Hong Kong's HIV management continues to face challenges across prevention, testing, treatment, care and community engagement. This hackathon creates a platform for students to move beyond theory and explore practical public health solutions.
Call for Changemaker
Advancing Towards the Three Zeros
Turning HIV Challenges into Real-World Solutions
7 and 21 Nov 2026 (Sat)
Organizer
Collaborating Organizations
Funded by
Your Ideas Can Change the Future of HIV Care
Welcome to HIV Hackathon 2026．Advancing Towards the Three Zeros.
We call for passionate and creative students to transform the future of HIV care in Hong Kong. Focused on achieving the Three Zeros— Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths, and Zero Discrimination — this hackathon brings together experienced healthcare professionals and industry experts to empower multidisciplinary teams from local universities to build ground-breaking, creativity-driven solutions for the future HIV care. Join us in shaping a healthier, more equitable tomorrow through bold ideas and impactful action.
UNAIDS’S VISION
Zero
New HIV Infections
Zero
AIDS-Related Deaths
Zero
Discrimination
Why This Hackathon?
Our Mission
To turn Hong Kong's HIV priorities into actionable, real-world solutions that drive impactful, measurable changes.
Move Beyond Theory
Bridge the gap between academic knowledge and public health execution through learning, community insights, mentorship, problem definition and solution development.
Challenges
The Pressing HIV Challenges
Teams will select at least one of the following real-world HIV challenges to tackle. Each is grounded in Hong Kong's current public health landscape and aligned with global targets. Additionally, teams that look beyond the given list, bringing a fresh eye to identify other valid, scientifically-proven, pressing HIV challenges unique to Hong Kong will be recognised with bonus marks for their value-added contribution.
Challenge 1
Breaking the Silence – Normalizing HIV Conversations to Reduce Stigma & Late Diagnosis
Stigma remains a significant barrier to HIV prevention and care in Hong Kong. Fear of judgment and discrimination prevents open conversations about HIV, leaving many unaware of prevention tools like PrEP, the reality of U=U, and the fact that HIV is no longer a deadly disease but a manageable chronic condition. This lack of conversation drives late diagnosis, discourages testing, and deters people from seeking care.
How might we normalize HIV discussions across all communities, reduce stigma, and foster healthy, informed conversations that empower individuals to protect themselves and seek timely care?
Challenge 2
Reaching Every Generation – HIV Education for the Digital Age and Beyond
In today's digital era, social media, gaming, and AI offer powerful tools to engage youth with HIV education that is relevant, interactive, and shareable. However, older generations in Hong Kong—who may not be active on digital platforms—remain underserved by traditional outreach. To truly end the epidemic, we must leave no one behind.
How might we leverage both innovative digital strategies and traditional education channels to deliver effective HIV awareness and prevention messages tailored to all age groups across Hong Kong?
Challenge 3
Beyond the Label – Reaching Heterosexual Communities with Inclusive HIV Awareness
HIV is widely misunderstood as a condition affecting only specific populations, leading many heterosexual individuals to underestimate their personal risk. This misconception not only fuels stigma but also leaves a significant segment of the community uninformed about prevention, testing, and treatment options.
How might we raise awareness among heterosexual communities in a way that normalizes HIV as a public health issue for everyone, without reinforcing stereotypes or stigmatizing specific groups?
Key Dates
Registration Deadline
Shortlist Result and Notification
Empowerment Workshop
Mini-challenge Submission
Pitch Deck Submission
Presentations & Award Ceremony
Prize & Recognition
Turn Your Idea into Impact
Recognise outstanding ideas and support the next step toward real-world impact.
Grand Prize
HK$30,0001st Runner-up
HK$20,0002nd Runner-up
HK$10,000Winning teams
Each winning team may also receive an internship/mentoring opportunity or community program visit.
All shortlisted teams
Candidate who has attended Nov 7 Empowerment Workshop will receive a Certification of Participation and Starbucks Coupon.
Check Out the Program
Day 1 Empowerment Workshop
Venue: David Li Community Hall, St. James’ Church, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, 112 Kennedy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Day 2 Presentations & Award Ceremony
Venue: 1/F, Kino & Lounge, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Check out the detail program.