Biomaterials Hackathon 2026
Where science meets entrepreneurship in Brainport Eindhoven
For three intense days, Brainport Eindhoven became a playground for the next generation of biomaterials innovators.
During the Biomaterials Hackathon 2026, 41 participants from nine different countries gathered at the Cureon building on the High Tech Campus Eindhoven. Students, researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs formed multidisciplinary teams and worked side by side with mentors from academia and industry.
Their challenge: develop innovative solutions for real healthcare problems using biomaterials science.
In just 48 hours, ideas evolved into concepts, concepts into prototypes, and prototypes into compelling pitches presented to a jury of experts from the biomaterials and healthcare ecosystem.
The result was an inspiring mix of scientific creativity, entrepreneurial thinking and international collaboration. Three teams ultimately stood out for the clarity of their ideas, the strength of their scientific reasoning and the potential impact of their solutions.
Hackathon highlights 2026
The winning teams
1st Prize : WoundReCoverE – Smart monitoring of surgical wound healing
Surgical wounds are typically checked only during scheduled follow-up visits. In the days and weeks after surgery, complications such as infections or impaired healing can develop unnoticed, sometimes resulting in hospital readmission.
The WoundReCoverE team developed a concept for a smart biomaterial-based biosensor patch that allows clinicians to monitor wound healing remotely.
The patch detects biochemical signals associated with inflammation and infection directly at the wound site. By continuously monitoring these signals, the system could alert clinicians when healing deviates from the expected pattern.
This would allow doctors to intervene earlier, while patients recover safely at home.
Potential impact
- earlier detection of wound complications
- fewer hospital readmissions
- safer recovery for patients at home
The jury praised the team for translating a real clinical challenge into a clear and feasible concept combining biomaterials, biosensing and digital healthcare.
2nd Prize : HeartLink – Real-time monitoring for heart failure patients
Heart failure remains one of the most challenging conditions in cardiology. Despite advances in treatment, the five-year mortality rate remains around 50%, and many patients are readmitted to the hospital within months after discharge.
The HeartLink team explored how biomaterials could enable continuous monitoring of patients outside the hospital.
Their concept proposes a minimally invasive monitoring system that measures BNP levels in interstitial fluid — a key biomarker associated with heart failure progression.
Compared with current wearable solutions, the system aims to deliver implant-level accuracy while remaining accessible and affordable, reducing false alerts and improving patient monitoring.
Potential impact
- earlier detection of worsening heart failure
- fewer hospital admissions
- continuous monitoring without effort from patients
The jury valued the team’s strong integration of biomarker science, biomaterials innovation and healthcare impact.
3rd Prize : OvaSense – At-home detection of ovarian cancer
Early detection of ovarian cancer can dramatically improve survival rates. Yet many cases are still diagnosed at later stages, when treatment options become more limited.
The OvaSense team explored how biomaterials could enable earlier and more accessible screening.
Their concept proposes a wearable diagnostic patch using microneedles made from biomaterials to capture cancer biomarkers directly from interstitial fluid.
The patch detects biomarkers such as HE4 and CA-125, which can subsequently be analysed using a simple lateral-flow test.
The goal is to enable regular at-home screening, helping patients detect warning signals earlier and consult a doctor sooner.
Potential impact
- earlier cancer detection
- accessible screening for survivors and high-risk groups
- lower healthcare costs through preventive diagnosis
The jury highlighted the team’s combination of biomaterials science, diagnostics and patient-centered thinking.
Where biomaterials innovation begins
The Biomaterials Hackathon was created to bring together people who want to translate scientific ideas into real healthcare innovations.
Participants work on challenges related to regenerative medicine, biomaterials, diagnostics and advanced therapies. During the weekend they learn how to transform scientific insights into solutions with clinical and entrepreneurial potential.
For many participants, the hackathon becomes the starting point of new collaborations, research ideas or even future startups.
At the same time, the event reinforces Brainport Eindhoven’s growing role as a European hotspot for biomaterials and healthcare innovation.
Want to join the next edition?
The Biomaterials Hackathon will return next year to Brainport Eindhoven.
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