WHAT IS UGHE HACKATHON? 

The UGHE hackathon is an event where UGHE members collaborate to address a problem in global health. It can be related to health system, health care delivery, or education. It’s a hands-on intense brain storming, designing, and idea generating event. The climax of the event is a pitch competition. The teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Winning teams will be able to get support to further develop their project ideas in the ensuing year.  

WHY WOULD I PARTICIPATE IN A HACKATHON? 

It is a challenge, it is a creative outlet, it is a community collaboration, and it is a networking event. Most of all, it is a rewarding weekend event for you to work with a team of people who want to creatively address a problem that you resonate.  

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR? 

This event is open to all UGHE members – students and staff; as participants and as spectators. 

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES OR REQUIRED SKILLS TO PARTICIPATE? 

Anyone is welcome to participate in this event. While having a project idea is a plus, you can come to the event and decide which team you want to join on the spot. All you need to bring to the team is an open mind, some creative juice, and the spirit of collaboration.     

DO I NEED A TEAM? 

The hackathon is a team event so working with others is needed. You can come with a few people if you already know what you want to do, or simply come without one and join a team on-sight. 

HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOULD A TEAM BE? 

A team should be between 3-5 people. 

WILL THERE BE TRAINING? 

A hackathon is not a conference or seminar. While some short instructional sessions will be given, the majority of the events will be you working with your team. We’ll have experts in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Babson College and UGHE to facilitate the program. Our facilitators will be more than happy to answer your questions throughout the event and give you guidance.   

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I NEED TO PREP? 

Bring your brilliant minds to the event. If you have some health-related challenges that you want to solve, bring the issues to the event and we will work from there.   

WHERE IS THE EVENT? 

This year’s hackathon will be at the flat studio on Butaro campus.  

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WE WILL BE HACKING TO SOLVE? 

The theme will be announced closer to the date of the hackathon, but it is related to the areas in health, healthcare, health education.    

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM LIKE? 

The kick-off, problem statement presenting and team forming will take place on day 1 (8th July 2022) late afternoon/evening. Day 2 will be interspersed with instructional sessions and hands-on teamwork. Day 3 each team will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.  

WHAT ARE THE WINNING PRIZES? 

The winning teams will be provided seed funding and coaching support to develop their project idea by the Innovation Center.  

HOW WILL TEAMS BE JUDGED? 

There will be a preliminary round of judging in which teams will present their solution. Only teams that are successful in this preliminary round will present to the larger group in the final panel. 

 WHO WILL BE JUDGING? 

The judge panel composition will be announced closer to the date of the hackathon. 

WHERE DO I SIGN UP? 

You can sign up here  

 Please contact Jean De Dieu Oemba Sibomana at jsibomana@ughe.org for inquiries.