HIV Innovation Sprint // Design Challenge: Atlanta, GA

HIV prevention tools exist. So why aren’t they reaching everyone who needs them?

Too many communities still face stigma, misinformation, and system barriers. The Design Challenge is about turning the tide; not by telling local communities what they need, but by helping them build it themselves.

This is your chance to be part of something that’s rooted in the real world and aimed at real impact. When lived experience meets lived commitment, powerful things happen.

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The Design Challenge builds off of the great insights, problems, and potential solutions that came directly out of Discovery Day. It is a fast-paced, hands-on, team-based "hackathon for good" experience where you help shape the future of HIV prevention in Atlanta. Over a day and a half, we’ll roll up our sleeves together to explore the local landscape, form diverse teams, and co-design solutions that could go on to receive funding, mentorship, and real-world support.

Whether you’re living with HIV, supporting someone who is, working in tech, running a nonprofit, or just showing up for your city, this event is for you. No experience is necessary — just bring your passion and perspective.

Very importantly, the Design Challenge is not a lecture. It is not a panel. And it is definitely not a windowless, hotel ballroom conference.

Day One :: Kickoff + Team Formation (Evening)

October 22: 6:00-8:00PM

• A quick recap of insights gleaned from Discovery Day
• A showcase of tools, technology, and community resources
• Pitches from participants with big ideas (and big energy)
• We will form cross-functional teams built around community, creativity, and collaboration
• Dinner and cold beverages will be provided

Day Two :: Design, Build, Pitch (Full Day "Hackathon for Good")

October 23: 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Interactive Design Thinking team exercises to generate bold ideas
• Guided sessions on prototyping, storytelling, and lean frameworks
• Coaching and mentoring from experts with real-world experience in solution architecting and design

• A live pitch competition with community judges
• A space to connect, create, and celebrate progress
• We’ll provide catered breakfast, lunch, snacks, materials, and support

• Curiosity
• Courage to speak up (or listen deeply)
• A sense of what’s broken—and a desire to fix it
• A notebook or laptop (ideas will fly)
• Yourself—just as you are

We're thrilled to host our event in the beautiful, modern space at Portal Innovations (near The Gathering Spot), which provides early‑stage biotech and medtech startups in Atlanta with seed funding, world‑class wet and dry lab space, management expertise, and network access, enabling local life‑science innovators to build and scale where they live.

This event is FREE and open to all. You don’t need to be an “expert,” just someone who cares.

Come solo or bring a friend or coworker. You’ll find your team here. We can imagine what’s possible and then build it, if we work together.

*If you need a written declaration for taking time off of work to participate in this event, we are happy to provide one.

The Digital Health Institute for Transformation (DHIT), in collaboration with Gilead Sciences, are leading this HIV Innovation Sprint, bringing people who could benefit from HIV prevention together with innovators and those serving the community to design prevention solutions.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out at any time to info [at] dhitglobal.org

Also check out other Contests in Atlanta, Workshops in Atlanta, Health & Wellness events in Atlanta.