The 2026 WA Health & Care Hackathon is a three-day innovation challenge that brings together university students, researchers, clinicians and industry partners to develop AI-driven solutions for real-world healthcare problems. Working in multidisciplinary teams, participants will tackle challenge statements provided by WADSIH’s health partners, applying data science, machine learning and emerging AI technologies to improve health outcomes and service delivery.
This year’s hackathon is supported by HBF, the Department of Health, East Metropolitan Health Service and Digital Health CRC, with challenges expected to focus more heavily on data science, simulation and analytics than previous years. Throughout the weekend, participants will receive mentoring from industry experts, technical specialists and healthcare professionals as they develop and refine their ideas.
The event follows a classic hackathon format, beginning with challenge briefings and team formation before teams spend the weekend designing, building and validating their solutions. Finalists will pitch their projects to a judging panel, with shortlisted teams returning for a Grand Finale where the overall winners will be announced.
This hackathon aims to:
The 2026 WA Health & Care Hackathon will take place at the Curtin University Library from 18–20 September, followed by the Grand Finale at the East Metropolitan Health Service Innovation Facility on 22 September.
What is the WA Health & Care Hackathon 2026?
A three-day innovation challenge bringing together university students, researchers, clinicians and industry partners to develop AI-driven solutions for real-world healthcare problems. Teams tackle challenge statements provided by WADSIH’s health partners.
When is it on?
Online workshops run on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 September. The Hackathon Weekend runs Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September, and the Grand Finale is on Tuesday 22 September.
What are the online workshops for?
They introduce the Challenges ahead of the Hackathon Weekend, so you know what each Challenge sponsor is looking for before you start building.
Where is it held?
The Challenge Workshops on 15 and 16 September will be held online. The Hackathon Weekend will take place at Curtin University, Bentley, with Friday’s launch in Rooms 434A and 434B, Level 4, and the Saturday and Sunday sessions at The Lantern, Level 7. The Grand Finale will be held at the East Metropolitan Health Service Innovation Facility on 22 September.
Do I need to be in a team?
Yes — participants work in multidisciplinary teams.
How do I register?
Click here to register
Who do I contact with questions?
Email WADSIH at wadsih@curtin.edu.au
