What happens when students are given the space to listen, experiment, and rethink how public health challenges are addressed? In a recent episode of ASPPH’s IDEA Exchange Podcast, host Miranda Bosse speaks with University of Maryland students Ananth Kudaravalli, Maahe Kunvar, and Alia Mulbagal, the winning team of the 2026 Public Health Innovation Lab, about how human-centered design helped them turn an idea into an innovative solution.

The team developed Harmoney, a financial wellness concept for young adults that brings together personal finance tools and mental health support. But Harmoney was not where they started. Through user interviews, feedback, and repeated iteration, the students identified a deeper connection between financial well-being and mental health that prompted them to rethink their original approach.

Drawing on backgrounds across public health, biology, finance, and information systems, the team demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration, listening to users, and being willing to adapt can lead to stronger solutions to complex public health challenges.

Their experience also offers an important message for other student innovators: focus on understanding the problem, be patient with the process, and do not be afraid to jump in.

Tune in to From Sprint to Solution: Meet the Winners of the 2026 Public Health Innovation Lab to hear how curiosity, collaboration, and iteration can move an idea toward impact.