i-Days Hackathon Calls for Ideas to Improve Healthcare Sector
The i-Days hackathon, organised by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Health Community (EIT Health), will take place in Latvia on 5 - 6 November. The event aims to find solutions to healthcare challenges that are currently particularly current world-wide.
The hackathon is organised by the EIT Health Hub in Latvia which is located at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). Teams of students, residents and young professionals will compete for the main prize – 1,000 euros and a ticket to the European finals.
Professor Ģirts Briģis, Head of the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, explains:
‘As the whole world experiences a serious public health crisis, we have identified weaknesses in Latvia's healthcare system and significant improvements are needed.
It is extremely important to find new ideas, solutions and innovations in order to improve the healthcare system. Our students, residents and young professionals are building the future of the Latvian healthcare industry, meaning that events like this are important not only for the students themselves, but also for the country as a whole.’
This year’s theme is to create solutions for improving healthcare. During these two days, participants will have an opportunity to listen to lectures by industry professionals, get inspired by innovation success stories and create innovative solutions to problems in the healthcare sector, as well as to compete in teams for the main prize – 1,000 euros and a ticket to the European final competition. The 2nd place-winner will be awarded 800 euros, and 3rd place will receive 700 euros. In addition to this, there will also be a promotion award.
apply by 3 NOVEMBER 2021
Baiba Pētersone, Director of the RSU International Department, points out: ‘Healthcare is a complex area for innovation and start-up development due to strict regulations and the long development and testing process. During the pandemic, this sector is facing particular challenges and healthcare personnel are overwhelmed.
Since everyone is in need of healthcare services, it is important to help develop this area through any support measures.
By establishing Health Hub in Latvia, EIT Health aims to promote cooperation between different stakeholders of the healthcare ecosystem in Latvia and to promote the introduction of innovative solutions in healthcare.’
About i-Days
i-Days offer students, residents and young professionals an opportunity to participate in the development of innovative healthcare ideas at various EIT Health events across Europe. During the events, participants gain an in-depth insight into healthcare issues, get acquainted with the latest innovations in healthcare sector and compete in teams to solve real-life problems. The winning team of each country receives the main prize – the ticket to the final i-Days European competition.
About EIT Health
EIT Health, a European public-private partnership in the area of healthcare, was established by more than 150 partners representing the leading European companies, universities, research and development centres, hospitals and other organisations. The role of this partnership is to build a future healthcare ecosystem that will enable European citizens to live longer and healthier lives. EIT Health upgrades the skills of healthcare professionals throughout Europe by investing in Europe's best talents and facilitates the commercialisation of innovative health products/solutions within the EU.
