Harvard Health Hackathon Concludes in Nepal, Showcasing Innovative Tech Solutions

Kathmandu. Marking a new era of innovation in Nepal's health and technology sectors, the Nepal finals of the Harvard Health Hackathon were successfully held at Kathmandu University. Organized by the Nepal Technology Innovation Center (NTIC), this event represents the first Harvard-level health hackathon in Nepal, connecting the nation to a global network of health innovation.

Conducted under the Health Systems Innovation Lab, the hackathon saw emerging innovators from across the country present solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) and accessibility to address complex challenges in the health sector. The two-day event, which began on April 10, featured distinguished guests including Kathmandu University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Achyut Wagle, Mike Harker of the U.S. Embassy, Chung Hee of KOICA, and Tim Gocher of Dolma Fund.

Out of over 400 teams that participated nationwide, 47 teams reached the finals after passing various regional competitions. Among them, the 'Second Eye' team, led by Dr. Latika Giri, was declared the winner. 'Equipulse' secured the first runner-up position, while 'Evomoi' became the second runner-up. These top three teams will now represent Nepal on the international stage, where they will have the opportunity to compete against world-class teams for the final round in Boston.

NTIC Director Prof. Dr. Bim Shrestha and Chief of Innovation Dr. Sanjeev Gupta described the event as a decisive moment for innovation in Nepal. They stated that the program has proven that the ideas and technology of Nepali youth are capable of competing at a global level. The jury panel included Dr. Nitin Bhandari, Sanjay Paudel, Prof. Dr. Roshee Lamichhane, Dr. Nishan Bhattarai, and Prof. Dr. Rabindra Bista.