The First 72 Hours: A Digital Health Venture Challenge
Use AI skills to solve a healthcare challenge
Join The First 72 Hours: A Digital Health Venture Challenge, a problem-solving experience hosted by KU Entrepreneurship and Digital Health KC on Oct. 9, 2026. Open to all KU undergraduate and graduate students.The First 72 Hours: A Digital Health Venture Challenge brings together curious problem-solvers from every major to use AI, entrepreneurship and teamwork to tackle a healthcare challenge that affects patients and caregivers.
The challenge will be revealed on the morning of the event, creating a level playing field for all participants. You do not need healthcare expertise or coding experience to participate.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
Jayhawk Welcome Center
Who can participate: All KU undergraduate and graduate students
Food will be provided throughout the day. A happy hour reception will follow the awarding of prizes at 5 p.m.
What you'll do
Working individually or in teams of up to four, participants will spend the day developing a solution to a healthcare challenge presented by KU Entrepreneurship, part of the School of Business, and Digital Health KC.
By the end of the challenge, teams will create:
- An AI-powered software prototype
- A venture summary that outlines the customer experience and business concept
- A five-minute live product demonstration
Throughout the day, participants will receive guidance and mentorship while developing skills in innovation, customer discovery, venture creation and AI-assisted problem-solving.
All eligible participants will receive a $250 participation award to help offset AI subscription and token costs. Participants also will compete for cash prizes and recognition from judges representing entrepreneurship and digital health organizations.
Who should participate?
This event is designed for students from all academic backgrounds.
No coding experience is required. No healthcare experience is required. If you're a curious creator who wants to develop your AI skills while working on a meaningful challenge, this is a great opportunity.
What to bring
Participants should bring:
- A laptop
- An active "pro" or equivalent AI subscription (such as ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, Gemini Advanced or a similar service)
- A willingness to learn, collaborate and build
Prize structure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Amount | Eligibility |
| Participation grant | $250 | Every qualified participant |
| Best Venture (1st place) | $1,500 | Top-ranked team; includes the participation grant |
| 2nd place | $1,000 | Second-ranked team; includes the participation grant |
| 3rd place | $500 | Third-ranked team; includes the participation grant |
| Best Customer Insight | $250 | Specialty award; stacks with placement |
Team awards will be split equally among members.