Health Tech Innovation Challenge
The Health Tech Innovation Challenge is a fast-paced, hands-on, multidisciplinary experience that brings together students from the University of Waterloo’s Faculties of Engineering and Health for two days of collaborative problem-solving. Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams to address real, complex health challenges, applying both technical and human-centred perspectives while engaging directly with real-world stakeholders.
The Winter 2026 Challenge has been developed in partnership with CCCARE. Throughout the event, students will learn from CCCARE staff and partners and explore the real challenges currently faced by the centre, gaining insight into how health systems, technology, and user needs intersect.
Stakeholders will introduce authentic problem contexts, after which teams will ideate, prototype, and iterate on potential solutions. Students will draw on their diverse academic backgrounds—such as engineering design, systems thinking, health and well-being, and user-centered approaches—to develop practical, impactful concepts. The challenge concludes with team presentations to a panel of judges, who will provide constructive feedback and recognize standout solutions.
This event is open to undergraduate students from the Faculties of Engineering and Health, in any year of study.
Designed to be inclusive, educational, and engaging, the Health Tech Innovation Challenge offers a unique opportunity to build in-demand skills, expand interdisciplinary networks, and contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare innovation.
Event Schedule & Details:
- Friday, Feb 6 (5p-8p): Introduction to the problem space and review of the evaluation rubric.
- Saturday, Feb 7 (9a-5p): Teams select a problem, develop solutions, and create prototypes.
- Sunday, Feb 8 (9a-5p): More work, final presentations and judging.
- Where: Ideas Clinic, PSE-1427
Join us to explore the intersection of health and engineering and make a real impact on the future of healthcare!