Innovation Pulse Hackathon
HealthTech & Wellbeing
Innovation Pulse Hackathon under the theme “HealthTech & Wellbeing”, attracting innovative technical ideas and solutions that advance healthcare and enhance quality of life.
The challenge & the opportunity
Innovation Pulse Hackathon under the theme “HealthTech & Wellbeing”, attracting innovative technical ideas and solutions that advance healthcare and enhance quality of life.
Target audience: University students, graduates and innovators working in health, technology and engineering fields.
From challenges …to innovative opportunities
We believe technology and scientific research can build a more efficient and inclusive healthcare system through solutions that serve patients and society.
Why take part?
Create social impact
Contribute to health and technology solutions that improve lives.
Build your skills
Workshops and training in health innovation and design thinking.
Grow your network
Connect with academic, health and industry experts.
Get mentored
Direct guidance from experts and academics in health and technology.
Innovation tracks
Pick the track that fits your idea and build solutions that matter
Digital Health & Diagnostics
Digital solutions for diagnosis, health monitoring and remote care.
How can we build faster, more accurate, closer-to-patient digital care?
- AI algorithms for early detection of chronic disease and medical imaging
- Telehealth platforms and patient adherence monitoring
- Health data and EHR analytics to support clinical decisions
Medical Technology & Therapeutics
Devices, materials and technologies supporting treatment and rehabilitation.
How can we advance therapeutic and rehabilitation technology to speed recovery?
- Wearable medical devices and advanced biosensors
- Motor and neuro rehabilitation for patients, seniors and people with disabilities
- Smart pharmacy, drug delivery and patient safety innovations
Sustainability & Green Living
Innovations for a sustainable health environment and better quality of life.
How can we create a sustainable health environment that improves wellbeing?
- Green healthcare facilities, carbon reduction and medical waste management
- Preventive health, air and water quality, and smart campus environments
- Technologies supporting mental health, wellbeing and healthy lifestyles
Schedule
Registration opens
12 – 29 October 2026
Workshops (remote)
Thursday 5 November 2026
Submission deadline
1 Dec 2026
Onsite days & judging
To be announced
Finale & winners
To be announced
Grand Diriyah Hall (Auditorium) B2 and B1 balcony, the main lobby, and workshop rooms B204/B206/B208
Almaarefa University — Diriyah, Riyadh
Judging criteria
Innovation & originality
25%How novel and original the idea is, and how unconventional the solution
Impact on health & wellbeing
25%Whether the idea can become a practical, buildable prototype
Feasibility
20%Clarity of the model and its direct relevance to the hackathon tracks
Track fit
15%How much the solution improves health and wellbeing over the long term
Prizes
Total prizes for winners across the three tracks
Why Innovation Pulse Hackathon?
Advance health & technology innovation
Motivate young minds to solve real challenges in the healthcare sector.
Empower talent and researchers
Sharpen design thinking and prototyping skills for students and graduates.
Apply AI and emerging technology
Bring emerging tech and big data into diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Build investable, applicable solutions
Turn research and student ideas into prototypes ready for incubation.
Foster cross-disciplinary teamwork
Bring medicine, pharmacy, applied sciences, engineering and business together.
Support quality of life and Vision 2030
Contribute to a vibrant society and an innovative, sustainable health system.
Registration conditions
Eligibility criteria for the Innovation Pulse Hackathon
- 1Open to university students, graduates and innovators in health, technology and engineering.
- 2Register individually or as a team of 2 to 5 members.
- 3The same email address cannot be registered in more than one submission.
- 4The idea must relate to one of the three approved tracks.
- 5Attach a PDF or PPTX presentation of up to 10 MB.
- 6Attend the remote mentoring day and the two onsite days if selected.
Benefits of taking part in the Innovation Pulse Hackathon
- Cash prizes for the top-ranked teams
- Official participation and accreditation certificates from Almaarefa University
- Direct mentoring from academics and industry experts
- Incubation opportunities for outstanding ideas through the university innovation ecosystem
- Specialised workshops on health innovation, business models and pitching
- A professional and research network with innovators and health-tech organisations
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before registering
Contact the Innovation Committee
Send your enquiry directly to the Innovation Committee and we will reply by email
Be part of the change
Register now and start building health and technology solutions for a healthier, more inclusive society
Register now