Arkansas hackathon brings 54 students together to build AI healthcare solutions
Fifty-four high school and college students from across Arkansas will spend June 8-12 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock developing artificial intelligence tools to address healthcare challenges facing the state.
The weeklong AI Hackathon and HealthTech Startup Week brings together students, healthcare professionals, technology experts, and mentors to work on real problems. Seven student teams will tackle issues including drug testing, mental health intervention in early stages, maternal and infant health in rural areas, cancer survivor support, Black men's health, healthcare coverage navigation, and music therapy for older adults.
The structure mirrors startup companies. Students will learn customer discovery, product development, business strategy, and public speaking alongside coding and AI fundamentals.
Marla Johnson, tech entrepreneur-in-residence at UA Little Rock, said the program aims to show students how innovation addresses community needs. "Students are working like startup founders," she said. "They're identifying customer needs, collaborating with healthcare professionals, building solutions with AI, and learning how to transform ideas into products that can improve lives."
The event is hosted by BioVentures, Arkansas Children's, and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Public showcase set for June 12
The Demo-and-Pitch Showcase runs from 2-5 p.m. June 12 in the Engineering and Information Technology Auditorium. All seven teams will present their projects, compete for awards, and receive audience votes.
Community members, educators, healthcare professionals, and technology leaders can register to attend. The public is invited to see the student solutions and vote for their preferred projects.
Beyond coding: wellness and community activities
The week includes activities beyond technical work. Students will participate in a drumming circle with support from the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and a branding project with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Johnson said the goal is for students to leave with new skills, professional relationships, and possibly the foundation for future startups. "At UA Little Rock, we genuinely care about the health and well-being of Arkansans. That's why this experience exists."
For healthcare professionals interested in how students are applying AI for Healthcare, the June 12 showcase offers direct access to emerging solutions and young talent working on state-specific health problems.
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