The Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH), Redeemer’s University, Osun State, has developed five virtual reality prototypes designed to improve the teaching and understanding of genomic laboratory procedures, as it explores the use of immersive technology to strengthen science education and build capacity for African health research.

The prototypes were developed at the 2026 XR & AI Genomics Hackathon, which attracted more than 196 registrations and brought together participants from science, software development, three-dimensional design and science communication.

Held under the theme, “From Genome to Impact: XR and AI Solutions for African Health,” the hackathon ran from September 28 to October 16, 2026, culminating in a Demo Day at the IGH/ACEGID Auditorium, Redeemer’s University, Ede.

The initiative focused on developing interactive virtual reality experiences for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a laboratory technique used to produce multiple copies of a selected DNA segment for analysis.

The five teams divided the PCR process into separate stages, developing prototypes covering the principles of the technique, laboratory equipment and reagents, preparation of reaction mixtures, PCR plate setup, and loading and running the machine.

Team Five emerged overall winner, followed by Team Two in second place and Team Three in third place. Team Four placed fourth, while Team One finished fifth.

The projects are expected to contribute to GenomicsXR, an extended reality learning platform being developed by IGH to make complex genomic procedures easier to visualise and understand.

The platform’s first module, focused on DNA extraction, was deployed in 2025. The latest hackathon advances the project by developing the next module around PCR, with the longer-term objective of creating an immersive learning platform covering a wider range of genomics activities.

According to the institute, the technology is intended to complement, rather than replace, physical laboratory training by allowing learners to explore simulated laboratory environments, interact with digital equipment and follow procedural steps.

The initiative also seeks to address the challenges of teaching complex laboratory processes through written materials and videos alone, particularly where access to physical laboratory facilities is limited.

During the programme, participants attended remote workshops, received mentorship and worked with software tools, including Unity for interactive development and Blender for three-dimensional modelling.

The teams subsequently tested their prototypes using virtual reality headsets at IGH’s laboratory, allowing them to assess how users would navigate the simulated environments, interact with equipment and follow instructions.

The institute noted that the prototypes would require further scientific review, technical refinement and user testing before the separate components could function as one continuous learning experience.

Speaking at the event, the keynote speaker, Emeka Odibeli, General Manager of PLLI, challenged participants to prioritise practical outcomes over technology for its own sake, urging them to identify specific problems and develop solutions suited to their local contexts.

Discussions at the event also highlighted the need to strengthen genomics capacity, advance personalised medicine and improve the representation of African genetic diversity in genomic research.

The Director of IGH, Prof. Christian Happi, emphasised the importance of training and capacity building in genomics, while the institute’s Deputy Director, Prof. Folarin Onikepe, discussed personalised medicine and the need for African genetic diversity to be represented in genomic research.

The programme also featured contributions from Prof. Anise Happi, another Deputy Director of IGH, alongside researchers and other participants in the genomics and technology ecosystem.

The organisers said the hackathon’s multidisciplinary approach was designed to expand participation in science education by creating opportunities for software developers, artists, designers and science communicators to contribute alongside scientists.

The competition was convened by Adedayo Okunfolami, Chief Information Technology and Innovation Officer at IGH, with support from Gaffar Ibrahim, Creative XR Developer and teams coordinator; Caleb Kiri, IT support officer and co-teams coordinator; and Isaiah Abiodun Christopher, science communicator and pilot at IGH.

The next phase of the project will involve connecting the five PCR prototypes, refining their interactive features and ensuring that the simulated procedures accurately reflect the laboratory workflow.

The XR-Continuum/GenomicsXR community also plans to hold monthly sessions on the last Friday of each month to share progress, test features and address development challenges.

IGH said the initiative would continue to provide opportunities for young scientists and participants from technology and creative disciplines to develop skills and contribute to science education.

The hackathon received support from Dell Technologies, Airtel Business, Bluechip Technologies, Mitsumi Distribution, Touch and Pay Technologies, Imisi 3D, ScaleUp, Vita Construction, and Leather and Rubber Universe