by Bridget Burke, BSN, RN and Nico Sciasci, MS, FIEL | SONSIEL
The future of healthcare innovation took a bold leap forward on March 6, 2025, as the inaugural NurseHack4Health™ Tech-A-Thon debuted at the HIMSS Global Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas.
Organized by SONSIEL (Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Leaders) and co-organizers Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, and HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, the 3.5-hour event marked a historic milestone in uniting healthcare expertise with cutting-edge technology.
With 67 participants forming 7 diverse, interdisciplinary teams, the Tech-A-Thon aimed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. Attendees brought their nursing and clinical perspectives to the table, working side by side with tech and industry professionals to co-create real-world solutions. This hands-on sprint aligned with themes explored during the Emerge Innovation Experience earlier that week, further amplifying its relevance and impact.
"This wasn’t just a competition—it was a movement. The NurseHack4Health™ Tech-A-Thon proved that when nurses lead with technology, the future of healthcare looks brighter, smarter, and more human."
Real Problems, Real Solutions
The ideas born at the Tech-A-Thon were not theoretical—they were tailored for immediate application. Teams introduced innovations like Holistic Patient Care, an in-room hologram interface with multilingual, real-time updates for patients and families, and Med Connect, a centralized, AI-powered medication education and support system. From Patient Connect to Predictive AI Discharge Pathways, each project was designed to solve real-world issues like communication breakdowns, medication errors, and delayed discharges.
Even sustainability wasn’t left behind. One team proposed an Eco-Conscious Healthcare Supply Chain Optimization platform using predictive analytics and AI to streamline inventory and reduce waste—demonstrating how climate-conscious thinking can integrate with clinical operations.
Beyond Innovation: Empowerment and Opportunity
Participants didn’t just leave with ideas—they left with tools. Each received a comprehensive playbook outlining how to implement these solutions within their own organizations and pursue funding opportunities via the NurseHack4Health Pitch-A-Thon, where they can compete for grant funding from the Johnson & Johnson Foundation.
Powered by Partnership
The success of the Tech-A-Thon hinged on the strength of its partnerships. HIMSS, Johnson & Johnson, and Microsoft not only provided support but created a platform that placed nurses at the forefront of healthcare innovation. A distinguished panel of judges, including leaders from B. Braun Medical, Mass General Brigham, Optum, and Digital Health Canada, evaluated each team’s ideas for feasibility, scalability, and impact.
As the event wrapped, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a competition—it was a movement. The NurseHack4Health™ Tech-A-Thon proved that when nurses lead with technology, the future of healthcare looks brighter, smarter, and more human.