A health tech startup that streamlines how community health workers (CHWs) document client visits just won the Innovate 808 competition, taking home a $2,000 prize. This event, hosted by the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, showcased 12 interdisciplinary teams of students who worked for two weeks on innovative solutions.
The winning team, Pear Lens, developed a unique photo-based tool that helps CHWs document client interactions efficiently without compromising data privacy. Interestingly, the team was formed by four students from different backgrounds—business and public administration—who had never met before.
“It was amazing to see how quickly we clicked and came up with a solution,” said Jennifer Kawata, one of the team members.
Sandra Fujiyama, the Executive Director of PACE, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovative ideas. “This competition demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary learning. Students connected with real community partners, and the results were impressive,” she noted.
This year, participants came from ten different colleges within the university. Their diverse skill sets led to a variety of creative proposals aimed at enhancing Hawaiʻi’s health workforce. For example, one team created an AI-driven education pathway for aspiring CHWs, while another developed a tool that helps CHWs choose the best resources for their clients.
The judges were so impressed with the quality of the work that they introduced three additional runner-up prizes of $350 each.
Kawehi Kea-Scott, a judge and former CHW, praised the winning idea for listening to the needs of CHWs. “They respected existingworkflows while incorporating user-friendly technology,” she said. “Creating a working prototype in just two weeks is truly impressive.”
Initially, the competition was meant to have a single winner, but the extraordinary presentations encouraged the judges to recognize more teams. The creativity and thoroughness displayed showed real potential for impact in the health sector.
Takeda, the CEO of Pear Suite and a PACE alumnus, invited the top teams to present their ideas to his executive team. He also mentioned that Pear Suite had secured $7.6 million in funding, enabling continued growth and job opportunities for those interested in health tech.
“Finding problems and solving them is key,” he advised. “This hands-on experience is invaluable and can shape your career in exciting ways.”
Jeff Hui, PACE’s entrepreneur in residence, echoed this sentiment. He encouraged students to embrace real-world experiences that can set them apart in job interviews.
With such collaborative efforts, the future of community health in Hawaiʻi looks bright. The blend of innovation and practical problem-solving not only benefits local communities but also nurtures budding entrepreneurs ready to make their mark.
For more insights into health tech, check out this report from the World Health Organization.
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