WHAT'S NEXT IN ANIMAL HEALTH?
This interdisciplinary event brings together students from across degrees, majors, and schools at Cornell University! Teams comprised of veterinary, business, engineering, and design students, come together to create solutions to needs in veterinary health care. On Saturday, mentors provide feedback and guidance to teams. On Sunday, the hackathon culminates in a project showcase to an audience of peers, mentors, and company representatives.
January 2026
Schurman Hall Ithaca, NY
36-HOURS OF VETERINARY INNOVATION >
WHY YOU, WHY THIS?
IF YOU'RE KEEN TO COLLAB.
You know that the success of any product or service relies on collaboration across science and business, creative and engineering.
IF YOU'RE ITCHING FOR IMPACT.
You know that there's major improvement needed in the care of animals and you're the one who's going to lead the charge.
IF YOU LIKE IMPROVING LIFE.
You've dreamed of ways to improve the life of companion animals, food animals, exotics, aquatics, sport animals and wildlife.
IF YOU JUST🩷 ANIMALS.
A hackathon that's designed for animal lovers, systems thinkers, and those with a knack for creativity + imagination.
2025 CHALLENGE AREAS
Over this weekend, up to 125 Cornell undergraduate and graduate students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds will develop a broad range of ideas and skills as they address challenges in animal health. The challenges below are just a few examples of the many pain-points students may address over the weekend.
PIGMENTED ANIMALS
SHORTAGES IN THE VET PROFESSION
SPECIALTY CASE BACK LOG
HIGH VOLUME TESTING
TEAM FORMATION SESSIONS
Two team formation sessions are offered to help participating students form interdisciplinary teams of 4-6 with members from different colleges, departments, and fields of study. Each session is 90 minutes.
WEDNESDAY
January 29
7:00PM
Virtual
THURSDAY
January 30
6:00PM
In-Person
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Hover over schedule events to learn what's recommended (★), what's mandatory, where to submit registration, team content and for mentors, access to our teams list + locations.
FRIDAY
Check-in & Network
4:00PM
Hackathon Welcome + Kick-Off
5:30PM
MANDATORY
Dinner
6:00PM
Workshop Concludes
9:15PM
Fast-Start Workshop
Bring your laptop, a pen or pencil, and get ready to rumble!
7:15PM
MANDATORY
SATURDAY
Breakfast Opens
8:30AM
Mentor Training
10:10AM
For Mentors! Process & expectations for mentoring teams.
Mentors Visit Teams
11:00AM-12:30PM
Mentors: find teams that could use your expertise. Teams: ask questions!
Team Updates
One member from each team will report on team name, one-liner and needs.
10:30AM
MANDATORY
Lunch
12:30PM
New Mentor Training
2:15PM
For Mentors who were not present during the AM Session
Mentors Visit Teams
3:00-4:30PM
Mentors: find teams that could use your expertise. Teams: ask questions!
Team Updates
One member from each team will report on team name, one-liner and needs.
2:30PM
MANDATORY
Dinner
5:30PM
Networking Reception
4:30-5:30PM
Pitch Workshop
Join Rose + Tushar for a quick rundown on How to Pitch like a Pro and demo FAQs.
6:00PM
SUNDAY
1st Round Demos Kick-Off
Room assignments will be released here by 8AM Sunday morning.
9:30AM
FULL TEAM
MUST BE PRESENT :)
Judges Prep
9:10AM
Please bring a laptop if you're able, and arrive promptly!
Breakfast Served
8:00AM
Hackathon Retrospective
11:30AM
Bring your laptop!
We're doing a live-retro commonly used in Agile to recap a sprint, using Miro.
Awards & Celebration
2:30PM
🎊🥂
Lunch Opens
11:00AM
Final Demos
12:15PM
FULL TEAM
MUST BE PRESENT :)
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=logo}
$9,000 Cash - Judging Rubric
$3,000 in cash will be awarded to each winning team in the following categories based upon this judging criteria.
Most Novel & Innovative Animal Health Solution
Most Market Potential
Most Relevant & Impactful Animal Health Solution
MEDIA +
HISTORY
< video re-cap
Annual Reports >
