Help build a fairer heathier future for the Future of Health in Aotearoa, be in to win part of our $3000 Prize Pool*
Te Papa Hauora Christchurch Health Precinct and the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship are providing all tertiary students across Canterbury the opportunity to help shape a fairer and healthier future for Aotearoa New Zealand.
This challenge invites students to explore how healthcare can be transformed by moving care closer to communities, focusing on prevention rather than treatment, and harnessing the potential of technology to improve health outcomes.
Participants will work on some of the key challenges facing our health sector, including:
1. Community-based healthcare: bridging the gap
Shifting care from hospitals to the heart of communities. How do we ensure health support in the community is accessible and equitable?
Consider:
· How to help people to live well in their local areas and reduce the need for care delivered in hospitals.
· Putting partnership at the heart of community health - how health initiatives can meet the needs of the community by being community-led.
2. Prevention and long-term wellbeing: rethinking healthcare
Driving innovation to prevent illness and promote long-term health. How do we make prevention happen and make it stick?
Consider:
· How do we make sure people stay healthier for as long as possible rather than just treating them when they get ill?
· What is needed to make prevention stick – system design change, workforce support, and process improvement?
3. Technology-enabled healthcare
Moving to digital: revolutionising care. How can we harness technology to improve access to healthcare and enhance patient outcomes?
Consider:
· Using AI to enhance early detection and treatment outcomes in serious illnesses.
· Exploring online platforms to deliver community-based wellbeing activities.
· Technology and the digitisation of health and care is expected to change the way people access and interact with services, reduce administrative tasks to free up staff time, and even prevent ill health occurring in the first place.
Disrupt Challenge Structure
*Total cash prize pool - awarded amongst winning teams and subject to terms & conditions
By participating in the Future of Health Disrupt Challenge, you will attend a kick-off session on Tuesday where you will begin exploring the challenge, meet your team, and prepare for an intensive and immersive weekend. During the weekend, you will work to deeply understand the problem, develop innovative solutions, and present your ideas to a panel of judges.
This experience will provide you with:
- Opportunities to apply your studies to real world challenges;
- Ability to connect with industry partners and mentors;
- Connections with other students from across different disciplines;
- A practical extracurricular experience for your C.V.
During the Challenge, you will work in a multidisciplinary team of 3-5 students from across the region to tackle one of three Challenge questions set out by Te Papa Hauora. These will be revealed at our Challenging kick off prior to the weekend. You can apply as an individual or as part of a team.
Throughout the Challenge, you will enjoy amazing free food, receive coaching from UCE staff as well as mentoring and input from health sector experts! At the end of the Challenge, your team will pitch your concept to a panel of judges and health experts.
The Future of Health Challenge is the perfect opportunity for you to meet new people, hone your skills, build your CV, and have a real impact in the world!
INTERESTED??
Registrations are now open!
For any questions, please contact uce@canterbury.ac.nz
Why sign up?
- Work in a collaborative environment.
- Meet interesting new people from a range of disciplines.
- Develop your creativity, innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Build experience in creating a compelling, professional presentation.
- Network with mentors and industry experts.
- Have something meaningful to put on your CV.
- Enjoy awesome food throughout!
- Be in to win cash prizes!
Who should sign up?
This Challenge is designed for tertiary students of any discipline and any level (from first-year to post-grad) who live/study in the Canterbury region.
Do I need a team in advance?
If you already have a team, that’s great and you can register as a team (3 to 5 people max.). Otherwise, we will organise a team for you. All you need to do is register!
Who is running the Challenge?
The UC Centre for Entrepreneurship and Te Papa Hauora are working in partnership to deliver The Future of Health Challenge.
Key dates
- Registrations Close: Sunday 26th July
- Challenge Briefing: Tuesday 28th July
- Future of Health Challenge: 9am - 5pm on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August 2026 - Held at Manawa in the Health Precinct
If you have any questions, feel free to email uce@canterbury.ac.nz
