
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
In person – University of Ottawa
Discoveries Without Boundaries presents its annual HealthHack — a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary competition designed to push the boundaries of student innovation in health. This immersive, high-impact event invites participants to tackle real-world health challenges in teams of four to five, combining creativity, research, and collaboration to develop meaningful solutions.
Whether you’re joining as a full team or registering individually, everyone is welcome. Individual participants will be placed in a team upon arrival to ensure an inclusive and engaging experience for all.
This year, we’ve prepared three globally relevant, thought-provoking health challenges. Participants will choose the one that speaks to them most, then spend the afternoon working as a team to develop a compelling solution — whether that’s a concept, a pitch, a prototype, a model, or a presentation. You don’t need to be a tech expert or a health professional — all perspectives and disciplines are valued. You’ll be provided with materials, a workspace, and the freedom to innovate in the way that makes the most sense for your team.
To help you prepare, all registered participants will receive a digital document before the event outlining the full structure of the competition. This includes the event timeline, judging criteria, rules and expectations, a list of available materials, and guidance on how to make the most of your HealthHack experience. You’ll arrive informed, confident, and ready to collaborate.
Throughout the event, a panel of expert judges from healthcare, research, and innovation will be present to evaluate submissions. Mentors and special guests will also be available onsite to guide and support you during the process.
Check-in begins at 12:30 PM. The event will officially run from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Recognition & Rewards
We believe in rewarding ideas that challenge the status quo and offer transformative potential. The winning team will receive a monetary prize of up to $500. In addition, all participants will automatically be entered into a draw for high-end wireless headphones valued at $300. Beyond prizes, winners will also have their solutions featured in the DWB Journal of Health Innovation and highlighted across our official platforms, offering visibility and credibility for future opportunities.
Student Package
Registration & Fees
Individual registration is $25.
Team registration is available at $20/person, for teams of four or five.
This includes:
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Lunch, snacks and drinks throughout the day;
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An official DWB lanyard;
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Access to professional photography content;
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Eligibility for prizes and publication opportunities.
Contact Us
For questions or further information, please contact us at info@dwbuottawa.com or send us a message on Instagram at @dwbuottawa. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s HealthHack.

