From Data to Discovery:

Held from 5–9 October 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, the hackathon aimed to strengthen practical bioinformatics and data analysis capacity in agricultural research, helping African scientists translate complex genomic and breeding datasets into meaningful research findings and actionable outcomes for crop improvement.

Unlike conventional training workshops, where participants typically work through predetermined exercises and example datasets, the BYOD model encouraged researchers to bring their own data and research questions. This enabled participants to work directly on challenges relevant to their ongoing projects, with guidance from experienced trainers and mentors.

The initiative attracted strong interest, receiving over 100 applications for approximately 20 available places, highlighting both the demand for advanced, applied bioinformatics training and the need for opportunities that support researchers in moving their own projects forward.

Five Days of Collaboration, Analysis, and Problem-Solving

Throughout the week, participants worked closely with a team of international and African experts, receiving targeted support in areas such as experimental design, quantitative genetics, genomic prediction, statistical analysis, and the application of computational approaches to plant breeding.

The programme placed particular emphasis on collaborative problem-solving, peer learning, and individualised mentorship. Rather than focusing solely on acquiring new technical skills, participants were encouraged to critically evaluate their datasets, refine analytical approaches, interpret findings, and work towards tangible research outputs, including figures, analytical results, and draft manuscripts suitable for further development and publication.

The hackathon also built on a preparatory online lecture series delivered by APBA and ABI ahead of the in-person event. Covering topics such as experimental design, quantitative genetics, genomic prediction, and machine learning, the series provided an important foundation for participants while extending learning opportunities to a wider audience beyond the selected hackathon cohort.

By combining accessible online learning with intensive, in-person mentorship, the initiative demonstrated the value of flexible training models that respond directly to researchers’ needs.

Building Capacity Beyond the Hackathon

Beyond the immediate analytical work, the hackathon provided an opportunity to establish new connections between plant breeders, bioinformaticians, and researchers working across different institutions and agricultural research areas.

A key ambition of the initiative is to ensure that the work initiated during the hackathon continues beyond the five-day programme. Participants were encouraged to build on their analyses, further develop their research outputs, and maintain connections with mentors and peers as they progress towards publication and the practical application of their findings.

The event also highlighted the importance of strengthening the interface between plant breeding and bioinformatics. As genomic and computational technologies become increasingly central to agricultural research, building sustainable analytical expertise within African institutions will be essential to ensuring that locally generated data can inform locally relevant solutions.

Strengthening Partnerships for African Agricultural Research

The successful delivery of the hackathon reflects the shared commitment of APBA and ABI to strengthening scientific capacity, fostering collaboration, and promoting the application of bioinformatics to address Africa’s agricultural challenges.

By bringing together complementary expertise in plant breeding, genomics, and computational biology, the partnership provides a valuable platform for developing practical training opportunities that respond to the evolving needs of African researchers.

The organisers extend their sincere appreciation to the trainers and mentors who generously contributed their time and expertise, the participants for their enthusiasm and dedication, and the wider teams who supported the planning and delivery of the event.

The APBA/ABI Agri-Informatics BYOD Hackathon represents an important step towards building a stronger, more connected African research community, equipped not only to generate valuable agricultural data, but also to translate that data into scientific discoveries and innovations that support the future of crop improvement across the continent.

For more information about ABI training initiatives and to access recordings from the preparatory lecture series, visit www.bioinformaticsinstitute.africa