Student Innovators Tackle Health Challenges through Collaborative Hackathon
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), in collaboration with Methealth Namibia Administrators and Namibia Medical Care (NMC), officially launched the Methealth Hack4Health Hackathon on Monday, 21 July 2025. The event, hosted at the High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select (HTTPS), brings together students, researchers, and private sector partners for a five-day challenge focused on developing innovative solutions for healthcare.
The hackathon is implemented by the Faculty of Computing and Informatics and the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), as part of NUST’s commitment to advancing real-world, tech-based solutions that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
Opening day featured remarks by Prof Suama Hamunyela, representing the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, who emphasised the importance of equipping students to solve complex societal challenges through innovation. “We are proud to provide platforms where students can apply their skills beyond the classroom,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Ms Anna Hanghome, Executive: Information Systems and Technology at Methealth, highlighted the value of collaborative investment in youth-led innovation. “Digital disruption in healthcare is inevitable, and our role is to nurture local talent capable of leading that transformation,” she stated.
Participants were grouped into multidisciplinary teams and began conceptualising solutions ranging from fraud detection and smart claims to HIV prevention and data systems for disease management.
The hackathon will culminate on Friday, 25 July 2025, with team presentations and prize-giving. As NUST continues to advance research and innovation, this initiative strengthens cross-sector collaboration while shaping the future of digital health in Namibia.
