Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Kahlert Applied AI Institute hosted the World Cup Innovation Pitch Day and Hackathon in collaboration with HITLAB (Healthcare Innovation & Technology Lab) on June 17–18. The global competition was designed to accelerate healthcare innovations from research labs to patient care by addressing the persistent gap between breakthrough technologies and real-world implementation.
This initiative further strengthens Utah Valley University’s role as a hub for applied AI, quantum computing, and digital health innovation while positioning Utah as a dynamic health care innovation ecosystem that connects academic talent with global industry networks.
“This partnership with HITLAB, the governor’s office, and the Utah System of Higher Education represents exactly what we are building at UVU and within the Smith College of Engineering and Technology,” said Barclay Burns, assistant dean at Utah Valley University. “These collaborations create the ecosystem our students need by connecting academic innovation directly to industry networks, strategic mentorship, and the resources that turn classroom potential into real-world impact.”
“Whether the solution involves healthcare, AI, or state-endorsed digital identity, the technologies that will have the greatest and most beneficial impact are those that empower individuals to live better lives while protecting privacy, security, and dignity,” said Christopher Bramwell, chief privacy officer for the State of Utah. “The HITLAB × UVU World Cup created an opportunity for innovators to demonstrate not only what is possible, but also what is responsible and beneficial for improving the human experience. That is exactly the kind of innovation Utah wants to encourage.”
Participants gained access to healthcare and AI leaders, mentorship from industry experts, pitch coaching, and opportunities for funding, partnerships, and pilot programs. Finalists received structured support to refine their strategies, strengthen implementation plans, and connect with decision-makers who can accelerate adoption and deployment.
Why Now?
Healthcare is at a pivotal moment. Artificial intelligence is transforming diagnosis and treatment, digital identity infrastructure is changing how patients manage and control their data, and new diagnostics and therapeutics are emerging worldwide. Yet many promising innovations remain stuck in pilot programs, unable to access the funding, strategic guidance, and industry partnerships needed to scale. This competition was designed to help remove those barriers.
“The gap between breakthroughs and patient care is still too wide, and it costs lives,” said Dr. Stan Kachnowski, chair of HITLAB. “This competition helps close that gap by connecting innovators directly with the mentorship, capital, and industry relationships that turn promising solutions into deployed reality.”
Two Tracks, One Mission
The competition featured two pathways designed for innovators at different stages of development.
Hackathon
The Hackathon offered a fast-paced innovation experience focused on creativity, collaboration, and rapid problem-solving. Teams addressed common challenge areas through rapid prototyping, mentorship, and hands-on collaboration. The track emphasized experimentation, creative risk-taking, and the development of practical solutions under real-world constraints.
Participants worked in teams to develop early-stage solutions across applied AI, digital identity, and life sciences.
Healthcare Innovation World Cup Pitch Day
The Pitch Day track was open to startups ranging from pre-seed to Series A, academic research teams, graduate students, and interdisciplinary innovators with developed prototypes or validated solutions.
Teams competed across three categories:
- Applied AI in Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Digital Identity and Data Infrastructure
- Life Sciences and MedTech
The event aimed to generate high-impact solutions demonstrating:
- A clear problem-solution fit that addresses urgent health care needs
- Technical feasibility and depth
- Real-world applicability and deployment readiness
- Scalability across populations and geographies
- Thoughtful consideration of ethics, privacy, and equity
Prizes and Sponsors
Participants competed for up to $25,000 in prize funding, along with in-kind services and support from HITLAB and other sponsors.
About HITLAB
HITLAB accelerates the development and validation of technologies that improve health outcomes worldwide, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world implementation.
For additional information, please visit https://www.hitlab.org/worldcup/.
