The Department of Bioengineering within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UIC Barcelona, in collaboration with the Masella ski resort, successfully held the first edition of the Bioengineering Innovation Challenge (BIC) 2026. Conceived as an open innovation initiative, the challenge was created to bridge university education and the real needs of the sector by encouraging Bioengineering undergraduates and sixth-form students to work together to develop technological solutions that improve healthcare provision and safety in high-mountain environments. 

The challenge began on 1 July at the University's Sant Cugat Campus with a hackathon-style event coordinated by Limitless Agency. Over 48 hours, multidisciplinary teams made up of 30 participants developed innovative proposals to improve emergency treatment for deep lacerations sustained on ski slopes. These injuries are particularly difficult to manage because of adverse weather conditions, the risk of hypothermia and the logistical challenges associated with evacuation. The final stage took place at Masella, where teams presented seven projects to a panel of experts in medicine, bioengineering and entrepreneurship.

BodyLock named winning project

First prize went to BodyLock, an intelligent stretcher designed to improve medical rescue operations in high-mountain environments. The concept combines biofoam immobilisation technology, organohydrogel-based shock absorption and an artificial intelligence-powered predictive guidance system. The project aims to reduce the risk of secondary injuries during patient transport, improve evacuation procedures in extreme conditions, and make it easier for rescue teams to carry out their work.

BodyLock was developed by Laura Calleja, a sixth-form student at Pineda School, together with Ona Vila and Nyncke van den Broek, second-year students on the Bachelor's Degree in Bioengineering at UIC Barcelona. The team was supervised by Carlos Saez, lecturer in the Department of Bioengineering.

Education and innovation tackling real-world challenges

Begoña Bosch, director of the Department of Bioengineering and UIC Barcelona coordinator of the event, highlighted the educational value of the initiative: “We are proud to see university Bioengineering students and sixth-form pupils working so closely together. This challenge shows that learning can extend far beyond the traditional classroom. It gives students a valuable opportunity to see how their ideas, skills and commitment can make a meaningful difference to society.”

Masella director Sergi Tarrés also emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “Hosting this challenge at Masella has allowed us to engage directly with the next generation of innovators and encourage fresh thinking around safety and technological development in mountain environments. Our partnership with UIC Barcelona sets an important benchmark for the sector.”

Íñigo Soteras, medical director of Masella and a member of the judging panel, praised the participants' ability to address a real operational challenge: “As a member of the judging panel and director of Masella's medical service, I was impressed by how effectively the students identified and responded to the challenges our medical teams face on the slopes. The breadth of ideas presented demonstrates the valuable perspective this initiative can bring to the future of mountain emergency care.”

The initiative reflects UIC Barcelona's commitment to challenge-based learning and to strengthening collaboration between universities and industry.