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Image: Centre for Digital Transformation of Health LinkedIn
Researchers from the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health at the University of Melbourne led a two-day workshop focused on developing equitable digital health interventions. This event, designed to inspire and empower, featured a competition known as the 'Hackathon Prize,' where participants had two days to conceive, prototype, and pitch innovative app ideas to a panel of expert judges.
One entry came from MSc in Applied Digital Health student Anton Elepaño and his team, who secured second place. Their innovative concept aimed to create a free, comprehensive platform for cancer patients, offering access to financial, emotional, and medical services. This platform would also facilitate connections between clinical trial investigators and pre-vetted, interested patients, fostering a more integrated support system.
The first-place prize was awarded to a team led by DPhil student Gina Wren, alongside DPhil students Ishbel Henderson and Brenna Loufek, and MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership student Fatima Ndanusa. Their project sought to enhance knowledge exchange and social connectivity within underserved communities in Glasgow. Reflecting on the experience, Gina said, “It was a huge learning experience, a great opportunity to learn a new set of skills, and really rewarding to turn our team’s idea into a working prototype!”
The winning team graciously transferred their prize—six months of access to the no-code app development platform Cogniss—to Anton’s team, allowing them to continue refining their impactful idea. This act of collaboration underscores the spirit of the workshop, where the ultimate goal was to develop solutions that bridge gaps in healthcare access.
Congratulations to all the participants for their creativity, dedication, and the potential impact of their projects. The workshop showcased the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today. Well done to all involved!