HITLAB World Cup: Innovation Hackathon in Partnership with UVU Kahlert Applied AI Institute
PURPOSE
The Innovation Hackathon in partnership with Utah Valley University (UVU)’s Kahlert Applied AI Institute, is a fast-paced innovation experience designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and rapid problem-solving. Participants will work in teams to develop early-stage solutions to real-world challenges across applied AI, digital identity, and life sciences.
This experience emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the ability to quickly translate ideas into tangible concepts or prototypes within a short timeframe.
Who should apply
The Hackathon is open to individuals worldwide who are 18 years of age or older at the time of application. All Hackathon participants are required to participate in person at Utah Valley University during the Hackathon event dates unless otherwise approved by the organizers.
- Participants may apply regardless of student or professional status
- A dedicated Student Category will be available for individuals currently enrolled as undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students at an accredited college or university
- Participants applying to the Student Category must be able to provide valid proof of student status (e.g., university email address or student ID)
- Participants are solely responsible for all travel, lodging, meals, transportation, and related expenses associated with participation in the Hackathon unless otherwise stated by the organizers.
What innovations are we looking for
We are looking for creative, early-stage ideas and prototypes that address meaningful challenges across:
- Applied AI: Solutions that improve decision-making, workflows, or user experiences
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Concepts that improve access, outcomes, patient experience, or operational efficiency
- Digital Identity & Data: Ideas that enhance security, privacy, interoperability, or user control over data
Strong submissions will demonstrate:
- A clear and relevant problem
- Creative or novel thinking
- Practical potential (even at an early stage)
- Clear and compelling communication
HITLAB World Cup: Innovation Challenge in Partnership with UVU Kahlert Applied AI Institute
PURPOSE
The Innovation Challenge in partnership with Utah Valley University (UVU)’s Kahlert Applied AI Institute is a global competition designed to identify, showcase, and accelerate high-potential solutions at the intersection of applied AI, digital identity, and life sciences.
This challenge brings together top student innovators, academic research teams, and university-affiliated ventures to present solutions with strong real-world applicability, technical depth, and potential for long-term impact.
The program culminates in a live pitch competition at UVU, where selected finalists present to a panel of judges, industry leaders, and potential partners.
Who should apply
- Undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students with advanced or developed solutions
- Startups (pre-seed to Series A)
- Entrepreneurs
- Academic and research teams
- AI engineers, software developers, and data scientists
- Bio- Tech, Gov Tech, FinTech, EdTech, and Def-Tech professionals
- Interdisciplinary teams combining technical + clinical + business expertise
Note: Applicants should have a developed concept, prototype, or validated solution.
What innovations are we looking for
We are seeking high-impact, scalable solutions that address real-world challenges across:
- Applied AI in Healthcare & Life Sciences: Clinical decision support, predictive analytics, workflow automation, AI-driven research, and population health tools
- Digital Identity & Data Infrastructure: Interoperability, privacy-preserving technologies, secure identity systems, and decentralized data models
- Life Sciences & MedTech: Diagnostics, therapeutics, digital health platforms, biotech innovation, and medical devices
Strong submissions will demonstrate:
- Clear problem-solution fit
- Technical feasibility and depth
- Real-world applicability
- Potential for scale or translational impact
- Consideration of ethics, privacy, and equity
Timeline
- Application launch - May 12
- Application closes - June 3
- Finalists Announced - June 10
- Live pitch & Hackathon at UVU – June 17 & 18
*All deadlines are at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the respective days, unless otherwise stated.
Apply
Apply for the Hackathon
Mentor
Apply as a Mentor
Benefits
Participants will gain:
- Exposure to leaders across healthcare, AI, and life sciences
- Mentorship from academic and industry experts
- Opportunity to pitch to a panel of high-profile judges
- Access to potential funding, partnerships, and pilot opportunities
- Visibility across HITLAB and partner networks
- $30k+ of cash and in-kind prizes
- Finalists will receive dedicated pitch coaching and the opportunity to present live at UVU.
Rules & Criteria
Challenge Rules & Judging Criteria
Submissions must align with one of the core challenge tracks:
- Applied AI in Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Digital Identity & Data Infrastructure
- Life Sciences & MedTech
Solutions may be at the concept, prototype, MVP, pilot, or early-stage venture level. All submissions must be original and not infringe on existing intellectual property.
Teams must be available to participate in:
- Application and screening process
- Semi-final and finalist selection
- Final pitch event (virtual and in-person at UVU for finalists)
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Innovation & differentiation
- Real-world impact
- Technical feasibility
- Scalability & growth potential
- Implementation readiness
- Team Strength
- Ethics & responsibility
Hackathon Judging Criteria
All submissions will be evaluated in person by the respective bounty owners. Each bounty owner will review the solutions tied to their challenge and select the winning team based on how effectively the solution addresses the problem, including feasibility, creativity, and alignment with the stated objective.
Pitch Day Agenda
All times below are in Mountain Standard Time, local Utah time
DAY 1
12:00 PM
Registration, Lunch, Networking
1:00 PM
Opening Keynotes
1:30 PM
Challenge Presentations
3:30 PM
Judging
4:00 PM
Award Ceremony
4:30 PM
Celebration, Photos, & Dinner
5:00 PM
Hackathon
8:00 PM
Reception
DAY 2
8:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM
Hackathon
12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Hackathon
4:30 PM
Presenting Hacks & Dinner
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
Award Ceremony
Partners
