Your idea could be the beginning of something bigger — help to shape the future of cancer care.
The Novartis Oncology Hackathon connects talent with healthcare experts and innovation leaders to develop actionable solutions in breast and prostate cancer care.
Why participate
This hackathon was created with a simple belief: a small idea, from a different perspective, can become the starting point of meaningful change. By joining the Novartis Oncology Hackathon, you will:
Experience innovation from inside Novartis
Travel to Basel and spend a day at the Novartis Campus, discovering how a global healthcare company works to transform science into solutions.
Work on challenges that matter
Develop ideas addressing real healthcare challenges and contribute to improving cancer outcomes in breast and prostate cancer.
Turn your idea into action
Learn how to transform an initial concept into a structured initiative through innovation methodologies, prototyping and experimentation.
Learn from experts
Receive guidance from mentors with experience in healthcare, innovation, business strategy, digital transformation and AI.
Build your international network
Collaborate with talented MBA students from different universities and connect with innovation leaders from Novartis.
Gain visibility
Present your ideas to Novartis leaders and professionals from different areas of the organisation.
Discover the power of AI for innovation
Use AI tools to accelerate ideation, prototype solutions and communicate your ideas more effectively.
Challenges
Breast cancer
Close the Screening Gap
How can we increase breast cancer screening adherence?
Breast cancer screening is one of the most effective tools for early detection, yet millions of eligible patients do not participate in regular screening programs. Design a solution that helps close this gap.
Prostate cancer
Accelerate the Referral Pathway
How can we optimize patient referrals for Radioligand Therapy in prostate cancer?
Radioligand Therapy represents a breakthrough in prostate cancer treatment, yet many eligible patients face delays in accessing it. Design a strategy to streamline the referral journey and improve patient outcomes.
The program
The hackathon will guide you through a complete innovation journey: understanding the challenge, shaping your solution, building your prototype and presenting your vision.
step 01
Idea submission
Have an idea? Turn it into a solution.
Submit your proposal through the online form and take the first step towards creating an impact in cancer care.
To participate, you must apply as a team of 3-5 MBA students or recent graduates from the participating universities. The team leader will be responsible for submitting the idea and providing the details of all team members.
Remember: your idea does not need to be perfect. The hackathon is designed to help you refine, develop and transform your initial concept into a meaningful solution.
step 01
Idea submission
Have an idea? Turn it into a solution.
Submit your proposal through the online form and take the first step towards creating an impact in cancer care.
To participate, you must apply as a team of 3-5 MBA students or recent graduates from the participating universities. The team leader will be responsible for submitting the idea and providing the details of all team members.
Remember: your idea does not need to be perfect. The hackathon is designed to help you refine, develop and transform your initial concept into a meaningful solution.
Selection criteria
Ideas will be evaluated according to:
Alignment with the challenges
How well your solution addresses the challenges and sub-challenges and responds to the underlying need.
Potential impact
The expected positive impact of your solution on patients, healthcare professionals, the healthcare system and Novartis.
Feasibility
Whether your solution is realistic to implement, considering current healthcare settings, resources, and stakeholders.
Innovation & differentiation
How original and distinctive your idea is compared with existing approaches, and whether it brings a genuinely new perspective or solution.
Ready to participate?
Submission is open from 7 September to 23 October 2026.
Partners
Q&A
Can't find what you're looking for? Write to hola@hackaton.com
MBA students currently enrolled in one of the five partner universities, as well as recent MBA graduates from these institutions.
Yes. While we recommend participating as part of a team, you are welcome to submit your idea individually. If your idea is selected, we will help you build a team by connecting you with other registered participants
Yes. Teams can include participants from different partner universities.
Yes. You are welcome to submit as many ideas as you wish, including ideas for both challenge statements.
If you are submitting multiple ideas as part of a team, we recommend that each idea has a different team leader to ensure each project receives the appropriate focus and representation.
The hackathon is a one-day intensive experience, running approximately from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Depending on where you are travelling from, your outbound journey may be arranged for the day before the event, and your return journey for the day after. Eligible travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the organisers.
Every meaningful innovation starts with an idea. Your proposal has the potential to improve the lives of people living with cancer and contribute to a stronger healthcare system.
Following the hackathon, the Novartis team will review all the solutions developed. Ideas with the greatest potential may be explored further, with the possibility of continued collaboration and future development beyond the event.
Please note that Novartis will own the intellectual property and commercialization rights of all ideas developed during the hackathon.
The program includes:
Participants are responsible for any additional hotel charges, local transportation (such as taxis), and other personal expenses.
The official language of the hackathon is English. All workshops, mentoring sessions, presentations, and team discussions will be conducted in English.
For this reason, participants should be comfortable communicating and collaborating in English throughout the event.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the organizing team by emailing LSpraxis.com/hackathononcology.
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