Brain health is one of the most urgent frontiers in healthcare today.
From Alzheimer's and dementia to stress, mental health, and recovery from brain injury, millions of people face challenges that affect their quality of life and longevity. Advances in AI, digital health tools, and connected experiences are opening new possibilities — but fresh ideas and bold experimentation are needed.
About the Challenge
The UW Tech Exploration Lab invites innovators, startups, students, researchers, and professionals to the 2026 Digital Health Challenge: Focus on Brain Health.
We're seeking bold, technology-driven ideas and prototypes that advance brain health — from prevention and early detection to treatment support and lifelong cognitive well-being.
How It Works
Work asynchronously on your own schedule, or take advantage of optional:
- 🧠 Peer feedback sessions
- 👥 Mentor connections
- 📚 Curated resource roundups
All designed to help you strengthen your concept before the deadline.
Finals — April 10, 2026
Finalists will be invited to present in-person April 10th, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, to an audience of industry leaders, alumni, and faculty innovators.
Requirements
What to Submit
- Team Info – names, roles, affiliation, contact
- Project Title & Summary – 250-word overview
- Problem Statement – the brain health need and who it affects
- Proposed Solution – approach, tech used, and where it fits
- Impact & Feasibility – beneficiaries, outcomes, scalability, technical readiness
- Innovation & Differentiation – what's new, responsible use of emerging tech
- Prototype / Supporting Materials – demos, mockups, visuals, or a short video pitch
Prizes
1st Place Prize
2nd Place Prize
Finalist
Presentation at 1403 University Ave, April 10th 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Vincent Philavong
Judging Criteria
-
How Submissions Are Evaluated
1. Problem Clarity (Most Important) 2. Solution Fit 3. Innovation 4. Use of Emerging Technology 5. Evidence of Progress 6. Impact & Feasibility 7. Presentation Quality
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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