The CoCreate Health Sprints are interdisciplinary weekend-long innovation challenges that bring together students from across the University of Ottawa to design meaningful, practical solutions to real health and societal issues. Each Sprint immerses participants in collaborative problem-solving, community engagement, and hands-on learning.

Faculty of Medicine’s commitment

CoCreate Health logo

These Sprints are part of the Faculty of Medicine’s commitment to driving positive change, innovation and impact by building strong communities through partnerships and delivering transformational education that prepares future leaders to meet the needs of society.

Why should I join a CoCreate Health Sprint?

Because one weekend can spark a lifetime of impact.

  • Tackle real-world challenges that matter to communities and society
  • Boost your CV with hands-on, interdisciplinary experience that stands out
  • Learn from the best—faculty mentors, community leaders, and brilliant peers
  • Sharpen your professional skills in problem-solving, design thinking, communication, leadership, and ethical tech (yes, even AI!)
  • Enact your values by championing health equity and social accountability
     

What to Expect?

Short and Intensive

Each Sprint takes place Friday to Sunday and includes 20–25 hours of immersive, team-based work.

  • Work is completed in person at the University of Ottawa Main Campus
  • Light online pre-work is required

The experience is fast-paced, collaborative, and highly interactive.

Interdisciplinary Teams

Complex issues such as food security, youth homelessness, or public health challenges require diverse perspectives. Participants are placed in teams of students from different faculties and disciplines to create the conditions for genuine interdisciplinary collaboration and learning.

Grounded in Real-World Context

Participants engage with:

  • Community partners
  • Municipal and system leaders
  • Faculty mentors
  • Evidence-based academic materials

Together, you will co-design solutions that have the potential to make a real difference in our community!

Who can Participate?

  • Undergraduate students
    • Open to all undergraduate programs
    • 24 undergraduate-level units completed is recommended
  • Graduate students
    • Open to all graduate and postgraduate programs
      • Note: Masters in Public Health (MPH) students must be in their second year of study.
  • Grading is Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory so you can focus on learning, creating, and innovating without the pressure of traditional exams

Upcoming Sprints

Fruits and vegetables

Winter 2026 - March 6-8, 2026

CoCreate Health Sprint on Food Security on Campus

Led by the Faculty of Medicine

Open to students from all faculties

Deadline to enroll: February 18, 2026
Deadline to withdraw: February 23, 2026, midnight 

Details on how to apply are below. 

Questions? Contact [email protected]

How to apply?

For Credit (1.5 units) 

After ensuring you meet the prerequisites above, enroll for the appropriate course code:

  • Undergraduate studies: TMM 4301 A or TMM 4701 A
  • Graduate and postgraduate studies: EPI 6344 A or EPI 6744 A

Extracurricular (No units)

Register through our CoCreate Health Sprint form. No course enrollment is required. 

Important: Enrollment is first-come, first-served. Once full, applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

FAQ

Past Sprints

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