Health Hackathon Brandenburg 2025
HHB 2025: Successful premiere points out innovative solutions for hospitals
Brandenburg an der Havel, 13 October 2025
Innovations in the health sector originate from individuals in medicine, IT, technology, science and economy who join forces to reflect, experiment and map out new concepts. This is what happened at the Health Hackathon Brandenburg 2025 in the main auditorium of the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences.
Students and experts from all over Brandenburg met for two days to develop practical solutions to real-life challenges from clinic routines, supported by mentors, workshops and an inspiring atmosphere which whetted the appetite for the future.
Mayor Steffen Scheller opened the event and underlined the importance of innovation and cooperation for the location of Brandenburg an der Havel. Officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the Brandenburg university hospital (UKB), the Brandenburg Medical School (MHB) and the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences (THB) all stressed the value of interdisciplinary collaboration as the key to practice-based innovation.
They agreed that digital solutions are vital for healthcare in the region and that formats like the Hackathon create room for ambitious efforts across disciplines to jointly shape the future.
The challenges: Real-life problems, creative solutions
The UKB suggested six different assignments that address key issues in modern hospital settings:
- Telemedical follow-up care: Digital structures for networked communication after discharge
- Intuitive routing: Guidance systems for patients and relatives
- Safe logistics for valuables: Smart systems to ensure traceability and safety
- SmartFood: Sustainable and needs-based catering in clinical settings
- Hybrid space utilization: Flexible concepts for more efficiency
- Well-being of staff: Strategies to improve team atmosphere, communication and work relief
The “school challenge” was an opportunity for young talents to illustrate their own ideas for healthcare in future.
Creativity meets practice – the winners
After intensive hacking rounds, the ten teams presented their prototypes to a jury formed by members of UKB, THB, MHB and representatives of regional innovation partners.
1st place: Team “Kompass” – Challenge - Intuitive routing
The winning concept was a digital and analogous orientation system offering patients and relatives easy and barrier-free navigation through the hospital.
2nd place: Team “Caffeinated Caregivers” – Challenge - SmartFood
The group developed an app prototype of an intelligent and sustainable system to order meals for optimized catering in hospitals.
3rd place: Team “WiR” – Challenge – Well-being of staff
The team made practice-based suggestions for improved communication, work atmosphere and procedures in everyday hospital routines.
Participants, mentors and organizers concluded the meeting in the THB students club with music, conversation and a in buoyant mood, proud of the successful event and with lots of bright ideas for a continuation of the format.
Gabriele Wolter, director/university hospital Brandenburg an der Havel:
“We see the Hackathon as an experiment with a strong signal effect: Individuals from highly different fields who join forces to find solutions create energy, and this kind of dynamics is exactly what we need in clinical settings and in healthcare.”
Dr. Gerrit Fleige, chancellor/Brandenburg Medical School:
„This format has revealed the tremendous innovative power of collaboration. No theorizing, but practical approaches – and the results have the potential to bring about change.”
Prof. Dr. Andreas Wilms, president/Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences: “Students, researchers and practicians have got together for the Hackathon. This kind of bridge between training, research and care provision promises a long-term strengthening effect on the health system.”
Health Hackathon Brandenburg
The Health Hackathon Brandenburg is a joint initiative of UKB, MHB and THB, with the focus on interdisciplinary cooperation to develop practice-based solutions in healthcare. More information, impressions and records of final pitches will be available shortly at: www.health-hackathon-brandenburg.de.
Special thanks go to all supporters and sponsors for their dedication, know-how and financial backing.
Photo credits: Oliver Karaschewski