammates.
How big should teams be?
Teams should ideally be made up of 3-5 members, preferably with diverse skill sets.
What digital platform will we use during the Hackathon?
Slack will be the primary communication tool.
Join here:https://join.slack.com/t/hsil-hackathon/shared_invite/zt-334zgn3om-mPkJHt7ZLGZb4l6R2UkQRg
Do we have to work on the challenges provided in the guide?
No. The challenges are there to inspire you, but you are welcome to address any issue related to AI and health systems.
Will we have access to mentors?
Yes! Each team will be supported by local mentors from various backgrounds—clinical, public health, AI, engineering, business, and more. Book 1:1 mentoring sessions via Slack.
What do we need to prepare for the pitch?
A 3-minute presentation covering:
• Introduction
• Problem statement
• Solution (technical details)
• Demo or mockup
•Closing summary
What are judges looking for?
Judges will score based on:
• Challenge clarity
• Innovation and tech use
• Implementation feasibility
• Team capability
•Quality of pitch
•Handling Q&A
Are there any prizes?
There is no cash prize, but winning teams enter a Bootcamp and potentially the 4-week Venture Incubation Program with 1:1 mentorship, workshops, and global exposure.
How many teams advance?
More than 100 participants: 2 winning teams
Top 8 global teams will be selected for incubation.
Do we need to be fluent in English?
At least 1-2 members per team must be fluent in English to participate in the post-hackathon programs.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Participation is completely free. Your local hub provides resources at no cost.
Who do I contact for help during the Hackathon?
Your local hub organizers are your main point of contact. You'll find them active in your local Slack channel.
