The Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University, Nigeria, has concluded a hackathon in which participants developed virtual reality prototypes for genomics education and healthcare innovation in Africa.
The initiative brought together scientists, software developers, 3D artists and science communicators to develop interactive tools for teaching polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a laboratory technique used to amplify specific segments of DNA for scientific and medical analysis.
The programme, themed “From Genome to Impact: XR and AI Solutions for African Health,” ran from September 28 to October 16, 2026, and ended with a Demo Day at the auditorium of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State
More than 196 people registered for the programme, which featured workshops, mentorship, project development, expert presentations and an awards ceremony.
Participants were organised into five teams, each assigned a stage of the PCR process to develop into an interactive learning experience.
Their prototypes covered the history and principles of PCR, laboratory equipment and reagents, master mix preparation, PCR plate setup, and the loading and operation of a virtual PCR machine.
Team 5, which developed the “Load and Run” component, emerged as the overall winner. Teams 2 and 3 came second and third, respectively, while Teams 4 and 1 finished fourth and fifth.
The results were announced by the lead judge and Provost of the Postgraduate School at Redeemer’s University, Professor Adeleke Osho, alongside Professor Adewale Ogunde of the Department of Computer Science.
The prototypes are expected to contribute to GenomicsXR, an extended-reality platform being developed by IGH to help learners understand laboratory procedures through interactive simulations.
The institute deployed the platform’s first module on DNA extraction in 2025 and plans to review and integrate the five PCR prototypes into a continuous learning experience.
Speaking at the event, Nigerian management consultant, Mr Emeka Odibeli, urged young innovators to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies to practical healthcare, economic and social challenges across Africa.
Addressing Nigeria’s innovation drive and the future of work, Odibeli said; “AI could improve productivity and help innovators develop faster and more effective solutions to identified problems.”
He stressed that technological innovation should be measured by its ability to meet the needs of individuals and communities.
“If it cannot solve a problem locally, it will not be useful globally,” he said.
Odibeli urged participants to move beyond technology demonstrations and develop practical solutions that could improve healthcare services, strengthen medical training and reduce costs.
“Do not just build a genome analyser; build a tool that can help hospitals. In extended reality, do not just build a VR demonstration; build a surgical training simulator that can reduce the cost of training medical students,” he said.
Odibeli identified common diseases, including malaria, as areas where technology-based tools could improve access to health information and services.
The consultant also described properly annotated genomic data from African populations as a valuable resource for research, public health planning and the development of healthcare solutions suited to local needs.
“Your data is more valuable than your algorithm. While conducting research, always bring it back home and compare it with local data,” Odibeli said.
He added that investors were increasingly interested in AI-driven solutions that address clearly defined problems and deliver measurable value.
The Director of IGH, Professor Christian Happi, emphasised the importance of genomics training and capacity development.
Also the institute’s Deputy Director, Professor Folarin Onikepe, highlighted the need for personalised medicine and better representation of African genetic diversity in genomic research.
IGH said the next phase of GenomicsXR would focus on connecting the five PCR components, refining their interactive features, verifying their scientific accuracy and testing the completed platform with intended users.
The initiative is expected to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, expand opportunities for young African innovators and support the development of technology-driven solutions for genomics education and healthcare delivery.
 at Redeemer’s University has concluded a 2026 Extended Reality and Artificial Intelligence Genomics Hackathon, with participants developing virtual reality prototypes to improve genomics education and healthcare innovation in Africa.){kind=link}