Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence by Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab.

Application Instructions

The Health Systems Innovation Lab (HSIL) Hackathon is a transformative global event where innovators come together to design solutions that strengthen health systems. The Hackathon is an intensive, collaborative experience spanning 2 days where participants brainstorm, build, and pitch new ideas to tackle a specific challenge. The goal is to move from concept to a functional prototype or working product within the event’s timeframe.. 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 2026

Dhaka Hub

Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation & Commercialization(IRIIC),

United International University (UIU)

💡The Health Systems Innovation Lab is a global research and training lab that specializes in health system performance, health policy, and venture creation.

April 10 & 11, 2026

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

Founder, AI Forum Bangladesh

Director's Message

It is with immense pride and excitement that I welcome you to the Harvard HSIL Hackathon 2026, 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 Second time, 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.

Participants Guidelines

Download Guidelines

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

Timeline

2026 (7th Edition)

December 8 – January 30

Application Period

February 9 – March 6

HSIL Collaborative Hub Program

Speaker series open to all registered participants

Mentorship opportunities

April 10 - April 11

Two-day Hackathon Event

Winning teams from each hub (50 teams total) advance to Venture Building Program

April 20 - May 1

Venture Building Bootcamp 1

50 teams participate -> 20 teams advance

May 4 - May 15

HSIL Judging + Bootcamp 2

20 teams participate -> 10 finalists advance

May 18 - June 12

Global Judging Window

Finalist refinement + global panel

June 19

Demo Day

Pitches to investors & awards

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 April 10 & 11, 2026, 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.

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.