Source: Cornell Chronicle
The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted its Animal Health Hackathon Feb. 20–22, bringing together 116 students from diverse majors to develop business solutions for animal health challenges. Organized by Jorge Colon and Ami Stuart, the event emphasized collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurial skill-building, with participation from four Tuskegee University Veterinary students through a sister program initiative.
Three teams earned top honors. Otitis Fightus won for greatest financial and market potential with OtiVance, a tool to identify bacteria or yeast causing canine ear infections without lab cultures. Big Red Dawgs was recognized for the most innovative solution for its low-cost injectable pet sterilization method to address overpopulation. The FantasTRICH Six received the award for most impactful solution, creating a rapid diagnostic test for bovine tritrichomonas, a parasite that harms cattle fertility.
Thirty-seven mentors, including alumni and industry professionals, guided teams throughout the weekend, highlighting the importance of diversity, emerging technologies like AI, and creative problem-solving in modern Veterinary medicine.