Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence by Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab.
Participants Guidelines
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.
Latest Updates
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.
The Final Pitch
Teams have exactly 3 minutes (180 seconds) to present.
10s
Introduction
Team name, vision, and the "Hook"
20s
Problem
The specific health system gap you are solving
60s
Product
How does your AI solution actually work?
60s
Demo
Live mockup, prototype visualization, or feature walk-through
30s
Wrap-up
Predicted impact, scalability, and your strong closing statement
Judging Rubric
30 Points Total
Challenge
5
Points
Demonstrated urgency and deep understanding of the problem.
Technology
5
Points
Uniqueness, technical feasibility, and AI sophistication
Implementation
5
Points
Business model, sustainability, and real-world integration plan
Team
5
Points
Diversity of skill sets and collaborative spirit
Pitch
5
Points
Clarity, visual aids, and demo quality.
Q&A
5
Points
Ability to defend the solution against inquiries.
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
Timeline
2026 (7th Edition)
December 8 – February 28
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.
Relive the Moments That Sparked Innovation
HSIL Hackathon 2025
Moments
