IGH
XR & AI GENOMES HACKATHON

August 4–22, IGH, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria

We are looking for talented Unity developers, biologists, and digital creatives to compete and showcase their skills in immersive education and genomics visualization at IGH’s first ever XR & AI hackathon.

About The Event

The XR & AI Genome Hackathon is the first of its kind in Africa, bringing together Unity developers, biology students, and educators to build immersive XR & AI tools that teach DNA sequencing and lab procedures. Hosted by IGH at Redeemer’s University, this 3-week event blends learning, creativity, and real-world science to shape the future of genomics education.

Where

IGH, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Nigeria

When

August 4–22, 2025
2 Weeks Remote · 1 Week On-site

Countdown to XR & AI Genome Hackathon

The race begins soon. Are you ready to code, simulate, and innovate?

We’re selecting 15 participants (Under-Graduate) from across Nigeria to form 5 interdisciplinary teams. Whether you code, design, study biology, or tell stories-you belong here.

Ideal applicants include: Unity or game developers, 3D modelers and animators, Biology or biotechnology students, Graphic or UI/UX designers, Writers or science communicators, VR/AR enthusiasts, Hackathon-ready undergraduates

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Apply

Apply to join the XR & AI Genome Hackathon 2025 — where science meets immersive storytelling. Limited slots available for developers, students, and creatives.

Event Speakers & Judges

Prof. Christian Happi

Prof. Christian Happi

Director, IGH
Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Prof. Anise Happi

Deputy Director, One Health
Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Prof. Onikepe Folarin

Deputy Director, Training & Capacity Building
Dr. Philomena

Dr. Philomena Eromosele

Lab Manager, IGH
Dayo Okunfolami

Dayo Okunfolami

CITIO, IGH
Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Judith Okonkwo

Founder, Imisi 3D / XR Expert
Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Edyth Parker

Bio-informatic Mentor

XR & AI Team and Mentors

Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Gaffar Ibrahim

IGH VR Lead
Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Solomon Chukwuka

VR Officer
Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Kiri Caleb

IT Officer
Mrs. Judith Okonkwo

Samuel Dada

Digital Marketing Strategist

Event Schedule

A 3-week journey from immersive workshops to full-scale XR prototyping. Starts with training, builds with remote collaboration, and culminates in an on-site demo sprint at IGH.

Explore the full journey—each phase builds your skills and contributes to the final XR & AI experience.

Opening & Orientation

Welcome remarks and walkthrough of the hackathon timeline.

Keynote Talks

Expert talks on genomics, immersive tech, and learning innovation.

XR Development & Unity Basics

Hands-on training on Unity for XR & AI development.

Science Storytelling

Workshops on converting research concepts into interactive scenes.

Team Assignments

Teams meet mentors, get task briefs, and plan deliverables.

Project Development (Remote)

Teams work remotely to design, model, and script their scenes with virtual support.

Mentor Check-ins

Review progress, solve blockers, and prepare for the on-site phase.

On-site Sprint Begins

Intensive polishing and testing of apps at IGH's XR Lab.

Dry Run & Feedback

Test demos with mentors and iterate quickly.

Final Presentations

Teams showcase their XR apps to panelists and guests.

Awards & Closing

Recognizing the best ideas, teams, and innovations.

Event Venue

The XR & AI Genome Hackathon takes place at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (IGH), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. This world-class research institute is known for leading Africa’s genomic surveillance efforts and provides an inspiring location for immersive learning and scientific collaboration.

IGH, Redeemer’s University, Ede

The African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (IGH) at Redeemer’s University is hosting the XR & AI Genome Hackathon 2025. This is where science, education, and immersive technology converge to inspire Africa’s next generation of bio-innovators.

Hotels

IGH Housing units for your stay during the hackathon.

IGH Housing

On-Campus

IGH Housing

On-Campus

IGH Housing

ON-Campus

Sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors for powering the future of science education through immersive technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the XR & AI Genome Hackathon experience, participation, and logistics.

Who can participate in the XR & AI Genome Hackathon?

Students, developers, designers, and early-career scientists with interest in XR & AI or genomics are welcome to apply.

Do I need XR & AI experience to join?

No. We’ll provide workshops and mentorship to guide all participants through Unity and science storytelling basics.

Where is the hackathon happening?

The remote phase runs online. The physical sprint takes place at ACEGID, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.

What are the important dates?

Workshop: August 4–5
Hackathon: August 4–22
On-site Phase: August 18–24

What will I gain from participating?

You’ll learn XR & AI development, gain real-world science exposure, connect with mentors, and contribute to an edtech tool for African classrooms.

Will there be prizes or funding?

Top teams will receive special recognition, opportunity for future collaboration, and access to follow-up projects. No cash prize is guaranteed.

Contact

Got questions about the XR & AI Genome Hackathon? Reach out—we’re here to help.

Address

ACEGID, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

Call Us

+234 802 391 1735

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