This marks the second consecutive year UIU will serve as the only Dhaka hub for the global event.

This year’s theme, “Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging AI”, highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving healthcare quality, efficiency and access.

The Dhaka hub received more than 650 applications nationwide. Following a competitive selection process, 22 teams comprising 98 participants, along with four individual innovators, were selected to take part.

The hackathon will be held simultaneously across 30 countries under HSIL supervision, with mentors, jury members and guests in attendance. The Bangladesh finale will include representatives from the startup ecosystem, corporate sector and academia.

Participants represent more than 20 universities, medical colleges and research institutions, including the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, University of Dhaka, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, BRAC University, American International University Bangladesh and International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, among others.

During the event, interdisciplinary teams of students, clinicians, engineers and entrepreneurs will develop solutions addressing challenges such as critical care, infectious diseases, maternal and child health, diagnostics and healthcare accessibility.

Top teams from the Dhaka hub will receive cash prizes and compete for a place in the HSIL Venture Incubation Programme, which offers mentorship and support to develop ideas into viable ventures.

Organisers said the initiative aims to promote technology-driven solutions to real-world healthcare challenges while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and the innovation ecosystem.