WELCOME TO Digital Health Hackathon
'Code for care'
Join the Hackathon Now!
Advance Healthcare Solutions
Compete for Top Prizes
Impact Community Health
About Us
The Digital Health Hackathon 'Code For Care' is an innovative event led by Georgetown University, Center for Global Health Practice & Impact (GU CGHPI), in collaboration with Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), and funded by PEPFAR/CDC. Our mission is to empower Eswatinis youth, particularly Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), to develop digital health solutions that address barriers to accessing healthcare services.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Eswatinis youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to develop innovative digital health solutions that improve healthcare outcomes and increase access to healthcare services. We believe that by leveraging technology and innovation, we can create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system that benefits the entire community.
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with a diverse range of partners, including:
* Georgetown University, Center for Global Health Practice & Impact (GU CGHPI)
* Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP)
* PEPFAR/CDC These partners bring together expertise in global health, technology, and innovation to support the development of digital health solutions that address the unique needs of Eswatini's youth.
Our Goals
Our goals for the Digital Health Hackathon 'Code For Care' are to:
* Engage Eswatinis youth in developing digital health solutions that address barriers to accessing healthcare services
* Foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital health sector
* Strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers, digital health experts, and Eswatini's tech community
* Develop scalable, sustainable, and user-friendly digital health solutions that improve healthcare outcomes and increase access to healthcare services
Our Approach
We believe that by bringing together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise, we can create innovative digital health solutions that address the complex challenges facing Eswatinis healthcare system. Our approach is centered around collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, and we are committed to supporting the development of digital health solutions that make a meaningful impact on the lives of Eswatini's youth.
Details
Find more details on the eligibility criteria, expectations and why you should apply to the hackathon.
Why should You Join?
• Collaborate with Georgetown to create impactful solutions: Engage in a dynamic partnership with Georgetown University. Together, you will tackle real-world challenges by developing actionable solutions that not only address pressing issues but also contribute positively to the community.
• Compete for a cash prize: Enter an exciting competition where your innovative ideas and solutions could earn you a significant cash prize. Winning this prize will provide the necessary resources to further develop your concept, bringing it one step closer to implementation and potential market success.
• Network with like-minded innovators: Join a vibrant community of forward-thinking individuals who share your passion for innovation and problem-solving. This networking opportunity will allow you to connect with fellow creators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, fostering relationships that can lead to collaborations, mentorship, and new ventures.
• Showcase your skills and creativity: Take center stage and demonstrate your unique talents and innovative ideas to a wider audience. This is your chance to highlight your creativity and expertise in a supportive environment, receiving feedback and recognition for your work. By showcasing your skills, you not only build your personal brand but also inspire others, potentially leading to new partnerships and career advancements in your field.
Eligibility Criteria
• Team Composition: To foster effective collaboration and ensure a balanced dynamic, each team must consist of 2 to 3 members. Additionally, all participants must be at least 16 years old to ensure a minimum level of maturity and capability for the tasks involved in the event.
• Gender Inclusivity Policy: Each participating team must include at least one female member between the ages of 18 and 30. This requirement is designed to encourage the representation of different voices and experiences, enriching the teams collaborative process and overall outcomes.
• Background and Expertise: We invite participants from various backgrounds, including innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs who bring relevant skills and experience to the competition. To ensure a strong foundation for problem-solving and project development, at least one member of each team must possess a tertiary qualification. This criterion helps guarantee that teams have the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively tackle challenges and develop feasible, impactful solutions.
• Availability: Participants are expected to fully commit to the entire two-day event, 24 -25 October 2024. This commitment is crucial for fostering teamwork and maximizing the potential for innovative outcomes. Furthermore, teams that emerge as winners will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with Georgetown University to refine and implement their proposed solutions.
• Team Exclusivity Policy: To maintain the integrity and fairness of the competition, each participant is allowed to be a member of only one team. If a participant is found to be registered with more than one team, all teams associated with that individual will face disqualification from the competition.
Evaluation Criteria
• Innovation: Originality and creativity of the solution: Judges will assess how unique and creative each teams solution is compared to existing alternatives. This criterion values out-of-the-box thinking and the ability to approach problems from new angles. Innovative solutions should not only introduce fresh ideas but also challenge conventional methods, demonstrating the teams ability to think critically and imaginatively in addressing the identified challenge.
• Impact: Potential benefit to the target audience: The potential positive effects of the proposed solution on the target audience will be a key focus of evaluation. Judges will look for clarity in understanding who the solution serves and how it improves their lives. Hence, teams should articulate their solutions impact clearly, demonstrating a deep understanding of their audience and the challenges they face.
• Technical Execution: Functionality and usability of the prototype: This criterion evaluates how well the team has developed their prototype in terms of functionality and user-friendliness. Judges will consider whether the prototype effectively demonstrates the concept and works as intended.
• Presentation: Clarity and effectiveness of the final presentation: The final presentation is a critical aspect of the evaluation process, as it reflects how well the team communicates their solution to the judges and audience. Teams will be assessed on the clarity of their messaging, the organization of their presentation, and their ability to engage the audience.
Timeline
• Application: The application period for the hackathon runs from October 8 to October 20, 2024. We encourage individuals and teams to apply early, ensuring that they have ample time to prepare and assemble their teams.
• Main Hackathon Days: The main hackathon will take place over two intensive days, from October 24 to October 25, 2024. Participants can expect a fast-paced and dynamic environment, filled with opportunities for creativity and innovation. This is a chance to engage deeply with fellow innovators, access resources, and receive guidance from mentors as they work to bring their ideas to life.
• Prize Presentation: To Be Announced: The specific date and format for the prize presentation will be announced later. This presentation is an exciting culmination of the hackathon, where winners will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and innovative solutions.