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The mission:brain Hackathon 2024 brought together a diverse and dedicated group of students, medical professionals, and tech innovators from around the world to tackle critical issues in global neurosurgery.
Hosted virtually by Harvard Innovation Labs from June 28th to June 30th, the event saw impressive participation, with 450 applicants from 55 countries and 225 participants from 37 countries, forming 61 teams. A panel of 30 expert judges reviewed the teams’ solutions, focusing on innovation, feasibility, and real-world impact.
The Hackathon’s main objective was to empower participants to design solutions that would advance neurosurgery in underserved areas. Over the intense three-day event, participants collaborated to address challenges in neurosurgical care and explore ways to improve healthcare accessibility.
A Winning Proposal with Real-World Impact
After more than 48 hours of brainstorming and programming, Team CamerĂşn emerged as the 2024 Hackathon champion.
Comprising neurosurgery resident Dr. Gbassara Koulagna Boris and medical students Essiane Oko’o Karen Davide and Nandong Olivarez Orcy from Yaoundé, Cameroon, Team Camerún impressed the judges with their proposal to address blood scarcity in Sierra Leone.
Their solution—a user-friendly mobile interface that connects young donors with clinics experiencing blood shortages—stood out for its potential to make a meaningful impact. Their victory includes an all-expenses-paid mission trip to Mexico City with Mission:BRAIN, along with cash prizes to support their continued innovation.
The mission:brain Hackathon 2024 highlights the power of global collaboration in advancing neurosurgery and emphasizes the role of technology in solving pressing healthcare challenges. As Mission:BRAIN looks to the future, it remains committed to supporting solutions that make a real difference in underserved communities worldwide.
