Written by Hailey O'Connor, YC ’24

Strengthening preventive medicine, particularly in mental health, nutrition, physical wellness, and access to care, is essential for enhancing our healthcare system. This past weekend 200 attendees came together to collaborate and innovate  around the theme of preventive medicine. Among them, over 100 were students from Yale University, joined by peers from 19 other institutions. Notably, 75% of the participants were first-time hackers, demonstrating a growing interest in healthcare innovation. 
Under the guidance of 35 expert mentors, students, clinicians and industry participants worked tirelessly to develop novel solutions and present their ideas. This event marked the 11th annual Yale Healthcare Hackathon, organized by the Yale Center for Biomedical Innovation and Technology (Yale CBIT), held from January 26th to 28th, 2024. The event proved to be a resounding success.

“The hackathon brings together different stakeholders with the understanding that it will take driven, interdisciplinary teams to solve the greatest challenges in healthcare. Every year, it is incredible to watch the magic that happens among students, clinicians, and industry professionals during a short weekend. I’m inspired not only by the creative solutions these diverse teams develop, but by each individual’s dedication, collaborative spirit, and persistence,” said Margaret Cartiera PhD, CBIT Director.

Team “Visionairy” focused on the field of optometry and won the grand prize of $5,000, an award generously sponsored by the Rothberg Catalyzer at Yale. Ideas were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges featuring Maxwell Laurans, MD, MBA, Mark Saltzman, PhD, Erica Spatz, MD, MHS, Walter Lindop, Fatema Basrai, Thomas Blum, and Ruey Hu, MD, MPH.  

“The CBIT healthcare hackathon was an exhilarating and inspirational experience! I was amazed at the deep connection I developed with the compassionate and visionary people who participated, and by the wisdom and insight of the speakers and mentors. It was so validating to see our femtech concept MAP4HER win, especially with so many incredible pitches!” said Nursen Ogutveren, a hackathon participant.

Beginning Friday evening, participants were welcomed by David Rosenthal, MD and the CBIT team.  Three expert keynote speakers: Vivek Garg, MD, BMA: Chief Medical Officers & SVP, Primary Care at Humana; Lynn Sosa, MD: Deputy State Epidemiologist, CT Department of Public Health; and Rachel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, CIC Health shared their reflections on challenges in healthcare and inspiration for the weekend.

Hackathon participants identified 40 unique pain points and organized into 15 teams to tackle specific ones. Over the weekend, these teams honed and transformed their ideas with the coaching of mentors. As the three-day event concluded, the teams presented their final ideas to a panel of expert judges.  

Awards  

Grand Prize $5,000: Visionairy  

Runner up $2,500: MAP4Her

Sustainable Health Prize $1,000: FoodFarma

Honorable Mention $1,000: Clarys

Audience Choice $500: Improving Patient Compliance

The Healthcare Hackathon 2024 was co-directed by Michelle Nantel and Jodi Canapp and was supported by a committee of students working in content creation, marketing/advertising, mentors, sponsorship/budgeting, and logistics. The event was sponsored by the Rothberg Catalyzer at Yale, Yale New Haven Health’s Center for Healthcare Innovation, Wellinks, identifeye Health, and the Sustainable Health Initiative at the Yale School of Public Health.  

About Yale Center for Biomedical Innovation and Technology

The Yale University Center for Biomedical Innovation and Technology (CBIT) is an interdisciplinary initiative to convene and guide Yale innovators to solve the greatest challenges in healthcare. The center catalyzes biomedical and healthcare technology development by educating the next generation of innovators, mentoring all comers on their journey, and surrounding entrepreneurs with the necessary resources.  

Launched in 2014, Yale CBIT provides support to faculty and students creating novel digital health solutions, medical device technologies, and diagnosticsacross Yale University.  CBIT has developed partnerships with the Yale School of Medicine, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Management, School of Public Health, Tsai CITY, Yale Ventures, and Yale New Haven Health. In addition to supporting innovation teams working in those spaces, CBIT has established new courses, and sponsored events to contribute to strengthening the Yale innovation community including CBIT’s signature event, the Yale Healthcare Hackathon.