{"id":1235,"date":"2025-08-26T18:27:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T18:27:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/?p=1235"},"modified":"2025-08-26T18:52:58","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T18:52:58","slug":"igh-xr-ai-genomics-hackathon-pioneering-africas-genomic-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/igh-xr-ai-genomics-hackathon-pioneering-africas-genomic-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"IGH XR &amp; AI Genomics Hackathon: Pioneering Africa\u2019s Genomic Innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>August 4\u201322, 2025 | Institute of Genomics and Global Health, Redeemer\u2019s University, Ede, Nigeria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH), formerly known as ACEGID, successfully hosted Africa\u2019s first <strong>XR &amp; AI Genomics Hackathon<\/strong>, a landmark initiative designed to advance genomic education, strengthen research capacity, and empower the next generation of African scientists. The three-week-long program combined virtual and on-site engagement to identify and nurture emerging talent in genomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and extended reality (XR) technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sponsors and Technology Partners<\/strong>:<br><strong>Bluechip<\/strong>, <strong>Vacc Technology<\/strong>, <strong>Airtel Business<\/strong>, <strong>Focus Group Nigeria<\/strong>, <strong>ISN Medicals<\/strong>, <strong>Inqaba<\/strong>, <strong>TC Sahara<\/strong>, <strong>Redleaf<\/strong>, <strong>Vita Construction<\/strong>, <strong>ScaleUp Lagos<\/strong>, <strong>Turner &amp; Townsend<\/strong>, and <strong>Imisi 3D<\/strong> (technology partner).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Hackathon Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0461-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0461-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0461-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0461-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0461-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0461-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The hackathon ran from <strong>August 4 to August 22, 2025<\/strong>, with over <strong>2,000 applicants across Africa<\/strong> submitting entries. Following rigorous evaluation, <strong>200 participants across Africa<\/strong> advanced to the remote phase, with the <strong>top 20 selected for on-site engagement<\/strong>. The event was structured to combine <strong>technical workshops, mentorship, practical exercises, and a culminating Demo Day<\/strong>, reflecting IGH\u2019s commitment to global standards in scientific training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hackathon\u2019s agenda aimed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reimagine genomics education across Africa<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equip young scientists with XR and AI tools for research and public health applications<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Enable African researchers to compete on a global stage<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Remote Phase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"596\" src=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-14.15.39-1024x596.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-14.15.39-1024x596.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-14.15.39-300x175.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-14.15.39-768x447.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-14.15.39-1536x894.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-14.15.39.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Remote Phase Launch Day<\/strong> formally inaugurated the hackathon, introducing participants to the vision and objectives, while <strong>IGH Director Prof Christain Happi<\/strong> and <strong>sponsors<\/strong> outlined resources, mentorship, and evaluation criteria. Participants received orientation on project development, collaboration, and submission guidelines, setting the stage for three weeks of remote project work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>AI Class<\/strong> provided participants with an understanding of machine learning applications in genomics, including data interpretation, sequencing workflows, and predictive modelling. Trainers highlighted practical use cases during global outbreaks such as COVID-19, emphasising Africa-focused problem-solving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>XR Classes<\/strong> (Parts 1 &amp; 2) introduced immersive technologies \u2014 Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR); for education, laboratory simulations, and genomic data visualisation. Participants explored low-cost, scalable solutions suitable for African classrooms and research labs while addressing challenges such as data privacy and infrastructure limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Genomics Class<\/strong> grounded participants in fundamental sequencing workflows, bioinformatics tools, and real-world case studies. Practical exercises provided hands-on experience with open-source software and emphasised collaboration, cost-effective strategies, and alignment with local health priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Final Remote Phase Presentation<\/strong> showcased over 200 participant projects, blending XR, AI, and genomics innovations. Judges from <strong>IGH<\/strong>, <strong>ISN Medicals<\/strong>, and <strong>ScaleUp Lagos<\/strong> selected the <strong>top 20 participants<\/strong> to advance to the on-site phase, highlighting the strongest, most scalable ideas for Africa-focused impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>On-site Phase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0478-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0478-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0478-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0478-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0478-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A0478-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The on-site programme at&nbsp; <strong>IGH in Redeemer\u2019s University<\/strong> brought together the <strong>top 20 participants<\/strong> for a fully immersive experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First Day &amp; Introduction<\/strong>: Participants were welcomed by the <strong>IGH Director<\/strong>, toured labs and XR facilities, and received a detailed overview of the three-week programme. Sponsors and judges set the tone, emphasising collaboration, innovation, and African scientific leadership.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pre-Demo Day<\/strong>: Teams rehearsed their presentations, receiving mentorship on technical clarity, storytelling, and impact demonstration. Judges and mentors reinforced alignment with African genomic and health priorities, preparing participants for the final showcase.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Demo Day<\/strong>: The hackathon culminated with innovative project presentations across AI and XR domains. Winning projects included AI-powered genomic surveillance platforms, XR-based laboratory simulations, and educational tools. <strong>IGH leadership<\/strong>, alongside sponsors and judges, emphasised the hackathon\u2019s transformative potential for Africa\u2019s genomic and public health ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Key Achievements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Historic Milestone<\/strong>: First XR &amp; AI Genomics Hackathon in Africa, establishing a precedent for continent-wide innovation initiatives.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Talent Identification<\/strong>: Over 2,000 applications across Africa were narrowed to the <strong>top 20 innovators<\/strong>, demonstrating Africa\u2019s emerging capacity in genomics, AI, and XR.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hands-on Training<\/strong>: Participants gained practical skills through immersive workshops, data analysis exercises, and collaborative project development.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentorship and Networking<\/strong>: Interaction with <strong>IGH leadership, judges, and sponsors<\/strong> provided real-world insight into innovation, research funding, and scaling solutions.<br><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Innovation Showcase<\/strong>: Demo Day highlighted actionable, Africa-relevant solutions, combining XR, AI, and genomics for healthcare, education, and research advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A1835-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A1835-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A1835-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A1835-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A1835-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/066A1835-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>IGH XR &amp; AI Genomics Hackathon<\/strong> successfully demonstrated Africa\u2019s capacity to lead in advanced genomics, AI, and XR research. By integrating technical training, mentorship, and hands-on project development, the hackathon not only celebrated innovation but also provided a blueprint for cultivating a generation of African scientists poised to compete globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The institute remains committed to <strong>scaling these initiatives<\/strong>, supporting participant projects, and building sustainable platforms for Africa\u2019s genomic and technological future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>August 4\u201322, 2025 | Institute of Genomics and Global Health, Redeemer\u2019s University, Ede, Nigeria The Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH), formerly known as ACEGID, successfully hosted Africa\u2019s first XR &amp; AI Genomics Hackathon, a landmark initiative designed to advance genomic education, strengthen research capacity, and empower the next generation of African scientists. The &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/igh-xr-ai-genomics-hackathon-pioneering-africas-genomic-innovation\/\" class=\"more-link\" title=\"Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">IGH XR &amp; AI Genomics Hackathon: Pioneering Africa\u2019s Genomic Innovation<\/span>&#8220;>Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">IGH XR &amp; AI Genomics Hackathon: Pioneering Africa\u2019s Genomic Innovation<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1237,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1235"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1243,"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1235\/revisions\/1243"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1237"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ighresearch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}