📍 Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib hospital - Alfaiha
Jeddah, KSA - 6th floor - Main Auditorium
April 11–12, 2025
About the Hackathon
The Health Systems Innovation Hackathon by the Harvard Health Systems Innovation Lab (HSIL) is a global gathering of students, professionals, and innovators collaborating to design bold healthcare solutions. This year’s focus: leveraging AI to build high-value health systems.
Welcome from Faisal Al Nassar
President & CEO, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group
Welcome to the HSIL Hackathon 2025. At Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, we take pride in leading healthcare innovation and being a catalyst for collaboration. This groundbreaking event, held in partnership with MBSC, the Harvard Innovation Lab, and as a strategic partner of RDIA, marks a defining moment for Saudi Arabia. Together, we are accelerating innovation, empowering talent, and advancing our national vision globally.
Prof. Awad Al-Omari
Chief Medical Officer - Dr. Sulaiman AL Habib Medical Group
Welcome to a space where innovation meets purpose. For the first time in Saudi Arabia, we proudly unite MBSC and the Harvard Innovation Lab to explore how AI can transform healthcare and build high-value, human-centered systems. This initiative marks a bold step forward, positioning our national innovation globally. Together, we shape the future of healthcare.
Challenge Themes
Use AI to address real-world health system challenges
- EHR Analysis
- Diagnostic Tools
- Clinical Chatbots
- Fragmented Care
- Health App Overload
- Healthcare Workforce Shortages
- Pediatric AI
- Health Literacy
- Preventive Health
- Communication Barriers
Judging Criteria - Each team will be scored across these categories (Total: 30 points)
- Challenge Relevance
- Innovation & Technical Feasibility
- Implementation Plan
- Team Skills & Diversity
- Pitch Delivery
- Q&A Defense
Full Schedule – Jeddah Hub
Friday, April 11
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:30 AM | Registration & Networking |
| 9:30–9:45 AM | Welcome Addresses |
| 9:45–10:30 AM | Keynote Panel: AI-Driven Health |
| 10:30–10:45 AM | Hack 101 & Rules |
| 10:45–11:15 AM | Team formation & participant pitches |
| 11:15 AM–12:00 PM | Mentoring & hacking starts |
| 12:00–1:30 PM | Juma prayer & Day 1 ends |
| 1:30–4:00 PM | Independent team work |
| 4:00 PM | Finalize teams on Slack |
Saturday, April 12
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:30 AM | Check-in & coffee |
| 9:30–9:45 AM | Day 2 kickoff & mentor introductions |
| 9:45–10:00 AM | Panel: Empowering Women in HealthTech |
| 10:00–10:30 AM | Guest Talk: Venture Journey in KSA |
| 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Hacking + pitch practice |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch & prayer break |
| 1:00–1:30 PM | Final prep & pitch polishing |
| 1:45 PM | Slide submission + guest arrivals |
| 2:00–2:30 PM | Guest speaker welcome notes |
| 2:30–4:00 PM | Team pitches (3 mins + Q&A) |
| 4:00–4:30 PM | Judges deliberate + coffee break |
| 4:30–5:00 PM | Winners announced + closing remarks |
Judges
- Dr. Osama Khoja – General Director for Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (MDLAB); Corporate Medical Director of HMG Labs
- Dr. Bader Aljaser – President, RAITI Middle East
- Dr. Rayyan Alharbi – CEO, NEOM Hospital
- Dr. Hani Alhashmi – Medical Expert, Medical Oncologist, Hematologist and Stem Cell Transplantation.
- Dr. Hani Mufti – Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery
- Ghadeer Almuaini – GM Healthcare Innovation at RDIA
- Nabeel Goheer – PhD, Chief of Asia, Middle East, Europe (AMEE) Region
- Nicola Cogan, PhD, D.Clin.Psy – Consultant Clinical Psychologist (Honorary NHS contract) Chief Scientific Officer, Sentiental Ltd
Mentors
- Dr. Abdulrhman Almohammedi – Academic & Public Affairs at HMG
- Ameer Albahouth – Markeitng and AI Innovation
- Dr. Mohammed Saban – Emergency Consultant with 20+ years experience.
- Manal Altalal – Public Health Management Director at Altwaniah Insurance companey.
- Dr.Manal Alnemri – Digital Health Consultant, Ministry of Health & Health Holding Company, Saudi Arabia.
- Najla Alhasan – Business Development Senior Account Manager at Siemens Healthineers
- Dr.Mohammed Alkhtani – Director of Quality and Outcomes Monitoring at MOH
- Dr.Hani Mohammed Alharbi – Strategy and Performance Consultant
- Qassim Alkhateeb – Consultant, Pulmonary Critical Care & Head of Critical Care Dept, HMG
- Majed Alahamdi – Hematology Consultant at NGHA
- Othman Alkadi – Healthcare BD Director at Monshaat
- Eman Almutiriy – Operational Excellence Leader
- Dr. Laila Ashkar – Consultant in Medicine and Radiology with expertise in Artificial Intelligence.
Helpful Resources
- Presentation Template
- WHO: Ethics of AI in Health
- Global Burden of Disease Visualization
- Mental Health Data Atlas (WHO)
- Harvard Health Systems Innovation Hackathon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HSIL Health Systems Innovation Hackathon 2025
Q: When and where is the Hackathon taking place?
The Hackathon will be held on Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th, 2025, across multiple global hubs including Saudi Arabia. Your local hub will confirm the specific venue and schedule.
What is the theme this year?
Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
Who can participate?
Students, young professionals, and early-stage startups from any background (healthcare, tech, design, business, etc.) are encouraged to join. No prior Hackathon experience is needed.
Do I need a team to apply?
No. You can apply as an individual. Teams will be formed via Slack before the event, or you can join the #jeddah_teams_in_the_making channel if you’re still looking for teammates.
How big should teams be?
Teams should ideally be made up of 3–5 members, preferably with diverse skill sets.
What digital platform will we use during the Hackathon?
Slack will be the primary communication tool.
Join here: 🔗 Join the HSIL Slack
What are the key Slack channels for Jeddah participants?
#jeddah-hub: Main announcements#jeddah_teams_finalized: For teams ready and formed#jeddah_teams_in_the_making: For participants still forming teams
Do we have to work on the challenges provided in the guide?
No. The challenges are there to inspire you, but you are welcome to address any issue related to AI and health systems.
Will we have access to mentors?
Yes! Each team will be supported by local mentors from various backgrounds—clinical, public health, AI, engineering, business, and more. Book 1:1 mentoring sessions via Slack.
What do we need to prepare for the pitch?
A 3-minute presentation covering:
- Introduction
- Problem statement
- Solution (technical details)
- Demo or mockup
- Closing summary
What are judges looking for?
Judges will score based on:
- Challenge clarity
- Innovation and tech use
- Implementation feasibility
- Team capability
- Quality of pitch
- Handling Q&A
Are there any prizes?
There is no cash prize, but winning teams enter a Bootcamp and potentially the 4-week Venture Incubation Program with 1:1 mentorship, workshops, and global exposure.
How many teams advance?
Based on local hub size:
- <50 participants: 1 winning team
- 50–100 participants: 2 winning teams (Jeddah Hub)
- 100 participants: 3 winning teams
Top 8 global teams will be selected for incubation.
Do we need to be fluent in English?
At least 1–2 members per team must be fluent in English to participate in the post-hackathon programs.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Participation is completely free. Your local hub provides resources at no cost.
Who do I contact for help during the Hackathon?
Your local hub organizers are your main point of contact. You’ll find them active in your local Slack channel.