What is the Makeathon?
The Friends of MSF Makeathon is a transformative humanitarian innovation
programme bringing students, of multiple disciplines, together to develop prototypes
and solve real Humanitarian Aid problems. With almost a month to go till the launch
weekend and with the application process still to be released, we have over 140
students registrations from across the multiple departments at Imperial.

Who are Friends of MSF?
Imperial College London Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières is a student-led society
supporting MSF.
MSF (Doctors without Borders) deliver Medical Aid where it's needed most, to people
affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare.

What is the aim of the Makeathon?
The Makeathon has been created to alleviate the burden faced by MSF teams with the
help of the MSF Sweden Innovation Unit which have identified 3 problems that are
faced globally. The 3 areas of interest are: an incubator and accompanying
smartphone app for water samples, pressure sore mattresses and incontinence
sheeting.

What is the timeline for the Makeathon Programme?
The competition will start with a launch weekend (12-13th January) at the White City
invention rooms. Teams will then work on their prototypes, and the winner will be
announced in the FoMSF Conference in March. The winners will then have the
opportunity of working with the MSF Sweden Innovation Unit to implement the
prototype.

Who is funding us?
Imperial Advanced Hackspace is yet to agree on a final amount but have decided to
provide their facilities as a venue and help to cover the main costs of prototyping;
materials and staff wages.
The Imperial Enterprise Lab has awarded us £900 as part of the Student Society Fund.

What's the benefit?
Uniquely, this competition would engage the design, medical and engineering minds
of Imperial simultaneously; students would learn the various intricacies of the
different fields thus spurring an innovative thought-process. As well as benefitting
student participants, through the workshops and expert mentorship, we hope to
improve on the current solutions by making more feasible alternatives. Through an
iterative design methodology and an open to all mentality, we are confident in the
community creating long-lasting meaningful strides at minimal investment!

More information
We have a full plan available on request, and more information can be found on
www.makeathon.co.uk.
We are very passionate about the Makeathon and would invite any questions to
discuss how any investment can be frugally utilised to ensure maximal benefit.