HITLAB and Utah Valley University Launch World Cup Healthcare Innovation & Hackathon
New York, NY – May 12, 2026 — HITLAB and Utah Valley University today announced the Healthcare Innovation World Cup and hackathon, a global competition designed to fast-track healthcare breakthroughs from lab to patient care. The initiative targets the widening gap between innovation and implementation—where promising solutions stall before reaching the people who need them most.
Why Now?
Healthcare stands at an inflection point. AI is re-shaping diagnosis and treatment. Digital identity infrastructure is redefining patient data control. Life-saving diagnostics and therapeutics are emerging from labs worldwide. Yet too many breakthroughs remain trapped in pilot programs, awaiting the strategic support, funding, and industry partnerships needed to scale. This competition removes those barriers. “The gap between breakthroughs and patient care is still too wide, and it costs lives,” says Dr. Stan Kachnowski, Chair of HITLAB. “This competition closes that gap by connecting innovators directly with the mentorship, capital, and industry relationships that turn promising solutions into deployed reality.”
Two Tracks, One Mission
The competition features dual pathways designed for different stages of innovation:
University Hackathon
A fast-paced, parallel track for current university students at any level. No prior experience or polished concept required. Teams tackle the same challenge areas through rapid prototyping, mentorship, and hands-on collaboration. This track emphasizes experimentation, creative risk-taking, and translating ideas into tangible solutions under real constraints.
Healthcare Innovation World Cup
Open to startups (pre-seed to Series A), academic research teams, graduate students, and interdisciplinary innovators with developed prototypes or validated solutions. Teams compete across three tracks: Applied AI in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Digital Identity & Data Infrastructure, and Life Sciences & MedTech. Five finalists will pitch live and virtually at Utah Valley University on June 17.
What we’re looking for?
High-impact solutions that demonstrate:
- Clear problem-solution fit addressing urgent healthcare needs
- Technical feasibility and depth
- Real-world applicability and deployment readiness
- Scalability potential across populations or geographies
- Thoughtful consideration of ethics, privacy, and equity
Participants gain exposure to healthcare and AI leaders, mentorship from industry experts, pitch coaching, and access to funding, partnerships, and pilot opportunities. Finalists receive structured support to refine strategy, strengthen implementation plans, and connect with decision-makers who can accelerate adoption.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: May 12th, 2026
- Deadline: June 3rd, 2026
- Finalists Announced: June 10th, 2026
- Live Pitch Competition at UVU: June 17th, 2026
Prizes & Sponsor
Apply Now. The deadline is June 5, 2026.
“This partnership with HITLAB, the Governor’s Office, and the Utah System of Higher Education represents exactly what we’re building at UVU and the Smith College of Engineering and Technology,” says Barclay Burns, Assistant Dean Utah Valley University (UVU). “These collaborations create the ecosystem our students need—connecting academic innovation directly to industry networks, strategic mentorship, and the resources that turn classroom potential into real-world impact.” This initiative establishes Utah Valley University as a hub for applied AI, quantum computing, and digital health innovation, while positioning Utah as a dynamic healthcare innovation ecosystem connecting academic talent with global industry networks.
About HITLAB
HITLAB accelerates the development and validation of technologies that improve health outcomes worldwide, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world implementation.
About Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University is Utah’s largest public university, committed to engaged learning, accessible education, and fostering innovation across disciplines.
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