2024 HIGHLIGHTS

Our 2024 Harvard Rare Disease Hackathon was an incredible success, bringing together 67 participants from 8 universities, including international representation from Singapore. Held at Harvard's Science and Engineering Complex from March 2–3, the event featured both in-person and virtual components, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment.

The hackathon included inspiring keynotes and guest speakers and was made possible through partnerships with 14 rare disease organizations. Participants formed teams of 3–5 students, tackling 16 innovative projects that addressed pressing challenges in rare disease research and care. These projects ranged from advanced model simulations and disease pathway forecasting to the development of a mobility-enhancing adjustable leg cast.

The collaboration, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by all participants highlighted the immense potential of interdisciplinary innovation in advancing solutions for rare diseases.

EXPLORE HACKATHON PROJECTS

PROGRAMMING

67 PARTCIPANTS

Participants included undergraduate and graduate students from prestigious institutions such as:

  • Harvard University

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • California Institute of Technology

  • Boston University

  • Tufts University

  • Northeastern University

  • George Mason University

  • National University of Singapore

6 JUDGES

Our judging panel was comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds in scientific training: Dr. Katelyn Bird, MD, MS; Dr. Andrew Berry, PhD; Dr. André Weinstock, PhD; and Dr. Monica Hsiung Wojcik, MD, MPH.

14 RARE DISEASES

NOTABLE PROJECTS

MILÓ

Miló aims to provide digital speech therapy for individuals with speech impairment. For example, this project benefits FOXP1 patients, all of whom suffer from speech and language impairment.

The Miló Team is currently working full-time to secure funding and clinical data to bring their prototype to life!

JELLYBYTE

The creators of Jellybyte ingested and matched protein and molecular data from various databases, utilized three different machine-learning models, and developed novel algorithms for finding:

  • critical pathways for biomarkers of rare diseases

  • similarities between different rare diseases

  • similarities between 4,200 rare diseases and 854 diseases that have been cured

CUSTOMIZABLE PRESSURE-REDUCING BOOT

One team designed and tested a customizable brace powered by an AI app. The brace accepts adjustment recommendations—analogous to dental aligners—to aid patients with muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and other foot and lower leg deformities.

2024 SPONSORS