Cimas Launches Healthathon 3.0 to Drive Healthcare Innovation

Cimas Health Group has launched Healthathon 3.0, a national digital health innovation challenge aimed at identifying home-grown technological solutions to improve healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the launch in Harare recently, Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vuli Ndlovu, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to address healthcare challenges such as limited access to services, rising costs, operational inefficiencies and fragmented data systems.

From Left Cimas Health Group’s Chief Information Officer, Mr Foster Akaketwa, Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vuli Ndlovu, and Cimas Health Group’s Chief Marketing Officer Mr Manatsa Gaka at the Cimas Healthathon 3.0 Launch Press Conference.

Running under the theme “Reimagining Healthcare Through Disruptive Innovation,” registration for the competition will open on June 22 and close on July 12. The challenge is open to startups, innovation hubs, university technology teams and independent innovators.

Cimas Chief Information Officer, Mr Foster Akaketwa, said participating teams must consist of three to five members and develop solutions that address real challenges within Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector. He said applications will be submitted online, with the top 20 teams shortlisted before six finalists compete for the top prizes.

The competition will culminate in a Demo Day on August 28, where finalists will present their innovations before a panel of industry experts and stakeholders. The winning team will receive US$3,500, while second and third place winners will receive US$2,000 and US$1,500 respectively.

Beyond the prize money, participants will have an opportunity to pilot their innovations with Cimas Health Group, helping shape the future of healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.