PRESENTING SPONSOR
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) was founded after the passage of the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 (ODA) to formalize the coalition of patient advocacy groups that were instrumental in passing that landmark law. Since then, NORD has been a national steward and a steadfast partner helping those who battle and care for rare disease feel seen, heard, supported, and connected. We’re a full-service, mission-driven, and independent nonprofit reimagining a future where every person with a rare disease and their families live their best lives.
NORD SCHOLARS PROGRAM
In collaboration with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®), Harvard Undergraduate Rare Diseases offers a merit- and need-based scholarship to reduce financial barriers for students passionate about rare disease research and innovation. By providing reimbursement for eligible travel costs, the program promotes equitable participation and empowers students from diverse socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds to contribute their skills and ideas.
A dedicated panel from NORD and the HackRare organizing team will review scholarship applications. Applications will be evaluated anonymously to ensure fairness and impartiality. Receipt of scholarship awards will not influence hackathon competition outcomes.
To be considered for the NORD Scholars Program, all applicants must submit this application by Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications submitted by the priority deadline of Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST will receive early consideration.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
KorroBio is a biopharmaceutical company with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize a new class of genetic medicines based on editing RNA, enabling treatment of both rare and highly prevalent diseases. Korro is generating a portfolio of differentiated programs that are designed to harness the body’s natural RNA editing process to effect a precise yet transient single base edit.
GeneDx’s mission is to deliver health insights that inform diagnosis, direct treatment, and improve drug discovery. They believe that everyone deserves personalized, targeted medical care—and that it all begins with a genetic diagnosis. Fueled by one of the world’s largest rare disease data sets, our industry-leading exome and genome tests translate complex genomic data into clinical answers that can unlock personalized health plans for patients, accelerate drug discovery, and improve health system efficiencies.
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. They provide transformative therapies in diverse disease areas and pioneer new healthcare solutions in areas of high unmet medical need. Currently, Astellas is accelerating innovation via its four Flagship Programs: Immuno-Oncology, Genetic Regulation, Targeted Protein Degradation, and Blindness & Regeneration.
Alexion is committed to pioneering new possibilities for the rare disease community. Built on a legacy of turning pioneering science into transformative treatments, Alexion listens to and partners with the rare disease ecosystem to help improve outcomes for more people impacted by rare diseases across the globe. Their pipeline sits across multiple therapeutic areas, including haematology, nephrology, neurology, bone metabolism, cardiology, endocrinology and rare cancers.
10x Genomics delivers powerful, reliable tools that fuel scientific discoveries and drive exponential progress to master biology to advance human health. Cited in more than 10,000 research papers, their innovative single cell, spatial, and in situ technologies enable discoveries across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and more. Their talented, dedicated science professionals have a distinguished record of creating innovative instruments, reagents, and software that analyze biological systems at a resolution that matches the complexity of biology.
