HACathon: Innovating for Impact

Rehabilitation Solutions Hackathon

Exactly six months after the war's outbreak, The Blender, Hadassah College's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, hosted a groundbreaking hackathon focused on rehabilitation, covering vision, movement, and mental health. Held at the prestigious "Margalit Startup City Jerusalem," this event became a pivotal moment to contribute significantly to the national effort. Challenges presented by therapists and patients from Hadassah Medical Center, Herzog Medical Center, and others inspired the innovations.

A Convergence of Minds and Innovation

The event welcomed mentors and judges from industry leaders such as Mobileye, NVIDIA, OrCam, BrainsWay, ALYN Hospital, and Hadassah Medical Center. The competition recognized outstanding teams with valuable prizes for their innovative solutions. The first place was awarded to an inventive device enabling the hands-free application of contact lenses. The second place recognized a project for a gear-based wheelchair that aids in ascending and prevents falls on descents. The third place celebrated an app designed to consolidate and share information for active and reserve soldiers. Professor Bertold Fridlender inaugurated the hackathon, applauding the participants and The Blender for their societal contributions and for addressing an issue so crucial and relevant to the contemporary Israeli landscape.

This Event Was Transformative

  • Impacted Lives: Participants worked on solutions that promise renewed hope and functionality for individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

  • Fostered Collaboration and Learning: The hackathon facilitated collaboration among a diverse group of students, healthcare professionals, and tech enthusiasts, fostering a rich learning environment.

  • Provided Expert Guidance: Leaders in technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship offered mentorship, guiding projects from ideas to feasible solutions.

  • Celebrated Innovation: Innovative solutions were showcased and recognized in a competitive setting, with the best ideas receiving support for further development.

 

Our Past HACathons:

From November 2nd to 4th 2022, we had an extraordinary journey of innovation and empathy at our HACathon, hosted in collaboration with the Adler Center for Aphasia. Set within the vibrant ecosystem of Hadassah Academic College, this hackathon was dedicated to devising practical, groundbreaking solutions aimed at enhancing the daily lives of individuals living with aphasia.

A Mission to Make a Difference

Our mission was to tackle real-life challenges faced by patients with aphasia, focusing on areas critical to improving their quality of life. Participants will dive into intensive problem-solving sessions across the following fields:

  • Phone Usage: Innovating accessible ways for patients to communicate and stay connected through mobile technology.

  • Social Media Usage: Creating platforms and tools that enable seamless social media interaction, fostering community and belonging.

  • Web Surfing: Enhancing web accessibility, allowing for effortless information access and exploration.

  • Participation in Conversations: Developing technologies and methodologies to support and improve verbal and non-verbal communication in social settings.

  • Evaluation of Functional Abilities: Crafting solutions to assess and monitor the functional capabilities of individuals, supporting therapy and progress tracking.

  • Data Management: Implementing systems to efficiently collect, analyze, and utilize data for personalized care and support.

Why Participate in the HACathon?

  • Impact Lives: Work on solutions that have a direct, positive impact on individuals and their communities.

  • Collaborate and Learn: Join forces with fellow students, tech enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, and innovators from diverse fields.

  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from the mentorship and insights of experts in technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

  • Innovation and Recognition: Showcase your creativity and skill in creating solutions that matter. The best innovations will receive recognition and support to bring their ideas to fruition.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Whether you're a coder, designer, healthcare professional, or simply passionate about making a difference, the HACathon offers a unique opportunity to apply your skills to real-world challenges. Gear up for an intense, rewarding weekend where technology meets compassion, and together, we can create solutions that better the lives of those living with aphasia.

Mark your calendars and be a part of this transformative event.
Let's innovate, inspire, and impact lives together at the HACathon.