MedHacks

MedHacks

Copyright © MedHacks 2019

MedHacks is a registered trademark.

All rights reserved.

Major League Hacking 2018 Hackathon Season

About Us

What if the most creative minds channeled their focus into solving the most impactful problems of today? Imagine if we could apply the ingenuity that powers the most profound technology into the most fundamental of all human concerns: health. MedHacks is the start. Join us for our medical hackathon and design competition at the world’s pinnacle of medical care - Johns Hopkins University.



Experts and students in the field of medicine will meet to identify healthcare problems across the globe.

Hackers from all disciplines, skill levels, and locations will unite to develop solutions to these problems.


For 36 hours, these hackers and doctors will bring their ideas to fruition. At the end of the event, they will have the opportunity to present their solutions to the judges and the world.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is a place where people learn, play, and make. A hackathon is where people perform superhuman feats and solve problems in short periods of time. Hackathons are likely the most exciting thing you don't know too much about.

But more broadly defined, a hackathon is a multi-day event where people come together, ideate, and work intensively on ideas and products.

Why MedHacks?

MedHacks is a student-run event that focuses on innovating at the crossroads of medical entrepreneurship and technological development.

By working together for the weekend, hackers at MedHacks will gain unique opportunities to learn from each other and from experts at the forefronts of medicine and technology – integrating their learning into real solutions to pressing medical challenges.

What is a Medical Hackathon?

Drawing on the popular concept of hackathons being held around the world, we are challenging innovators of all backgrounds to design solutions to the most pressing medical issues of our day, by working with a team for 36 hours. Hackers will learn together, design together, eat together, and code together before presenting their finished product (together) to a panel of judges.

But I know nothing about health/coding?!

If you don't know about health or engineering, don’t worry - learning is a huge part of the MedHacks experience. We will have workshops on all subjects and mentors to answer questions and help out teams. Come with an open mind, you'll work with a great team, learn a lot, and most importantly, have fun.

How do I find a team?

At MedHacks, we believe in bringing people from different interdisciplinary backgrounds to develop medical innovations. Working with a team of up to 5, you can combine your expertise and help each other to grow the best idea possible. There will be team building sessions early on in the event, where you can find others who are as excited about health innovation as you are. You can even work by yourself, if you prefer.

Where will I sleep?

For those coming in from out of town, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag and basic toiletries. A large majority of hackers sleep overnight in the building, and we will have a designated quiet room for weary hackers to get a few hours of sleep. If you would rather stay at a hotel, there are some in the area, including Inner Harbor, that are reachable by cab/uber/lyft. A full list of hotels can be found here.

Does MedHacks have a Code of Conduct?

Yes, we do! All participants must follow the MLH Code of Conduct at MedHacks.

Who can participate?

Any student, anywhere. Anyone can make an impact - hackathons produce "hackers", not the other way around. Students - both at the undergraduate and graduate level - with engineering, medical, and entrepreneurial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for a spot at MedHacks 2018.

I'm not a student, can I still get involved?

Of course! We are looking for talented and qualified mentors, speakers, and sponsors in tech, entrepreneurship, medicine, and their intersection. We're always looking for new people to get involved, so shoot us an email at info@medhacks.org and we'll be in touch.

I am not a college student, can I still apply?

Absolutely! If you are a graduate/medical student, or a working professional, you can join as a participant or mentor. Email us to find out more.

Where is MedHacks?

Turner Auditorium in the Ross Research Building at the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus in East Baltimore, MD. The Ross Research Building is located at 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21218. If you are traveling from the Homewood Campus, you can take the JHMI or special MedHacks buses to the event. If you are driving to the event, there will be parking on campus and more details will be emailed out closer to the event. If you are coming from the airport, train station, or hotel, we highly recommend you take a cab/lyft to the building. The medical campus is in the city, so please be safe when traveling to the event.

Does MedHacks offer travel reimbursements?

There are four categories. Local is within 25 miles of Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus (except College Park).

Persons traveling from UMD College Park will be eligible for our MedHacks bus.

Regional includes the Northeast and some parts of the South and Midwest where traveling is $50 or less (i.e. BoltBus and MegaBus). We have a limited amount of regional travel reimbursements, but there is no screening (just first come first serve). Those driving to MedHacks should apply for a regional travel reimbursement.

National students (coming from locations where costs to travel to MedHacks significantly exceeds $50), and International persons will fill out a scholarship application. Scholarship applications will be reviewed by the MedHacks team, and some students will receive a scholarship.

If you apply for a travel reimbursement, you will receive more information soon.

Please email travel@medhacks.org if you have any other questions.

Who else will be there?

Students, industry professionals, clinicians, and more! When we send out acceptances, we will have a Facebook pages for MedHacks participants.

We will be uploading a full list of judges and mentors closer to the day of the event.

I just got in, now what?

Congrats, we're super excited to see you soon!

Stay tuned, we will provide more info about the upcoming event on our social media in the near future.

What can I win?

It's not about winning - it's about learning, having fun, and starting the renaissance of medical innovation! In addition, winners will be chosen by a judging panel based on criteria such as technical difficulty, creativity, and impact. Many sponsors will also give out cool prizes for hacks that excel in specific categories. Be sure to periodically check the 2017 Information Page for a list of prizes (to be released soon)

What if I have more questions?

We're always open at info@medhacks.org. Send us an email, and we'll help you out :)