2019 Health WildCatters Texas Healthcare Challenge scene. (Photo: Health WildCatters)
Dallas-based seed accelerator Health WildCatters will be holding the 7th Texas Health Care Challenge Hackathon April 4-5 at Pegasus Park, a Dallas-based innovation hub.
“The Texas Health Care Challenge continues to highlight the incredible depth of talent and ingenuity within our community,” Dr. Hubert Zajicek, CEO and co-founder of Health WildCatters, said in a statement. “The TXHCC Hackathon equips participants with the tools and mentorship they need to develop solutions to key medical problems.”
This year’s two-day hackathon attracted over 200 applicants, with 120 participants selected to form a team that transcends the functioning of students, researchers, clinicians, engineers and entrepreneurs. Hackathons are supported by more than 25 health professionals, mentors and industry leaders who serve as judges, speakers and mentors throughout the event, Health Wildcatters said.
Accelerator said the Texas Healthcare Challenge is designed to catalyze real-world healthcare solutions by bringing together interdisciplinary minds and taking on the urgent challenges of the industry.
Focused on community health
This year’s Texas Health Resources Track will challenge participants to create solutions that address key health issues through data, technology and cross-sector collaboration, with the theme of “Measure and Improve Community Health.” Health Wildcatters said the focus areas include chronic disease management, including maternal mortality, hypertension, health access, food anxiety and preventive cancer screening, focusing on innovative, data-driven approaches that improve measurable health outcomes and enhance community well-being.
Accelerator said the event will propose solutions to a panel of judges representing major healthcare institutions and innovation organizations, including Texas Health Resources, SMU Cox School of Business Spears Institute, Parkland Clinical Innovation Center, University of Texas Dallas, and the Health Wild Tars Mentor Network.
Sponsors include Texas Health, SMU Cox, Dallas College, and more
This year’s hackathon was made possible by sponsors’ Texas Health Resources announcements and additional major sponsors such as the SMU Cox School of Business Spears Institute for Antrepreneurial Leadership and Dallas College. Support was also provided by Ledahill charities, Dell Technologies for Startups, Dallas College, University of Texas Arlington University, Super Agent, Pegasus Park Biotech+.
Health WildCatters has 118 portfolio companies that have raised over $300 million over the past 12 years. In November, we announced that we are expanding our Pegasus Park offices to advance our mission to support Transformative Healthcare Startups.
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