What is the COVID-19 mini hackathon? A 1-day event in which we bring together pedatric nurses & clinicians, physicians, engineers, data scientists, designers and entrepreneurs together to “hack” or quickly create disruptive solutions for pediatric and neonatal healthcare.

Who should participate?  Nurses, Clinicians, physicians, engineers, nursing students, computer science students, designers and entrepreneurs.  Anyone who wants to transform pediatric medicine via technology. You don’t need a problem statement to participate (but we do want people who have one to bring it forward).

I have never been to a hackathon, can I still be a part of it?  Yes, you do not need prior expereience.  This hackathon will be virtual, but if you'd like to learn more about hackathons in general, here are some videos you can watch:  Innovation Lab and MIT Hacking Pediatrics & MIT Grand Hack

How do I participate?

To participate in the Hackathon, click here to register! Once registered, you are considered a participant! 

Are there any age restrictions? Participants must be at least 16 years of age.

What are the hours for the hackathon?  Monday, August 3 from 8am to 8pm.  You will be able to log in and out while you work with your teams.  Everyone should present at 8am in order to hear all pitches and form teams.

When will breaks be held?  Since this is a virtual event, you and your tean can decide when to take breaks.  We will have a master schedule for things you sould be back with the larger over all group for, but for the most part you can plan these as you like.

Where is the hackathon located?  The event is virtual. You will recieve the link upon reigstration.

I am a coder/developer - What platform can I build on?  This is a platform agnostic Hackathon. If you are participating as a "hacker" feel free to build on any platform you and your team choose.

What do I “hack” on?  You can bring a problem and present it or you may self-select on to a team that that is working on a problem that is interesting to you. 

How do I know if my "problem statement" is a good one?  We anticipate that most problems will be brought forward by clinical participants, but anyone is welcome to present one.  The problem should be something you think technology can help solve in pediatric healthcare.   To ensure your problem statement will bring value, look for things your department is struggling with, but hasn’t had the time to solve. If nothing comes to mind, look elsewhere within your organization for any known pain points.  You many also want to try take in the perspective of one of your customers/patients - do they have something you are certain they are struggling with?  When you are ready, we would like to help by reviewing your problem statement.  Please reach out to us at hackathon@ii4change.com so that we can assist you!

How are teams formed?  On Monday morning, participants will have a chance to pitch problems. After hearing all the pitches, you will have a chance to ask questions. Make sure you talk to people whose problems you found compelling (and/or talk to people who found your problem compelling) and form teams. You can join a team around someone else’s pitch or form a team around something you pitched.

Can we participate at as pre-formed team?  Yes, but we strongly encourge teams to form organically during the event.  If you do choose to form a team in advance, all members will need register for the event individually and can select onto the team the day of the event.  Please keep in mind that teams should be kept small (4-6 people) have diversity in backgrounds and skill sets.

What is the Goal of the Hackathon?  To create a concept prototype for a solution to the problem pitched. Prototypes do not need to be fancy.  It’s more important to get things done.  For example, a sketch that demonstrates the idea is effective, you don’t need to take the time to create CAD drawings.

What is the cost to participate?  Nothing.  Participation is free.

Who owns the IP that may come out of the hackathon? This Hackathon is organized by Innovation Lab, LLC in partnership with CHOC Children's.  By registering and participating in the Hackathon all participants agree to assign all rights and title to the solution generated during the Hackathon to CHOC. 

I want to be a mentor! How can I sign up?  If you would like to participate as a mentor, please email Matt Keller ar matt.keller@ii4change.com.

I have a question this FAQ doesn’t answer... You can contact us at hackahon@ii4change.com.

*Innovation Lab, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Innovation Institute, LLC.  The Innovation Institute currently has six major health systems as equity investors or “Member Owners.” Innovation Lab is a healthcare incubator that provides services to the Institute’s Member Owners. These services span the entire landscape of product and service innovation, from translating unmet needs into products in market to helping hospital systems foster a culture of innovation. The Lab manages partnerships with its Member Owners and alliances with organizations including the Cleveland Clinic, Boston Scientific, Dell, and Deloitte. The Lab team collaborates with 200,000 medical professionals affiliated across the six Member Owners to develop, commercialize, and bring new products and solutions to the market at scale. Innovation Lab and its partners comprise a powerful ecosystem to activate innovators and improve people’s lives in our communities and around the globe. Our current Member Owner health systems include Providence St. Joseph Health, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Avera health, Children’s Hospital of Orange County CHOC) and Valley Children’s Healthcare.