Friday, August 22, 2025, was a landmark moment at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, as the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) staged Africa’s first-ever extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) powered genomics hackathon. The event, tagged IGH XR&AI Genomics Hackathon 2025, marked a turning point in how scientific education and innovation are embraced on the continent.
The hackathon, which ran from August 4 to 22, was designed to make genomics education more engaging and accessible by fusing immersive extended reality with artificial intelligence. It was organized by IGH, formerly known as the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), a research hub renowned globally for its groundbreaking work on infectious diseases in Africa.
During the demo day event, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, described the hackathon as the beginning of a new chapter for African science and technology. “Today we are not just witnessing the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new era in Africa’s scientific and technological advancement,” he declared, emphasizing the vision of nurturing a new generation of innovators equipped with cutting-edge tools.
Professor Akindele noted that over the three-week programme, participants demonstrated creativity, determination, and innovation in exploring how genomics can be advanced through XR and AI. He stated that the hackathon was not merely a competition but a bold mission to “pioneer solutions to pressing health and scientific challenges facing our continent and the world.”
Welcoming participants and guests, the Director of IGH, Professor Christian Happi, described the programme as “a pivotal moment in our collective mission to harness cutting-edge technologies for advancing genomic research and addressing pressing healthcare challenges in Africa and beyond.” He stressed that IGH’s vision was not only to lead in research but also to inspire young minds to reimagine the future of genomics education and practice.
From the outset, the hackathon attracted wide interest across Africa. Hundreds of applications were received, with about 200 selected for the two-week remote training phase. Following rigorous assessments, the best 20 candidates, who had demonstrated exceptional skills and ideas, were shortlisted for the final one-week onsite phase at Redeemer’s University.
These 20 finalists were warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor during a courtesy visit a day before the onsite hackathon began. They were encouraged to see themselves as ambassadors of a new scientific era in Africa, one in which innovation and global competitiveness must define their contributions.
One of the participants, Francisca Mbanwusi, shared her excitement about the life-changing experience. “Three things stood out for me,” she said. “The first is the level of clarity we have gained in our skillsets, the second is the brilliance of the professionals at IGH, and finally, the way this hackathon has stretched our capacity. There is nowhere else in Africa I could have had such an experience.” Her testimony reflected the sentiment of many participants who were deeply inspired by the programme.
The hackathon challenged participants to create VR-based tools and experiences that could make genomic processes more understandable, simulate biological systems, or design educational platforms to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Many of the projects showcased highlighted how XR could be used to train students and researchers without the risks and costs associated with physical laboratories.
This initiative is particularly significant in Africa, where many institutions struggle to provide adequate laboratory facilities and biosafety-compliant environments for practical training. Genomics education often remains restricted to theoretical lectures, leaving graduates underprepared for real-world applications. The hackathon addressed this problem directly by allowing students to engage with virtual simulations that bring genomics concepts to life.
By introducing XR and AI into genomics education, IGH and Redeemer’s University have positioned themselves as trailblazers in redefining how Africa’s future scientists will be trained. The programme not only showcased the possibilities of technology but also demonstrated that with the right support and vision, African institutions can lead globally in scientific innovation.
As the curtains closed on the IGH XR&AI Genomics Hackathon 2025, Redeemer’s University was celebrated for making history. The success of this pioneering event has set a new standard for education, research, and innovation in Africa. More importantly, it has inspired hope that Africa’s brightest minds can harness emerging technologies to solve the continent’s most pressing health challenges and contribute to the global scientific community.
