Spotlight on Emerging Health Innovators: HLTH USA & Spark Accelerate Winners Announced

We’re thrilled to announce the recipients of two exciting student opportunities made possible through our partnership with Spark Health. After receiving a large number of outstanding applications, we’re proud to introduce Chanel Brocherie, who will represent Hauora Taiwhenua at the HLTH USA 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, and Cameron Dickey, who has been selected as runner-up and will attend the Spark Accelerate 2025 summit in Auckland.

These opportunities are designed to empower the next generation of health and tech innovators, connecting them with global leaders, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative ideas that can shape the future of healthcare in Aotearoa.

The HLTH USA 2025 Conference is the world’s leading healthcare innovation event, bringing together over 12,000 global delegates and 400+ speakers across AI, digital health, and more. Meanwhile, Spark Accelerate 2025 is Spark Health’s premier technology summit for Aotearoa’s business leaders, showcasing global thought leadership and emerging technologies. Thanks to Spark Health, both students will gain access to world-class experiences.

To apply, HTRHN student members were asked to submit a short video explaining why the opportunity would be a valuable learning experience and why they should be selected.

Winner: Chanel Brocherie

Chanel Brocherie submitted a standout application. Originally from a small rural town in Northland, Chanel’s upbringing has shaped her deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities. She is currently a third-year medical student at the University of Otago, having previously completed a degree in biomedical sciences.

Chanel is a passionate advocate for equitable healthcare. She is a director of Endo45, a femme-tech startup developing an holistic app-based protocol to support those living with endometriosis. She is also conducting research with Fertility Associates, focusing on ethnic disparities in fertility outcomes, and believes strongly that evidence should drive change.

Her vision is clear: “Health is never a ‘one size fits all’ model. To create truly equitable outcomes, we need knowledge from every perspective, every culture, and every new advancement.”

At HLTH25, Chanel hopes to connect with global leaders, explore cutting-edge tech, and bring back insights to benefit rural communities. She’ll be buddied with the Spark Health team and take part in additional innovation-focused experiences while in the U.S.

Runner-Up: Cameron Dickey

Cameron Dickey also submitted an excellent application. A second-year medical student at the University of Otago, Cam hails from Greymouth and serves as the rural representative on the Otago University Medical Students Association.

Growing up on the West Coast, Cam witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing consistent, reliable healthcare. His passion lies in innovative technology, and he’s currently developing an automated soil tester to help farmers monitor soil health, an example of his commitment to practical, tech-driven solutions for rural communities.

“Growing up rurally, I’ve seen both the strengths and the challenges our communities face when it comes to technology,” Cam explains. “Distance, limited connectivity, and fewer resources shape the way rural people engage with digital tools. At the same time, rural communities are incredibly resilient and innovative. We often find practical, creative solutions that larger centres might overlook. I’d like to bring forward these lived experiences so conversations about technology include voices from the edges, not just the centre.”

As runner-up, Cam will attend Spark Accelerate 2025, an invitation-only event designed to equip business and health leaders with the tools and insights to accelerate innovation in New Zealand.

We’re proud of Chanel and Cam, and grateful to Spark Health for supporting the next generation of health and tech innovators.

We were incredibly impressed by the large number of high-quality applications received. It was inspiring to see so many passionate, forward-thinking students putting themselves forward. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to apply and share their vision for the future of health in Aotearoa.