Dubai Hosts MENA's First FemTech Hackathon, Driving Women's Health Innovation
Expo City Dubai recently hosted the first-ever FemTech Hackathon in the MENA region, bringing together over 100 innovators to develop technology-driven solutions addressing specific health challenges faced by women. The intensive two-day event aimed to foster innovation and build an ecosystem for women's health technology in the region.
Key Details
The hackathon took place at Expo City Dubai on January 27-28, 2024. It was organized by Expo City Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Future Labs, and Challenge 22 (an innovation award from Qatar). The event focused exclusively on FemTech, a growing sector dedicated to technology solutions for women's health and well-being across various life stages.
Focusing on FemTech Innovation
The primary objective of the hackathon was to catalyze innovation in the underserved FemTech sector within the MENA region. Participants were tasked with leveraging technology to create practical and impactful solutions for diverse women's health issues, from maternal care and mental health to chronic conditions and general wellness. The initiative highlights the increasing recognition of the need for tailored health tech solutions for women and aims to position Dubai as a hub for this emerging field.
Participants and Winning Solutions
The hackathon attracted a diverse group of over 100 innovators, including entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and healthcare professionals. Participants formed teams to brainstorm, design, and prototype solutions. Following presentations and evaluations, three winning teams were selected for their innovative approaches:
First Place: Ettizan – A mental health application specifically designed to support pregnant and postnatal women. The team won a trip to attend VivaTech Paris 2024, offering significant international exposure.
Second Place: Annahar – An AI-powered platform providing personalized health insights for women based on their unique data. The team was awarded a prize of AED 10,000.
Third Place: NisaVent – A solution focused on menstrual cycle tracking combined with a community support feature. This team received a prize of AED 5,000.
Looking Ahead
The success of the first MENA FemTech Hackathon in Dubai signals growing momentum for the sector in the region. By bringing together talent and focusing on specific health challenges, the event not only generated potential solutions but also helped build a foundational community for FemTech innovators in the UAE and beyond. Initiatives like this are crucial for stimulating entrepreneurial activity in niche tech sectors and aligning with regional goals to diversify the economy and improve healthcare outcomes through technology.
Source: Inc. Arabia