Hackathon Multiple Sclerosis - Our Common Challenge

Join us in creating innovative solutions
to help people with multiple sclerosis and their caretakers.

October 4 and 5,
2024

Different factors in multiple sclerosis

The causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) are not entirely clear, but it is known that environmental and genetic factors influence it. Common environmental factors include infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, smoking, and low levels of vitamin D. MS most frequently affects women aged 20 to 40, twice as often as men.

Diverse symptoms and disease progression

MS is a disease of a thousand faces, as symptoms manifest differently in each patient. Some patients appear completely healthy even after many years, while others are severely affected early on. Symptoms can include tingling, limb weakness, bladder issues, optic neuritis, double vision, and dizziness. MS can also cause problems with memory, attention, and concentration.

Be part of the solution for the future of our patients.

Are you wondering if MS could affect you as well? It’s possible. Fortunately, many institutions, universities, and companies are working on finding treatments and therapies. But what can we do in the meantime? We, the hackers, are the part of society that loves co-creating solutions and isn’t afraid of tough challenges. The tougher the challenge, the more motivated we are. And if it’s about the future of our loved ones and ourselves? Then there’s no reason to hesitate! Register for the hackathon Multiple Sclerosis – Our Common Challenge and be part of the solution that can change many lives – possibly even in your own community!

Support for patients with MS

We are looking for creative IT solutions, applications, innovative medical devices, and products that facilitate daily tasks for patients with MS. For example:

An application for monitoring symptoms and managing treatment.
Design of devices that improve mobility and independence for patients.
Smart household gadgets that simplify daily tasks.

Support for parents and caregivers of patients

Solutions that provide support to parents and caregivers of young patients with MS. Let’s help them cope with the challenges and stigma associated with this disease. For example:

Platform for connecting parents and exchanging experiences
App for organizing caregiving and tracking progress.
Educational programs to increase awareness about MS.

A municipality that is supportive and accommodating to patients with MS

We are designing a municipality that is friendly to people with mobility limitations. Imagine how our environment can become more accessible and supportive. For example:

Integration of accessible pathways and points in city infrastructure.
An app for finding accessible locations in the municipality.
Campaigns for awareness and community inclusion.

What solutions do we expect?

Excellent and innovative, of course! 😊 We are seeking creative solutions for people with multiple sclerosis and their caretakers that will bring added value, be easy to use, and widely accessible. Your solutions can help patients and their caretakers better manage the disease and enable them to lead better and higher quality lives.

Your idea could be a concept, technical design, business plan, action plan, or market research. It could be an application, a physical product, or detailed research supported by data to substantiate your claims and demonstrate the value of your work. Anything that can improve understanding, responsiveness, and support for people with MS and their caretakers is welcome.

What is your reward for your work?

The feeling of working together for a common good in this hackathon is certainly an exceptional reward. However, in addition to the satisfaction and the opportunity for further development of your solution with one of the project sponsors, you will also compete for attractive cash prizes:

3.000€ neto

2.400€ neto

1.500€ neto

Join us at the Multiple Sclerosis Hackathon – Our Common Challenge and be part of the solution that can change many lives – even in your community! Apply now and co-create the future!

WHEN?

October 4 and 5, 2024

WHERE?

IN PERSON!
Ljudska univerza Ajdovščina
Stritarjeva ulica 1a, 5270
If you absolutely cannot attend in person and still want to participate, please indicate this in your application.
Perhaps we can arrange a hybrid option. 😉

WHO?

Innovators, creatives, those who have already been affected by challenges, technology enthusiasts, sociologists, and all individuals who believe in dignified and active aging. We are changing our future and we want you to be part of this team too.