Population and Public Health

HIMSS Global Maternal Health Tech Challenge 2021 Opens Call for Submissions

A woman writes on a sticky note that's posted on a large cork board.

The Call for Submissions is open for the 2021 HIMSS Global Maternal Health Tech Challenge. Created by the HIMSS Global Health Equity Network and Accelerate Health, the competition seeks solutions that will save the lives of mothers across the globe.

Studies show mothers are dying at a disproportionately higher rate in underserved communities and among people of color. There are significant differences in the rates of pregnancy-related mortality by race and ethnicity, education, geography and age. Understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to these differences can improve maternal health across the world.

HIMSS seeks innovations rooted in authentic understanding of the maternal experience in low-resource settings. Teams should understand maternal health disparities exist, including geographic, racial and ethnic disparities, and work to address them. Solutions should be forward-thinking, leveraging upcoming and future technology trends.

Challenge submitters are encouraged to work with trusted community leaders, ask questions, gain clarity and refine thinking to make sure submissions reflect the needs of underrepresented communities and women of color.

Teams that advance to the finals will receive an expense paid trip to HIMSS21 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in August to participate in the Global Maternal Health Tech Challenge Finals, where the Grand Prize Winner will be determined.

2021 Global Maternal Health Tech Challenge Schedule

Opens: Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, 12 a.m. ET
Closes: Sunday, May 9, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET
Semifinals Pitch Competition: Monday, June 7, 2021
Global Maternal Health Tech Challenge Finals: Aug. 10, 2021

Global Maternal Health Tech Challenge

This global tech challenge is focused on improving maternal health outcomes and will include a series of virtual competitions hosted regionally across the globe, culminating in a final competition at the 2021 HIMSS Global Health Conference.

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Originally published Feb. 15, 2021; updated March 17, 2021.

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