DNA Hack for Health Hackathon 2026 Debuts in Sylhet
Following the preliminary screening phase, the health-focused innovation competition “DNA Hack for Health Hackathon 2026” officially kicked off in the Sylhet division, marking the launch of the country’s first hackathon blending medicine and technology.
In this inaugural hackathon, “NeuroNurture” emerged as champion by presenting an AI-based solution for autism treatment. The first runner-up position was secured by “Team Star,” which utilised Virtual Reality (VR) technology to train midwives working at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, “MediLink” became second runner-up by developing a live logistics app aimed at ensuring the availability of ICU beds and essential emergency medicines to help save lives.
Organisers announced that after the completion of competitions in the remaining seven divisions, all three winning teams will compete in the National Grand Finale, scheduled to be held in Dhaka in June.
Earlier, the divisional hackathon was held on Friday, 16 January, at the MAG Osmani Medical College campus in Sylhet, where the winners were formally awarded. The honours were handed over by the college principal, Professor Dr Md Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury.
Speaking on the occasion, he said,
“Our medical colleges have certain structural limitations in research and education. However, the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) has taken timely initiatives in this regard. Efforts are currently underway to obtain WDOMS recognition, which will open doors to international opportunities such as the USMLE for our students.”
While acknowledging progress, he also pointed out gaps in institutional autonomy, research support, and digital ethics, stressing that addressing these challenges is essential for sustainable innovation.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, speakers unanimously agreed that safeguarding the future of the healthcare sector requires a coordinated intersectoral approach, integrating medicine, technology, economics, and policymaking.
On behalf of the organisers, SMO Naoyed, Founder of DNA Health Communication, said,
“This hackathon has created a unique opportunity for medical students to work shoulder to shoulder with students from engineering and business disciplines.”
Highlighting the need to move beyond traditional boundaries of medical education, he strongly advocated for the creation of a central data repository to preserve information from all ongoing health research in the country. Such a platform, he noted, would help transform locally developed healthcare AI innovations into national assets.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Asif Atik, Senior Consultant at DGHS/MIS and a National ICT Award winner, described the initiative as a resounding success.
“Alhamdulillah, DNA Hack for Health has been an exceptionally successful initiative. As the first event of its kind in the medical domain, the level of participation was truly commendable. From technological integration to mindset and direction, the entire programme was simply outstanding,” he said.
The spark of innovation ignited in Sylhet is now expected to spread rapidly across the country. DNA Health Communication has announced plans to organise the hackathon this year at every divisional medical college in Bangladesh.
Beyond technology, the initiative will also promote health awareness and mental well-being throughout the year through walkathons, marathons, art and photography exhibitions, and even special stand-up comedy shows for healthcare professionals. Through this fusion of technology and culture, the organisers envision a new dawn for Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.
DBTech/NOB/AMO/OR
