Abu Dhabi Global Health Week Reveals Winners Of Smart Health Hackathon Focused On Innovative Health Solutions

The Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) recently concluded its Smart Health Hackathon, revealing the winners of this innovative event. Held from 5–6 April, the hackathon gathered entrepreneurs, university teams, health-tech experts, and inventors in Abu Dhabi. Participants developed solutions to pressing health and well-being issues live before a panel of industry leaders.

Participants competed in two categories: ‘Smart Living’ and ‘The Gym of Tomorrow’. The Smart Living track encouraged innovators to create tech-enabled solutions for monitoring physical and mental health using AI, wearable devices, and predictive analytics. Meanwhile, The Gym of Tomorrow focused on reimagining fitness through immersive experiences using technologies like VR and gamification.

The winning team in the Smart Living category introduced CloudCare. This solution uses AI, wearable technology, and cameras to monitor elderly individuals' vital signs and stress levels. If concerning changes are detected, the AI initiates a smart phone call to a family member with updates and recommendations. The AI assistant can also answer questions and coordinate next steps.

In The Gym of Tomorrow category, the winning team presented Limitless. This fitness solution is designed specifically for women, considering unique physiological needs such as pregnancy and postnatal recovery. The AI-powered platform provides real-time feedback on exercise form, corrective guidance, and progress tracking to help women achieve their fitness goals safely.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi highlighted the hackathon's role in building an intelligent healthcare system driven by patient-centred solutions. "The Smart Health Hackathon is one of several initiatives that are integral to our broader vision of building one of the world’s most intelligent, trusted, and efficient healthcare systems—driven by patient-centred solutions and our commitment to excellence," she said.

Winners received financial prizes along with access to seed funding opportunities, incubation programmes, and potential pilot testing. They will also gain introductions to healthcare providers, investors, and health manufacturing firms within Abu Dhabi’s growing life sciences ecosystem.

Fostering Future Health Innovators

The competition attracted over 100 applications from start-ups and students representing 11 universities across the UAE. A rigorous screening process ensured each team had the skills needed to develop impactful solutions. After two selection rounds, 45 participants formed 16 multidisciplinary teams.

This hackathon aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision for healthcare digitisation and innovation. The Department of Health's commitment to transformative research is unlocking new frontiers in prevention and personalised care.

Through initiatives like this hackathon, Abu Dhabi aims not only to address current challenges but also to nurture future talent in health innovation. These efforts reinforce its position as a leader in digital transformation within the healthcare sector.

With inputs from WAM