Southern University team wins cancer care technology challenge

September 30, 2026 - 22:54

A group of students from Southern University claimed first place in a statewide technology competition with a cancer support platform built to work alongside hospital care and help patients hold onto their sense of identity during treatment.

The team, known as Tomorrow, earned the $6,000 grand prize in the DevDays Cancer Care and Prevention Challenge, an event organized through a partnership between Nexus and other regional health and technology groups.

Their project focuses on the human side of cancer treatment, addressing needs that often go overlooked in clinical settings. Rather than replacing medical care, the platform is designed to supplement it, giving patients tools to stay connected to who they are outside of their diagnosis.

Judges praised the team for combining technical skill with a clear understanding of patient experience. The competition drew entries from colleges across the state, with teams presenting ideas aimed at improving prevention, treatment support, and survivorship.

Tomorrow's win highlights a growing push to bring student innovation into health care spaces. The prize money will help the team continue developing the platform as they explore ways to test it with real patients and care providers.