AIDLC 2026

What's New in AIDLC 2026?
Based on invaluable feedback and the evolving needs of our community, we've introduced several major upgrades for 2026:
• Automatic Entry to Entrepreneurship Challenge: All AIDLC 2026 finishers gain automatic admission to our upcoming Digital Health Entrepreneurship Challenge by passing the stricter, competitive selection process for non-graduates.
• Expanded Mentorship Program: We're extending our mentorship program beyond the top 3 winners to provide invaluable guidance to a larger pool of our top finalists.
• New "Pitch Day" for Finalists: The challenge will culminate in a virtual "Pitch Day," where top finalists present their project proposals to a panel of healthcare leaders, innovators, and potential investors.
• Thematic & Collaborative Showcase: The Learning Showcase now features optional thematic tracks and encourages team-based (up to 3 members) submissions, simulating real-world digital health collaboration.
• Dual Learning Tracks: We now offer two distinct tracks: a Foundational Track for beginners and a new Advanced Track for participants with prior coding or data science experience.
• Localized African Content: Our courses and helper content now feature more region-specific case studies and data sets, focusing on diverse healthcare challenges across the continent.

What is the AI & Data Literacy Challenge?
The AIDLC 2026 is an immersive learning experience designed to turn dedicated clinicians and healthcare students into digital health literates, adopters, advocates, and innovators.
• Gain Foundational & Advanced Skills Build a strong base or deepen your expertise in healthcare data science and AI by completing courses in your chosen track.
• Apply Knowledge to Real-World Problems Brainstorm and propose an AI or data-driven solution to a real-world healthcare challenge, now with the option to focus on a specific theme.
• Build Your Professional Network Become part of an exclusive alumni network of healthcare innovators across Africa and connect with mentors and peers.
• Elevate Your Profile & Pitch Your Idea Earn a Certificate of Completion, gain a full year of access to DataCamp, and get the chance to present your ideas on our new Pitch Day.

The AIDLC 2026 Journey
Participants learn core technical skills on the world-class DataCamp platform, supported by custom healthcare-specific context, videos, and quizzes on our dedicated AIDLC Challenge Hub.
• Phase 1: The Learning Phase (Weeks 1-3) Participants dive into their selected learning track (Foundational or Advanced) on DataCamp and our Challenge Hub, supported by live technical sessions and new, localized case studies.
• Phase 2: The Deep-Dive Phase (Week 4) An intensive "Marathon AMA (Ask Me Anything)" week with experts in Python, Data Science, Prompt Engineering, Health Tech Careers, and more.
• Phase 3: Showcase, Submission & Pitch Day (Final Week) Participants consolidate their learning by developing and submitting their final project proposal, either as an individual or as a team. The Top 10 finalists will be invited to present their projects at the new AIDLC 2026 Pitch Day.

The 2026 Learning Showcase: From Idea to Impact
The Learning Showcase is your opportunity to propose a solution to a pressing healthcare challenge in Africa. This year, we're introducing new features:
1. Thematic Tracks (Optional): Participants can choose to align their project with one of our new thematic tracks, allowing for more specialized and impactful proposals:
o AI for Diagnostics & Clinical Support
o Data Analytics for Public Health & Epidemiology
o Digital Health Solutions for Rural & Underserved Areas
o AI in Medical Education & Research
2. Collaborative Projects (Optional): Simulating real-world team dynamics, participants can now form multidisciplinary groups of 2-3 to submit a single, collaborative project. Individual submissions are still welcome.
3. The "Pitch Day": The top 10 projects (both individual and team-based) will be selected to present their ideas at a live, virtual "Pitch Day" to a panel of judges, healthcare leaders, and potential investors, providing invaluable exposure and feedback.
Note: As in 2025, this is a proposal exercise, not a development contest. You do not need to code or build a functional app.

Recognizing Excellence: Prizes & Rewards
We celebrate the hard work and innovation of our participants with an expanded range of prizes and rewards.
• Top 3 Student Champions:
o Receive cash prizes of up to ₦500,000. (Note: Cash prizes are exclusively for students enrolled in African institutions.)
• Top 10 Finalists (The "Pitch Day" Cohort):
o Exclusive Mentorship: All top 10 finalists will be accepted into our expanded 6-month mentorship program, connecting them with industry leaders.
o Pitch Day Access: A guaranteed spot to present at the AIDLC 2026 Pitch Day.
o Free Course Access: Get free access to all future Medics in Tech courses for one year.
• All Finishers:
o Automatic Admission to the Digital Health Entrepreneurship Challenge: Secure your spot by default in our next DHEC. Non-AIDLC graduates will face a stricter, more competitive selection process. (Note: AIDLC 2025 finishers are also pre-qualified for this).
o Certificate of Completion: A verified certificate for your professional profile.
o 1-Year DataCamp Access: One full year of access to DataCamp to continue your learning.
o Alumni Network: Entry into our exclusive alumni network for ongoing networking and opportunities.