In the upcoming century, mental health is one of the biggest challenges our nation faces. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
Speakers Kelsey Crowe and Jennifer Akullian at the HackMentalHealth opening keynote with over 350+ attendees.
That’s why, on February 3–4, 2018 at California Institute of Integral Studies, we held Silicon Valley’s largest ever mental health hackathon, a 24 hour event focused on hands-on learning and partnership in the mental health space.
The HackMentalHealth team was blown away by the final numbers, with 350+ Attendees, 30+ Sponsors, and 20+ Mentors. This incredible outcome signals a growing need for innovation in the intersection of technology and mental health.
This wasn’t an average hackathon. To be consistent with the principles of a healthy mind and body, we flipped the hackathon formula on its head.
We hope that HackMentalHealth can positively change the culture of hackathons to be healthier and less stressful.
From left to right: Ning Zhou, Matt Hirschtritt, Steven Chan, Meredith Meacham, and Jennifer Guo
HackMentalHealth’s mission is to bridge the gap between mental health professionals and technologists. That’s why we brought in over thirty mentors in the mental health professional space, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other healthcare professionals, led by Clare Purvis.
Each team could sign up for mentorship and engage directly with therapists and psychiatrists. Instead of developing tech products in a vacuum, we wanted to ensure that the end results of the hackathon were actually useful and practical in a professional mental health setting.
This event would not have been possible without our incredible partners and sponsors, from a variety of backgrounds.
“The movement has begun. What you’re doing is a gift to humanity.” — DAVE MORIN
“The best part was meeting passionate, talented, kind people who want to make a difference. I feel inspired and energized. I’m so excited for the future of mental health care!” — Ning Zhou, UCSF Psychiatry Resident
We were so inspired by not only the final presentations, but also the participants’ enthusiasm of making a difference in the space. Our judges were industry leaders, from both the mental health and technology spaces.
Judges Courtney Brown, Seth Rosenberg, and Dave Morin. Not featured: Liz Beaven and Nicollette Maristela
Judges: DAVE MORIN, Founder and Partner Slow Ventures and Founder at Sunrise | Liz Beaven, Provost of California Institute Of Integral Studies | Seth Rosenberg, Investor at Greylock Partners | Courtney Brown, SF Suicide Hotline Director | Nicollette Maristela, Communications Specialist at Mental Health Association of SF
The final winners:
Congrats to Huddle, the winners of HackMentalHealth 2018
It doesn’t end here. We’re starting with a monthly newsletter and continued events throughout the year, but we need your help. Please join us in this movement.
Want to get more involved? Fill out this form for leadership opportunities.
HackMentalHealth is led and organized by Stephen Cognetta, Daniel Pourasghar, Pragya Bajoria, Nick DiRienzo, Ashwin Kumar, Clare Purvis, Alexa Meyer, Neha Madan, Zach Leach, and Edith Borrebach.