United International University hosted the seventh Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab Hackathon on April 10 and 11, 2026, marking its second consecutive year as the only Bangladesh hub for the global event, according to a press release. Held at the Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation and Commercialisation, the hackathon focused on building high-value health systems by leveraging artificial intelligence.

The Dhaka hub drew over 650 applications nationwide, from which 22 teams comprising 98 participants and four individual innovators were selected. Participants represented more than 20 universities and institutions, including Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, the University of Dhaka, BRAC University and icddr,b.

Speakers and jury members included the Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh, CEO of United Aygaz Harun Ortac and Professor Laura J Reichenbach, Dean of the James P Grant School of Public Health. They were joined by mentors and industry leaders who guided participants throughout the event.

Teams developed solutions addressing critical care, infectious diseases, maternal health and healthcare accessibility. The Dhaka champions received cash awards and an opportunity to join the HSIL Venture Incubation Programme, aimed at transforming innovative ideas into scalable health solutions.