Organized by Qatar University

Connecting African Innovation to Global Opportunities at QU HealthTech Hackathon 2026

3rd Edition · Africa outreach in partnership with H.ENTS Global

A three-day innovation event bringing together students, researchers, clinicians, developers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to build technology-driven solutions for healthcare. Hosted by Qatar University, with H.ENTS Global serving as the official international outreach partner recruiting startups, mentors, and ecosystem partners from Africa.

Who's Behind This

One program, two roles.

Clarity on who organizes the hackathon and who's helping bring African innovators into it.

Organizing Institution

Qatar University

Qatar University owns, organizes, and runs the QU HealthTech Hackathon in full — from program design and judging to the venue, mentorship structure, and prize/support pathway. This is the 3rd Edition of the event.

Africa Outreach Partner

H.ENTS Global

Supports Qatar University's outreach by recruiting startup participants from Africa and identifying suitable mentors, workshop facilitators, and ecosystem partners for the program.

Hackathon Dates
8–10 October 2026
Qatar University, I-06 Building
Finalist Pitch & Winners
8 November 2026
During MWC26
Format
3-Day Innovation Event
In-person at Qatar University
Two Tracks

Find your track.

Whether you're just starting out or already building, there's a track designed for where you are.

TRACK / SPARK

Spark Track

For students and early-stage innovators exploring healthcare challenges for the first time and taking their first step into building a tech-driven solution.

TRACK / LAUNCHPAD

Launchpad Track

For professionals, advanced students, startups, and established idea owners ready to push an existing concept toward MVP and startup readiness.

Prizes

Prizes worth competing for.

Awarded per track, consistent with previous editions of the hackathon.

1
First Place
QAR50,000
2
Second Place
QAR40,000
3
Third Place
QAR30,000

Amounts shown reflect prior editions and are expected to stay the same or increase slightly for 2026 — awarded per track, for up to six winners total. Final figures to be confirmed by the organizing committee.

What You Gain

More than a competition.

Participants get access to mentorship, exposure, and a pathway that continues well past hackathon weekend.

Mentorship & WorkshopsGuidance across clinical context, prototyping, business, IP, and pitching from experienced mentors and facilitators.
Qatar's HealthTech EcosystemDirect exposure to Qatar's growing health-tech and innovation ecosystem and its stakeholders.
NetworkingConnect with researchers, clinicians, developers, founders, designers, and industry partners.
MWC26 VisibilityFinalists pitch and winners are announced on 8 November 2026 during MWC26.
Prize OpportunitiesCash prizes awarded per track — see the Prizes section above for expected amounts.
Post-Hackathon SupportWinning teams continue through a WISH visibility and startup support pathway toward MVP and startup readiness.
Accommodation: Qatar University will coordinate accommodation support for selected invited international participants, mentors, and facilitators — subject to final approval, eligibility, and available arrangements.
Get Involved

Register your interest

Choose whether you're joining as a participant or as a mentor/facilitator — each has its own short form. Applications from Africa are coordinated through H.ENTS Global's outreach.

Contact Information
Background
Team (If Applicable)
Maximum 150 words
Contact Information
Professional Background
Availability
Maximum 150 words
Africa Outreach Partner

H.ENTS Global

H.ENTS Global is the international outreach and ecosystem partner coordinating Africa's participation in the QU HealthTech Hackathon — connecting startups, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders across the continent to this program.