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Publications

Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 42861659 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2745344

Fostering technological innovation for individuals with disabilities: exploring the potential impact of a national hackathon.

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol

Authors: Christelle Pons, Johanne Mensah, Marie Babel, Pauline Coignard, Sébastien Cordillet, Philippe Gallien, Sylvain Guegan, Guirec Hillion, Karim Jamal, Benoît Ladrette, Anne-Claude Lefebvre, Nathalie Pichot, Ludovic Saint Bauzel, Amélie Weill, Willy Allegre, Sylvain Brochard

Affiliations

  • Brest University Hospital, Brest, France.
  • University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.
  • Fondation Ildys, Brest, France.
  • LaTIM- INSERM UMR 1101, Brest, France.
  • INSA Rennes, Rennes, France.
  • Centre mutualiste Kerpape, Ploemeur, France.
  • Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France.
  • Pôle St Hélier, Rennes, France.
  • BiotechSanté Bretagne, Rennes, France.
  • Lilles University Hospital, Lille, France.
  • CoWork'hit, Ploemeur, France.
  • University of Rennes, Rennes, France.
  • Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
  • Parent partner, France.
  • Centre mutualiste Kerpape, Ploemeur, France. CoWork'hit, Ploemeur, France.

Abstract

PURPOSE

Hackathons are a promising methodology for fostering creativity, collaboration, and the development of user-centered solutions. This case study analysed project and individual outcomes of a multidisciplinary hackathon held to foster innovation in disability and rehabilitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multidisciplinary steering committee provided collective guidance and project-specific team support around programmatic, needs and technical domains before and during the two-day event. Project maturity was assessed by two independent experts using health CMLs across these three domains (scores from 1 to 9 per domain; total = 27) before and immediately after the event. Participants completed questionnaires assessing satisfaction with event organisation and self-perceived changes in their skills across the programmatic, needs and technical domains (7-point Likert scale) before and immediately after the event. Post-event evaluations at 3 months included continuation status of the projects and project progress.

RESULTS

Ten projects emerged from the 64 participants (healthcare professionals, engineers, entrepreneurs, individuals with disabilities), covering themes such as mobile platforms, serious games, smart orthoses, and robotics. Overall median maturity project gains were +3 (IQR 3-4.75). Three months after the hackathon, nine of the ten projects remained active, with several having secured grants or joined accelerators. Participants reported high satisfaction (mean 6.5/7, SD 0.9) and enhanced skills in the programmatic, needs and technical domains (respectively mean progress +0.75 (SD = 1.4), +1.2 (SD = 1.5), +0.6 (SD = 1.7)).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the potential of the Réadapt'athon to foster innovation by educating participants and supporting projects.

MeSH

Rehabilitation, Self-Help Devices