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Rwandan ALU student Olivier Itangishaka pioneers accessible healthcare solutions at MIT hacking medicine hackathon

Olivier Itangishaka poses for a photo with a fellow participant after winning at the MIT hackathon in Bangkok

Olivier Collins Itangishaka, a second-year African Leadership University (ALU) Software Engineering student, recently triumphed at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Hacking Medicine Hackathon 2024 held in Bangkok – Thailand, securing the 1st runner-up position for an innovative healthcare access system designed to revolutionize healthcare delivery in underserved communities. This achievement underscores ALU’s commitment to creating Africa’s leaders of tomorrow who make an impact today.

The MIT Hacking Medicine Hackathon brings together bright minds from across the globe to develop innovative solutions to pressing healthcare issues. Olivier’s participation highlights the growing recognition of African talent on the global stage and the potential for collaboration between institutions like MIT and ALU.

Olivier poses for a photo with the MIT hackathon organizers

At the hackathon, Olivier and his team developed a system to provide accessible health services from home, particularly for communities with limited or no internet access. Their solution utilizes a USSD system, allowing users to connect with health specialists and perform health screenings through standard scanning devices, such as those used for diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The data from these screenings are stored in a central database, ensuring easy access and follow-up care. This project has significant potential for regions with low technological infrastructure, and Olivier is eager to explore ways to bring this innovation to African communities.

This experience was enriching.  Seeing how technology can bridge healthcare gaps, especially for communities often left behind, is truly inspiring. I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned to create lasting solutions for Africa, and this collaboration with MIT opens doors for even greater impact,” said Olivier

This achievement reinforces the importance of collaboration between MIT Hacking Medicine and African universities like ALU. Olivier’s participation also led to a collaborative opportunity with MIT to establish an annual HealthTech Hackathon. This initiative will bring together ALU, MIT, and other health institutions, offering a platform for African students to innovate in health technology.

Olivier Itangishaka poses for a photo with fellow participants after winning at the MIT hackathon in Bangkok

Olivier’s success exemplifies the spirit of innovation we cultivate at ALU. We empower our students to tackle real-world challenges with creativity and a deep sense of purpose.  We are incredibly proud of his achievement and excited to see how this partnership with MIT will further amplify the impact of our students on the global stage, showcasing Africa’s rising potential.,” said Angelique Ishimwe, Foundations Senior Learning Coach at ALU.

MIT Hacking Medicine empowers healthcare innovation by connecting diverse minds through impactful hackathons. These events bring together experts from various fields to tackle healthcare challenges and develop real-world solutions. With a focus on entrepreneurship and digital strategies, participants gain valuable skills and guidance.  M.I.T. Hacking Medicine’s global reach has fostered numerous success stories, with teams securing funding (over $90 million in financing), joining accelerators (such as TechStars, Y Combinator, Healthbox, Rock Health, and MassChallenge), and partnering with institutions to implement their innovative ideas.

Inspired by Olivier’s story? Apply to join African Leadership University (ALU) or African Leadership College of Higher Education (ALCHE) and be part of a community of young, passionate leaders shaping Africa’s future. ALU offers a unique, experiential learning model that empowers students to become agents of change. Applications are open for our upcoming January 2025 intake at ALU and February 2025 at ALCHE.