Redeemers University’s Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) hackathon has reiterated the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in proffering home-grown
Redeemers University’s Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) hackathon has reiterated the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in proffering home-grown solutions for African health challenges.
This was the outcome of its 2026 XR & Al Genomics Hackathon, themed, ‘From Genome to Impact: XR and Al Solutions for African Health,’ culminating in a Demo Day at the IGH/ACEGID Auditorium, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
The hackathon brought together participants from science, technology, 3D design and science communication to develop immersive learning experiences aimed at making complex genomic procedures easier to understand.
Adedayo Okunfolami, CITIO at IGH and convener, XR & Al Genomics hackathon 2026, stated that the central challenge is to ensure that emerging technologies are scientifically accurate, accessible to their intended users and connected to clearly defined needs.
According to him, Genomics can contribute to understanding health and disease, while immersive technologies can offer new ways to explain scientific concepts and practise selected procedures in simulated environments.
Five teams develop virtual reality prototypes for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), training as IGH builds its GenomicsXR platform and creates new pathways for the next generation of genomics talent.
Okunfolami stated that the initiative reflects IGH’s wider ambition to preserve the legacy of genomics education, encourage younger scientists to enter the field, and explore how emerging technologies can help people understand scientific processes that are often difficult to visualise.
“At the centre of this effort is GenomicsXR, an extended reality (XR) product being developed to bring genomics activities and laboratory procedures into interactive virtual experiences.”
According to him, the 2026 hackathon focused on the next module PCR, a laboratory technique used to make many copies of a selected DNA segment for analysis; while its first module, DNA Extraction, was deployed in 2025.
Rather than asking one group to build the entire PCR experience, Okunfolami disclosed that the workflow was divided into five stages, while each stage was a team. “The result was five separate prototypes intended to contribute to a larger, connected learning experience.”
Adeleke Osho, Provost, Postgraduate School, Redeemer’s University and lead judge, announced the results of the hackathon on Demo Day,
According to him, team 5 emerged as the overall winner, followed by team 2 in second place and team 3 in third place. Accordingly, team 4 placed fourth, while team 1 finished fifth.
The results recognised the teams’ work in developing their respective stages. He also disclosed that the next step would see participants review and connect the separate contributions so that users can move through the PCR process as a single learning experience.
Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).