20th July 2025

Hack-A-Health Hackathon: Transforming Ideas into Impactful Innovations

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In the bustling halls of City, University of London’s St George campus, the IEEE City Robotics Society hosted an extraordinary three-day event: the Hack-A-Health Hackathon. Focused on addressing real-world challenges aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, the event brought together bright minds from across disciplines to create transformative healthcare solutions.

A Unique Experience for Future Innovators

The Hack-A-Health Hackathon wasn’t just another competition; it was a journey of discovery, leadership, and collaboration. Participants began by pitching their innovative ideas, stepping into the role of a CEO to inspire and form diverse, cross-functional teams. Guided by this entrepreneurial spirit, teams worked tirelessly to develop their concepts into actionable prototypes. Etrit Hashani, a Project Officer, reflected, “What set this hackathon apart was the emphasis on real-world impact. We weren’t just coding or designing—we were creating solutions that could genuinely improve lives.”

Workshops and Mentorship: Hands-On Learning Beyond the Classroom

Throughout the hackathon, students had the opportunity to attend engaging workshops led by industry leaders from renowned organizations, including Ansys, Le Wagon, and Code for Life. These sessions offered valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. University societies such as the City Engineering Society and the Computer Science Society also contributed, hosting practical workshops that enhanced participants’ technical skills.

The mentorship sessions provided by experts were a cornerstone of the event, enabling teams to refine their ideas with professional guidance. Haneen Graoui, the President, shared, “The mentorship was invaluable. It bridged the gap between theory and application, empowering students to think critically and creatively.”

Pitching to the Experts:

The event culminated in an electrifying final presentation session. Teams pitched their polished solutions to a distinguished panel of judges, including Tom Whitehead, Florian Aucomte, Mia Molinari, and Erik Kostson. The room buzzed with anticipation as innovative healthcare ideas were unveiled, each judged on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact.

A Platform for Growth and Networking:

Beyond the competition, the hackathon fostered a culture of innovation, equipping participants with employability skills and valuable industry connections. The vibrant networking sessions provided students with a chance to engage with professionals, sparking conversations that could pave the way for future collaborations. Maria Zagorulko, a guest speaker, inspired attendees with her insights into healthcare innovation, encouraging them to keep pushing boundaries.

Gratitude to Our Supporters:

This landmark event wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the IEEE City Robotics Society committee: Soheil Ahmed, Haneen Graoui, Fouzia Anser, Sreekanth Kumar, Maruf Miah, Yousof Abbas, Baset Aziemie, Yousef Mohamed, Razan Murad, Omer Suliman, Andrei Oleynikov, Etrit Hashani, Moosa Maknoon, Ioana S., Bansari Sanghvi, and Zakariyya Devān. Special thanks go to our judges, guest speakers, and the university staff who supported us, including Professor Rajkumar Roy, Sanowar Khan, Golnaz Badkobeh, and Asa Barber.

We are immensely grateful to our partners and supporters: City, University of London, City STEM, Engineering Society, Computer Science Society, Hackathons UK, Code for Life, Le Wagon, Ansys, and Naked Energy Ltd.

Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead:

Congratulations to the winners of the Hack-A-Health Hackathon! Your innovative ideas stood out, and we eagerly anticipate seeing where this experience will lead you. Reflecting on the event, Fouzia Answer (Vice-President) remarked, “Hack-A-Health wasn’t just about winning; it was about learning, growing, and making meaningful connections. Events like this highlight the power of innovation when driven by a shared purpose.”

As we look to the future, the IEEE City Robotics Society remains committed to fostering creativity and collaboration, inspiring the next generation of leaders in technology and healthcare. Hack-A-Health was more than a hackathon—it was a movement, and this is only the beginning.

Join Us in Shaping the Future :

Stay tuned for more events from the IEEE City Robotics Society. Together, let’s continue to push the boundaries of innovation and make a difference in the world.

Author: Baset Aziemie