Qatar University has officially launched the second edition of the Health Hackathon 2025, a landmark national initiative aimed at accelerating digital health innovation. The event is organized in collaboration with the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council and Qatar Development Bank (QDB), alongside strategic partners from the health and technology sectors, underscoring a unified commitment to advancing the country’s knowledge-based economy.
This year’s hackathon, themed “Towards a health transformation that shapes our future,” aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, entrepreneurship, and modern technology. The initiative serves as a critical platform to foster a robust national innovation ecosystem and enhance the quality of life through technological advancement.
A National Platform for Innovation
The Health Hackathon is positioned as the largest event of its kind in Qatar, bringing together over 200 innovators, researchers, and professionals from diverse fields including medicine, engineering, technology, and business. Participants will collaborate to develop impactful digital solutions across six key tracks, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the healthcare industry today.
Dr. Asma Al-Thani, Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences at Qatar University, described the initiative as a leading national model for translating scientific research into tangible societal impact. “The Health Hackathon 2025 embodies Qatar University’s commitment to turning knowledge into practical solutions,” she stated. “Through this platform, we are building national capabilities and empowering a new generation of innovators to lead the digital transformation in healthcare, both within Qatar and beyond.”
Six Key Tracks to Tackle Healthcare Challenges
To ensure a focused and impactful outcome, the hackathon will challenge teams to innovate within six specialized areas:
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Leveraging AI to improve diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes.
- Personalized Medicine and Advanced Diagnostics: Developing solutions for tailored healthcare interventions.
- Smart Hospitals and Automation: Creating efficient and technologically advanced hospital environments.
- Sustainable Healthcare: Designing eco-friendly and resource-efficient health solutions.
- Wearables and Digital Health: Innovating in remote patient monitoring and personal wellness technology.
- Mental Health and Preventive Care: Addressing mental wellbeing and proactive health management.
From Spark to Launch
The hackathon is structured in three main phases. Registration officially opens on October 19, 2025, followed by intensive workshops for qualified teams from November 27 to 29 at Qatar University. The program culminates in a final ceremony on December 10, 2025, held during the prestigious World AI Summit in Doha.
The competition features two distinct tracks to accommodate projects at different stages of development. The “Spark” track is designed for innovative ideas in their early stages, while the “Launch” track caters to projects ready for validation and practical application. Winners will receive financial awards, a six-month incubation and mentorship program, and specialized technical support from leading national institutions.
Dr. Kholoud Abdullah, Head of the Health Hackathon, emphasized the event’s long-term vision. “This is not a fleeting event; it is an investment in our people—in the intellect and passion of our youth and their ability to turn challenges into solutions,” she explained. “This second edition represents an integrated national movement that reflects Qatar University’s ambition to be at the heart of the country’s digital health innovation ecosystem.”
About Health Hackathon 2025
Health Hackathon 2025 is a leading national initiative by Qatar University, in partnership with the QRDI Council and Qatar Development Bank. It aims to foster digital health innovation by connecting academia, industry, and government sectors. The event brings together professionals and students from various disciplines to develop technology-driven solutions for contemporary healthcare challenges, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for health-tech innovation.
Source: Al Sharq
