The First 72 Hours: A Digital Health Venture Challenge

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.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
Jayhawk Welcome Center
Who can participate: All KU undergraduate and graduate students

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