Hosted by the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) in partnership with Te Papa Hauora | Health Precinct, the annual Challenge brings together students from a range of disciplines to develop innovative responses to Aotearoa New Zealand’s most pressing health issues.
The event required students to work in teams to explore solutions under three health themes: prevention, promotion and environment. In a pitch-style challenge, students presented their ideas in under 3 minutes to an expert judging panel.
The teams competed for three top prizes, with first place awarded a $1,500 cash prize, second place receiving $1,000 and third place, $500.
Three teams were recognised for their innovative and practical solutions. First place went to ‘Pressure Pointers’, a solution using intelligent pressure-sensing plates to help prevent bed sores in long-term care settings. The team included UC students Hugh Oyanagi, Julio Messenger, Liam Bately, Nico Hall and Ara student Jessica Blondell.
The runner up was ‘Tu Tangata’, a whakapapa-based mental health app tailored to Māori men, fostering connection, resources and training to support genuine relationships. Third place went to ‘Shelf Made’, a system designed to reduce pharmacy waste by minimising the expiry of unused medications.
The top three teams will all receive in-kind advisory support from UCE to progress their ideas.
The panel of judges included Te Papa Hauora Chair Pete Townsend, Pegasus Health Chief Executive Kim Sinclair-Morris, University of Otago Pathology and Biomedical Science Professor Mark Hampton, UC Faculty of Health Senior Lecturer Dr. Wendy Maddocks, and previous Chief Executive Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) David Meates. The judges were highly impressed by the calibre of ideas, the collaborative spirit, and the passion demonstrated by all teams.
The judges also commended two additional ideas, a mole check app to aid in the early detection and prevention of skin cancer, and a programme for inclusive and engaging diabetes education designed specifically for children.
Participants were supported by mentors and inspired by sector leaders, including Te Papa Hauora, the Canterbury District Health Board and oVRcome.
The Challenge continues UC’s collaboration with Te Papa Hauora to provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage with the wider community and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare.
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