TEAMS

DIGITAL HEALTH HACKATHON

Meet the Teams

30 October – 1 November 2026 · The Victoria Hotel, Sliema

Meet the participants developing practical digital health solutions, grouped by the healthcare challenges they have chosen to tackle.

Challenge 1: The Waiting List Is Not a List: Build an Intelligent Patient Check-in

Exploring how an intelligent patient check-in process could make healthcare waiting lists clearer, more responsive and easier to manage.

Portrait of Ali Debber

Ali Debber

Student

English course at LHVI

A computer science graduate with knowledge of machine learning who is interested in applying AI and software development to practical digital healthcare challenges.

Portrait of Jacques Reginald

Jacques Reginald

Student

Bachelor of Computer Science

A Computer Science student with a longstanding interest in healthcare. He is keen to develop technical knowledge that can support medical professionals and help address healthcare needs.

Portrait of Jaime Diaz Segado

Jaime Diaz Segado

Student

Computing Science

A third-year Computer Science student interested in critical systems and medical embedded technology. He has experience in C/C++, embedded systems, web applications, databases, networking and cybersecurity.

Challenge 3: Pepper Challenge: Care Home Activity Companion

Exploring how a humanoid robot could support engagement and meaningful activities for older people in care homes.

Portrait of Ankit Kumar

Ankit Kumar

Researcher

University of Malta

An AI and robotics researcher at the University of Malta specialising in perception, safety and decision-making. His work includes deep learning, sensor fusion, explainable AI and event-based perception for assistive robots.

Portrait of Julian Busuttil

Julian Busuttil

Senior Systems Analyst

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Health

A senior systems analyst working in Malta’s public health sector. He enjoys using technology and automation to simplify processes, solve operational problems and improve everyday workflows.

Portrait of Roberta Sultana

Roberta Sultana

Research Supporting Officer

University of Malta

An occupational therapist and researcher at the University of Malta with postgraduate and doctoral qualifications in Gerontology and Geriatrics. Her research examines ageing, gender and care work, particularly older male carers.

Portrait of Omar Zitari

Omar Zitari

Erasmus+ Exchange Student In University Of Malta

University of Malta/ Computer Science

A Computer Science student at An-Najah National University, currently on an Erasmus+ exchange at the University of Malta. Formerly a Google Developer Student Clubs lead, he is interested in AI, collaborative learning and real-world technology projects.

Challenge 4: Post-discharge Medication Gaps

Developing digital ideas to help patients and carers navigate medication information and support following hospital discharge.

Portrait of Mais Taha

Mais Taha

Portrait of Adesola Dorcas Adekoya

Adesola Dorcas Adekoya

Student

Msc Digital Health

A medical doctor who graduated in Ukraine and is now studying for an MSc in Digital Health. She is exploring opportunities to move from clinical medicine into non-clinical healthcare innovation.

Portrait of Mahmoud Albaili

Mahmoud Albaili

Student

Bachelor in Business and IT

A second-year Business and IT student at the University of Malta, combining management and business knowledge with Python, SQL, data analysis and ERP skills. He is interested in building practical digital health solutions.

Portrait of Gulcan Coksusamis

Gulcan Coksusamis

Student

University of Malta

A clinical pharmacist and MSc Digital Health student at the University of Malta. She brings experience in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and health administration, with interests in preventive care, medication guidance and responsible AI.

Challenge 5: In the Loop: Patient and Family Communication

Considering how digital tools can help patients, families and care teams stay informed and connected throughout care.

Portrait of Larison Carvalho

Larison Carvalho

Backend Team Lead

StackGuardian BV

A backend engineering team lead at StackGuardian BV, working across software architecture, product delivery and AI exploration. He focuses on turning ambitious concepts into reliable cloud-based products.

Portrait of Zarina Caeiro

Zarina Caeiro

Tech Consultant

EY

A technology consultant at EY Malta who enjoys developing innovative, practical solutions to complex organisational and technical challenges.

Portrait of Esther Ijeoma Nwachukwu

Esther Ijeoma Nwachukwu

Challenge 6: Staying on Their Feet: Preventing Falls in Older Adults

Investigating approaches to identify fall risks and support safer, more independent living for older adults.

Portrait of Asher Taufique

Asher Taufique

Student

Nursing

A nursing student with previous experience in IT and graphic design. He is interested in combining digital skills with clinical knowledge to explore better approaches to care.

Portrait of Nina Zikic

Nina Zikic

Systems Administrator

Ministry for Health - IMU

A systems administrator in Malta’s public health sector developing applications that help healthcare staff access data and forms efficiently. She focuses on reliable tools that support day-to-day clinical work.

Portrait of Dwayne Camilleri

Dwayne Camilleri

Ict & Business Analyst

IMU ODPM

An ICT and Business Analyst working with the public health sector’s Information Management Unit, bringing a perspective that connects technology, business processes and healthcare operations.

Portrait of Malcom Farrugia

Malcom Farrugia

Senior Systems Analyst

Ministry for Health IMU

A senior systems analyst working with the Information Management Unit in Malta’s public health sector. His recent work includes supporting the MyHealth portal and its services for patients.

Challenge 7: The Quiet Change

Exploring how digital health solutions might help recognise subtle changes in wellbeing and support timely, person-centred responses.

Justin Cachia

Senior Full Stack Developer

HLL

A senior full-stack developer at Healthcare Logistics Ltd with strong C# experience. His work includes APIs, background services, front-end development, containerisation, deployment pipelines and AWS hosting.

Portrait of Genadiy Genchev

Genadiy Genchev

Software Developer

HLL

A software developer at Healthcare Logistics Ltd with experience in APIs, database architecture and healthcare systems. His work includes medication management, data integration and reporting platforms, with a focus on improving service delivery.

Portrait of Valentine Ozoigboanugo

Valentine Ozoigboanugo

Student

Masters in Artificial Intelligence

An AI student and chemical engineer interested in combining machine intelligence and human biology. His aspirations include accessible point-of-care diagnostics and less invasive approaches to preventive healthcare.

Portrait of Abs Walid

Abs Walid

System Analyst & Developer

Healthcare Logistics Ltd

Systems analyst and developer at Healthcare Logistics Ltd, bringing experience in software development and an interest in collaborative problem-solving.

Challenge 8: The Emergency Door Is Not the Only Door

Exploring digital pathways that could help people access appropriate care and support beyond the emergency department.

Portrait of Benjamin Brandl

Benjamin Brandl

Seo Assistant

Paradise Media

An SEO assistant at Paradise Media working on AI-supported search optimisation and automation. He is exploring AI, data and healthcare applications through personal projects and is keen to develop useful solutions collaboratively.

Portrait of Lisa Ciantar

Lisa Ciantar

Student At Mcast

Advanced Diploma in IT (Computer Systems and Networks)

A second-year MCAST student studying Computer Systems and Networks. She is particularly interested in computer hardware, network infrastructure and the wider role of technology in society.

Portrait of Nitish Khanna

Nitish Khanna

Student At Mcast

Bachelor of science honor in Applied Data Science

An MCAST Applied Data Sciences student, software developer and AI product builder. He has worked on a custom AI browser and a healthcare system, combining automation, machine learning and user-focused design.

Portrait of Arjun Khanna

Arjun Khanna

Student

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Data Sciences

An Applied Data Sciences student at MCAST, data scientist and software developer. He co-founded Flying Sapphire, an AI-enabled browser project, and has experience in machine learning, data engineering and policy data analytics.

Challenge 9: Creating a Patient-First myHealth Mobile App

Designing a patient-centred mobile experience that makes digital health information and services more accessible and usable.

Blessing Oyebode

Portrait of Veronique Spiteri

Veronique Spiteri

Consultant Clinical Governance

Mater Dei Hospital

A consultant in clinical governance at Mater Dei Hospital and former paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, with more than 30 years of healthcare experience in Malta and the UK. Her work focuses on patient safety, quality improvement and healthcare policy.

Portrait of Sephora Camilleri

Sephora Camilleri

Higher Medical Lab Practitioner

Mater Dei Hospital

A biomedical scientist in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratories at Mater Dei Hospital. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Applied Biomedical Science and Digital Health, and focuses on laboratory quality, data-informed decisions and healthcare process improvement.

Portrait of Abhinav Kumar

Abhinav Kumar

Data Engineer/Architect

EY

A senior technology consultant at EY Malta with experience in big-data processing, data engineering and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) implementations.

Portrait of Izuchukwu Nwankwo

Izuchukwu Nwankwo

It Support

HLL

An IT support professional at Healthcare Logistics Ltd with a strong interest in digital tools, collaboration and practical innovation that can improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Profiles are based on information supplied by registered participants.

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