After uncovering promising healthcare innovations such as an epilepsy-monitoring mobile application and AI-powered diagnostic tools in previous editions, Cimas Health Group has launched the third edition of its national Healthathon, calling on Zimbabwe’s brightest innovators to develop technology-driven solutions for the country’s healthcare challenges.
The 2026 Cimas Healthathon, officially launched in Harare on Wednesday, will run under the theme “Reimagining Healthcare Through Disruptive Innovation” and is expected to attract startups, university technology teams, innovation hubs and independent developers from across the country.
The initiative builds on the success of last year’s competition, which saw nine teams present solutions ranging from telemedicine platforms to artificial intelligence-powered healthcare applications.
The winning innovation, EpiApp, a mobile device designed to improve epilepsy care through real-time monitoring, went on to earn recognition for its practical application within Zimbabwe’s healthcare environment.
Speaking at the launch, Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer Vuli Ndlovu said the Healthathon had evolved into a national platform for discovering home-grown innovations capable of transforming healthcare delivery.
“It is our annual national digital health innovation challenge aimed at discovering practical, home-grown technological solutions that can improve healthcare access, affordability, prevention, wellness, operational efficiency, data intelligence and patient experience across Zimbabwe’s healthcare ecosystem,” Ndlovu said.
He noted that Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector continues to face challenges, including rising healthcare costs, limited access to services, fragmented data systems and operational inefficiencies, making innovation increasingly important.
“As the healthcare industry undergoes rapid technological transformation, Cimas Health Group acknowledges that innovation remains a critical pillar in shaping the future of healthcare,” he said.
Unlike previous editions, Healthathon 3.0 will feature a single open-ended innovation challenge rather than multiple themed categories.
“There will be no predefined categories, giving participants the freedom to reimagine healthcare from any perspective or angle,” Ndlovu said.
“This approach is designed to encourage greater depth, creativity and diversity of ideas across all healthcare domains.”
Registration will open on June 22 and close on July 12. The competition will culminate in a live Demo Day on August 28, where shortlisted teams will present their solutions before a panel comprising Cimas executives, industry experts and innovation leaders.
The winning team will receive US$3,500, while second and third place teams will earn US$2,000 and US$1,500, respectively.
However, Ndlovu emphasised that the greatest reward could be the opportunity to pilot successful innovations within the Cimas healthcare ecosystem.
“Beyond the monetary prizes, participants stand to gain something even more valuable the opportunity to pilot their innovations with Cimas Health Group and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Cimas Chief Information Officer Foster Akaketwa outlined the participation requirements, saying entries must address genuine healthcare challenges facing Zimbabwe and demonstrate clear potential for implementation.
“Teams are allowed to choose their own problem area, but must show why the problem is material, who it affects, and why their solution is viable,” Akaketwa said.
He added that solutions must be original, practical and capable of being developed into working prototypes within the competition timeline.
As Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector increasingly embraces digital transformation, Healthathon 3.0 seeks to turn promising ideas into scalable solutions that could improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.
For aspiring innovators, the challenge represents an opportunity not only to compete for prize money but also to help shape the future of healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.
Featured image: 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.
Image by Watson Ofumeli
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