From November 24-26, 2024, the Hospiton Cancel Cancer 2024, co-hosted by the MSD, ONCOSCREEN project, POLA and others, brought over 150 participants to Vilnius, Lithuania, to tackle challenges across multiple types of cancer. With more than 20 interdisciplinary teams and participants joining both on-site and online from regions such as Asia, Spain, Greece, and beyond, the event showcased the global reach and collaborative spirit of this innovative hackathon.

The winning team, Cervixel, impressed with their innovative HPV self-testing kit powered by CRISPR technology, offering a precise and scalable diagnostic solution to advance early cancer detection. In recognition of their success, ONCOSCREEN project partner TIMELEX awarded the team legal consultations to support the development of their ground-breaking idea.

ONCOSCREEN’S societal track stood out, with a gamified self-testing platform designed to simplify and encourage cancer screening, making early detection more accessible. Team Triangle captured attention with their playful nationwide bounce ball race campaign, using gamification to raise awareness and foster participation in cancer prevention.

Hospiton Cancel Cancer 2024 exemplified the power of interdisciplinary teamwork and global collaboration in addressing critical healthcare challenges. By merging creativity, technology, and expert mentorship, participants developed impactful, real-world solutions that advance cancer prevention and care. The event’s legacy lies in the innovative ideas, global connections, and shared vision for a healthier future it fostered.