The Medical Device Hackathon (MEDHA), held from 26th to 28th September 2024 at the MIT School of Bioengineering (MITBIO), MIT-ADT University, Pune, brought together young innovators from diverse fields for a dynamic and collaborative event. Organized in partnership with BETiC (Biomedical Engineering and Technology Incubation Centre) at IIT Bombay, the three-day hackathon aimed to identify and nurture the next generation of medical device innovators. Students from multidiscipline such as medical, dental. Biomedical engineering, bioengineering, and industrial design teamed up to conceptualize and develop affordable medical devices with the potential to revolutionize healthcare. The event served as a crucial platform for creative problem-solving, pushing the boundaries of what medical technology can achieve.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Mangesh Karad, Executive President and Vice Chancellor of MIT-ADT University, who attended as Chief Guests. A range of experts from the medical field lent their presence and expertise, such as Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte (BJ Medical College, Pune), Dr. Jayshree Karyakarte, Dr. Dinesh Kabre (Kabre Accident Hospital, Pune), Dr. Gautam More, Dr. Jayant Palaskar (Sinhgad Dental College & Hospital, Pune), Dr. Nilesh Madkikar (Spandan ENT Clinic, Pune), Dr. Nitin Gupte (Dr. Gupte Slimming & Wellness Clinic, Pune), Dr. Sandhya Kulkarni (Principal, MIMER Medical College, Pune), Dr. Sadanand Kulkarni, Dr. Abhay Choudhary (CEO, Urokol Hospital, Pune), Dr. Bhanupratap Gaur from BETiC IIT Bombay, and Dr. Neelarnab Dutta (MIT Institute of Design, Pune). The event was successfully organized under the leadership of Prof. Vinayak Ghaisas, Executive Director of MITBIO, and Prof. (Dr.) Renu Vyas, Head of School at MITBIO.

Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte addressed the participants, encouraging them to position India as a global leader in medical device innovation. He emphasized the importance of cross-disciplinary knowledge in the healthcare sector and explained how innovation is pivotal for sustained growth and success in the industry. Similarly, Dr. Dinesh Kabre highlighted the significance of platforms like MEDHA in identifying young talent and providing them with the opportunity to translate their ideas into real-world solutions.

From a highly competitive pool of applicants, 63 participants were selected and organized into 10 teams for the hackathon, which featured 28 hours of non-stop ideation, development, and prototyping. With guidance from experienced mentors from both MITBIO and BETiC, the teams developed innovative solutions that were presented to a distinguished panel of jurors, including medical experts and professionals. The event concluded with Prof. Vinayak Ghaisas urging participants to take their ideas further and continue contributing to the advancement of human healthcare, marking a successful end to an inspiring event.