Harvard HSIL Hackathon - Bangladesh

Winners Announced | HSIL Hackathon 2026 – Dhaka Hub

United International University (UIU) proudly hosted the 7th edition of the Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab (HSIL) Hackathon 2026 at IRIIC — bringing together some of the brightest innovators from across Bangladesh under a global platform spanning 50+ hubs worldwide.

After two days of intense innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving under the theme “Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging AI,” we are proud to announce the winning teams of the Bangladesh hub:

🏆 Team Maverick, representing the Military Institute of Science & Technology (MIST) and United International University (UIU), developed an AI-enabled platform for early detection and support of dyslexia in children through personalized, interactive learning. The solution integrates performance analytics and guided interventions to support early diagnosis and continuous skill development.

🏆 ShigellaAI Diagnostics Bangladesh, a team from icddr,b, introduced an AI-based clinical decision support tool to improve diagnosis and management of Shigella-related diarrhoeal diseases in resource-constrained settings. The tool leverages routinely available clinical data to generate real-time risk scores, enabling more accurate and evidence-based treatment decisions.

The winning teams will now advance to the HSIL Global Bootcamp, representing Bangladesh on the global stage and moving forward toward the HSIL Venture Incubation Program.

From ideas to impact — the future of healthcare innovation starts here.

The final day unfolded with momentum, focus, and purpose.

Participants continued hacking, refining their solutions with dedication, while mentors provided their final guidance — helping teams sharpen their ideas before stepping onto the stage.

Soon, the room shifted from building to presenting.
Teams delivered their final pitches before an esteemed jury, showcasing innovative ideas that reflect the future of AI-powered healthcare systems.

Our Jury Panel:
• Laura J Reichenbach, PhD — Dean, James P Grant School of Public Health
• Prof. Dr. Ferdousi Begum — Professor, Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB)
• Prof. Khondaker A. Mamun, PhD — Director, IRIIC & MSCSE Program, United International University
• Dr. Kulsum Ara — Deputy Director (MIS), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
• MD Nurul Hai — Managing Director, Startup Bangladesh
• Abu Raihan Al Beruni — Chief Financial Officer, United Healthcare Services Ltd
• Harun Ortaç — Chief Executive Officer, United Aygaz LPG Ltd.

The intensity, clarity, and impact of each presentation truly highlighted the potential of these emerging solutions.

The day concluded with inspiring words from our respected jury members and guests — celebrating not just the outcomes, but the collaboration, learning, and shared vision that brought everyone together.

From ideas to impact — Day 02 marked the culmination of innovation in action.

HSIL Hackathon 2026 – Dhaka Hub in the spotlight.

We are proud to see HSIL 2026 featured across multiple national newspapers, highlighting its hosting at IRIIC, United International University.

A step forward in bringing global innovation to Bangladesh.

Daily Campus - https://english.thedailycampus.com/private-university/2377

Jagoron Express - https://jagoronexpress.com/details/?pid=5036

BD Tone 24 - https://www.bdtone24.com/english/education/news/2399

Not just building — learning from the best.

Mentors are guiding teams throughout HSIL Hackathon 2026 – Dhaka Hub, helping them navigate challenges and sharpen their solutions for real-world impact.

This is where ideas get refined.

This year’s theme is “Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging AI”, supported by Prime Bank and United Healthcare Services Ltd. (Strategic Partners), CMED Health (AI Health Partner), Ispahani Mirzapore Tea (Hot Beverage Partner), and media partners The Business Standard and Daily Bonik Barta ( বণিক বার্তা )

The journey has officially begun — 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐇𝐒𝐈𝐋 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧 7th Edition (Bangladesh Hub) is now live! 🇧🇩

Excited to see brilliant minds come together, innovate, and turn ideas into impact. Let’s make this an unforgettable experience! 💡🔥

We are proud to introduce our Mentors for the Harvard HSIL Hackathon 2026 – Dhaka Hub.

A diverse group of Professionals from industry, research, and innovation ecosystems will be guiding our participants throughout this journey — bringing real-world insight, strategic direction, and practical experience to every team.

From shaping ideas to refining solutions, their mentorship will play a critical role in transforming concepts into impactful innovations for health systems.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all our mentors for being part of this initiative and contributing to the next generation of changemakers.



United International University Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Commercialization, UIU Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Professor Khondaker A. Mamun, PhD.

HSIL 2025 Day 01 Flashback 🎥

Where it all began.

From the first introductions to the early ideation sessions, Day 01 was filled with energy, curiosity, and collaboration. Teams came together, ideas started taking shape, and mentors guided the first steps toward impactful solutions.

It wasn’t just the start of a hackathon — it was the beginning of a journey to solve real-world health challenges through innovation.

And this was only Day 01.

7 Days to Go: The Calm Before the Innovation Storm ⏳

With just one week left, the energy is building.

Across the country, the teams are deep in preparation — refining ideas, strengthening solutions, and turning concepts into impactful innovations. This is the phase where clarity sharpens, pressure builds, and ideas transform into something real.

On April 10th, the IRIIC Dhaka Hub at UIU becomes more than a venue — it becomes the center of innovation.



United International University Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Commercialization, UIU Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Professor Khondaker A. Mamun, PhD.

HSIL Hackathon 2026 – Bangladesh Hub is proud to welcome Ispahani Mirzapore Tea as our Hot Beverage Partner.

The Health Systems Innovation Lab (HSIL) Hackathon, led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, brings together innovators worldwide to design and prototype technology-powered solutions that strengthen health systems. As part of this global initiative, the Bangladesh Hub at Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation, and Commercialization (IRIIC), United International University (UIU), is working to enable local talent to contribute to high-value, scalable health innovations.

Ispahani Mirzapore Tea partnership reinforces our shared commitment to fostering innovation, supporting young entrepreneurs, and building pathways for ideas to evolve into real-world ventures through mentorship, industry linkage, and venture-building opportunities.

We look forward to working closely with Ispahani Mirzapore Tea to empower participants as they design, build, and pitch solutions that can shape the future of healthcare in Bangladesh and beyond.



United International University Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Commercialization, UIU Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Professor Khondaker A. Mamun, PhD.

HSIL Hackathon 2026 – Bangladesh Hub is proud to welcome United Healthcare Services Ltd. as our Strategic Partner.

The Health Systems Innovation Lab (HSIL) Hackathon, led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, brings together innovators worldwide to design and prototype technology-powered solutions that strengthen health systems. As part of this global initiative, the Bangladesh Hub at Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation, and Commercialization (IRIIC), United International University (UIU), is working to enable local talent to contribute to high-value, scalable health innovations.

United Healthcare Services Ltd’s partnership reinforces our shared commitment to fostering innovation, supporting young entrepreneurs, and building pathways for ideas to evolve into real-world ventures through mentorship, industry linkage, and venture-building opportunities.

We look forward to working closely with United Healthcare Services Ltd to empower participants as they design, build, and pitch solutions that can shape the future of healthcare in Bangladesh and beyond.



United International University Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Commercialization, UIU Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Professor Khondaker A. Mamun, PhD.