HITLAB World Cup Innovation Hackathon
June 11, 2026
Build It Live at the HITLAB World Cup
48 Hours. Real Bounties. Up to $25,000.
HITLAB × Utah Valley University Innovation Hackathon • In-Person at UVU, Orem, Utah • June 17–18, 2026
Orem, Utah — June 12, 2026
Apply Now. Applications are open through 11:59 PM MT on Monday, June 15. Innovators can claim a spot at the in-person HITLAB World Cup Innovation Hackathon, where teams have just 48 hours to crack live challenges posted by real organizations and compete for up to $25,000 in cash bounties and in-kind services. No startup, no prototype, no idea required going in — you build from a blank page, on-site, alongside people doing exactly the same.
Hosted with Utah Valley University’s Kahlert Applied AI Institute, the Hackathon runs June 17–18 on UVU’s campus in Orem, Utah, as part of the broader HITLAB World Cup — two days that put students, founders, researchers, and industry leaders to work at the intersection of applied AI, digital identity, and life sciences.
What you’ll actually do
At kickoff, sponsoring organizations and industry leaders issue live challenge statements — “bounties.” You pick one and build a working solution in real time. Three tracks:
- Applied AI — sharper decision-making, automation, analytics, and user experience
- Healthcare & Life Sciences — better access, care delivery, outcomes, and operational efficiency
- Digital Identity & Data — security, privacy, interoperability, and user-controlled data
Who can compete
Open to anyone 18 or older, regardless of professional background, with a dedicated Student Category for enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. No team? Apply solo, and we’ll place you on a team of three on-site. Participants cover their own travel and accommodations — and yes, Chick-fil-A and Crumbl Cookies will be on hand.
Why it’s worth the weekend
Beyond the prize pool, you’ll get direct exposure to leaders across healthcare, AI, and life sciences; mentorship from academic and industry experts; and a real shot at funding, partnerships, and pilot opportunities through HITLAB and partner networks.
Apply by Monday, June 15 → hitlab.org/worldcup/#apply
Just want to be in the room?
The Innovation Pitchday (June 17) — a hybrid pitch competition for teams with developed concepts, prototypes, or early-stage ventures — has closed to applicants. But you can still join as an attendee, in person or online, whether or not you’re pitching. Register here.
Learn more about the HITLAB World Cup