Virtual Labs Unveiled at Africa’s First Genomics Hackathon

August 22, 2025, was a landmark day for scientific education in Africa as the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) hosted the highly anticipated Demo Day for its extended reality (XR) & artificial intelligence (AI) Genomics Hackathon. The event, which took place on the institute’s campus at Redeemer’s University, Ede, marked the culmination of three weeks of intensive innovation, as twenty finalists showcased their virtual simulations of complex genomic laboratory procedures.

The participants included teams of scientists, Unity developers, Blender artists, and writers. The Unity developer ensured the physics and interactions were realistic, while the Blender artist crafted the detailed 3D models of the lab equipment. The scientist on the team ensured technical accuracy of the simulations, while the writer translated the complex scientific jargon into clear, on-screen and narrative instructions.

The projects ranged from gel electrophoresis, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to sequencing on the Illumina platform.

For the participants, it was the moment to reveal the fruits of their collaborative labour. Their task was to create immersive XR experiences that demystify the steps involved in genomic sequencing.

Following engaging discourse on the importance and potentials of XR and AI in today’s world, the teams displayed their interactive prototypes, discussing the relevance of the steps shown in the bigger genome sequencing scope.

“The idea was to bring bright minds together and to use this opportunity to create innovation and explore new ideas,” said Professor Christian Happi, the Director of IGH. “I am very proud of you, proud of the work you have done over the past few weeks. Make sure you use the work to drive progress,” he admonished the participants.

“We want to give the hackers ongoing mentorship, exposure and opportunities so that the simulations they developed don’t just end as hackathon projects, but evolve into real solutions,” said Adedayoayo Okunfolami, IGH’s Chief Information Technology and Innovation Officer.

“The creativity and technical skill on display were truly inspiring. These teams didn’t just build simulations; they built bridges between complex science and a new generation of learners,” Happi added. “This is the first of the series of hackathons we are planning. We hope to make it a global event going forward, bringing in new partners and sponsors.”

The Demo Day was well-attended by members of the public including the media, scientists, and students, all eager to witness this history-making moment in African innovation. While only one team was selected as the winner, all participants received recognition for their contributions to advancing genomics education in Africa. The projects created will improved upon and used by IGH as part of its educational outreach programs, ensuring that the innovations from the hackathon will continue to impact the next generation of scientists across Africa.

Most institutions where genomics is taught lack the facilities with which students can see and practice what they are taught. Hence, students generally imagine the equipment and processes of genomics. A nagging question has been, how can we make high-level lab work accessible and intuitive for young scientists?

With technologies like XR, these students can now experience the laboratory without entering the laboratory. They can handle equipment and execute different procedures virtually, long before they gain physical access to such. This will help bridge the gap between learning in rich schools and schools with low resources, leading to comparable student understanding.