Kathmandu – Nepal’s biotechnology community is set to host a 36-hour hackathon aimed at tackling food security and sustainability challenges.

The Genome Biothon 2026, organized by the Biotechnology Society of Nepal (BSN), will run from April 23 to April 25 in Kathmandu under the theme “Biotechnology Innovation for Safe, Nutritious and Sustainable Food Systems in Nepal.”

The event will bring together students, researchers, and innovators to design technology-driven solutions addressing issues in health, agriculture, environment, and food systems. Organizers said the program will combine online screening and interviews with an intensive residential hackathon featuring mentorship and engagement sessions.

Participants will be able to submit projects ranging from code-based applications and research proposals to prototypes and policy solutions. Cross-disciplinary entries are encouraged to foster collaboration across fields.

BSN said the initiative aims to bridge innovation with real-world needs, empowering Nepal’s next generation of biotechnologists to create lasting impact in food and biological systems.

Registration is open until April 16, with teams of three to four members eligible to apply. The competition welcomes undergraduate and graduate students, early-career researchers, young entrepreneurs, and interdisciplinary teams.