Laura Olatunji, a member of Team Immunitrix – First Place Winner of the Mega Designathon (HPV) 2024, shared her experience at the mega designathon
On March 4th, 2024, a casual message from my teammate and friend, Semilore, changed the course of my year. He sent me details about an open call contest focused on HPV and cervical cancer. At first, I was hesitant—I hadn’t even been vaccinated myself. But a bit of research turned into curiosity, and curiosity soon became a burning desire not just to participate in the contest, but also to take my own vaccination seriously. That was the beginning of what became an unforgettable journey.
The Brainstorming Begins
Words like insightful, interactive, fun, and intensive barely do justice to the preparation process. Semi and I clicked like clockwork—we’d always had a great working relationship, but this experience cemented it. Daily calls were filled with ideas, laughter, deep research, and moments where work melted into play. For him, it was the “benefits of working with the right people.” For me, it was simply the joy of building something meaningful with my person.
Submitting the Idea
March 9th came quickly, and we submitted our idea, complete with a beautifully designed PowerPoint slide courtesy of Semi. I remember glancing over it after we sent it in and thinking, This is good work. Still, I tempered my excitement—I didn’t want to get too hopeful, just in case.
The Twist: From Celebration to Confusion
March 24th, 2024—I’ll never forget it. I was in church when I received the congratulatory email from the Washington University School of Medicine. I was over the moon. I told my family immediately, and the joy was tangible.
But that joy was cut short two days later when we received a rejection mail. Confused and crushed, Semi and I regrouped. We weren’t about to let this go without a fight. I replied to the email, asking for clarity. Turns out, it was a mix-up—a mistaken identity on their part. An apology mail followed, along with confirmation that we were indeed still in the competition. Crisis averted.
Back on Track
With that behind us, we jumped right back into prep mode. The excitement of being finalists fueled us. The road trip to the hotel for the mega designathon felt like the beginning of something big. I shared a room with Boluwatife from another team, and we connected instantly—one of the many unexpected gifts from this journey.
Day 1: Learning from the Best
Held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Day 1 was all about learning. We had mentors and speakers guide us through the principles of human-centered design, pitching, and innovation. Special shout-outs to Miss Emily, Miss Isabella, Pharm. Yusuf Babatunde, Pharm. Korede Adedeji, Dr. Babatunde, Mr Joseph, and so many others who helped us shape our rough ideas into a refined solution.
Day 2: The Real Work Begins
By Day 2, it was clear—hard work was just getting started. Despite being surrounded by teams with doctors, house officers, and senior medical students, Semi and I stayed focused. Our goal wasn’t to outshine anyone but to present our very best. With over 8,000 women dying yearly from a preventable cancer, we fully understood the need to design solutions that would be fully understood and accepted by our communities.
Day3: Pitch day panic
Pitch day was a mix of excitement and nerves. Semi and I prayed together, and just as I was gaining confidence to take the stage, news of an upcoming test hit me like a thunderbolt. My anxiety spiked. Semi talked me through it—deep breaths, calming words—and somehow, I steadied myself. Once I started speaking, the fear melted away. I was in the zone.
Day 4: Moment of Truth
“The most innovative idea goes to IMMUNITRIX.”
“The audience choice award goes to IMMUNITRIX.”
We were stunned. Happy, but unsure—were these just consolation prizes?
Then came the final announcements: 3rd place… not us. 2nd place… still not us.
And finally: “1st position goes to IMMUNITRIX!”
We’d done it. Against all odds, we won.
Celebration and Reflection
That night, Room 204 became the after-party hub. Charades, karaoke, laughter, and countless selfies—it was the perfect wrap to a perfect experience. Looking back, this designathon wasn’t just about winning. It was about growth, courage, community, and the power of saying “yes” to a challenge that once felt too big.
Back to reality
Today is 27th of May 2025, A year has passed so much has changed in such short period. I sink into my bed. If I was asked to rewind time and go back, I’d do it over and over and over again. Why? Lol….Here it goes:
1. The food at the Designathon hotel? Epic!
2. The daily lectures at NIMR on public health innovations and principles? Spectacular!
3. The connections with industry experts, mentors and members from other teams? Priceless
I drop my pen at this point, because in fact, I need a moment to cry.
Written by: Laura Olatunji
