Young innovators set for LNBTI Hackathon finale today

Friday, 3 July 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Some of Sri Lanka’s brightest young innovators will take centre stage today as 22 teams from 15 leading schools compete in the Grand Finale of the inaugural InfernoX Inter-School Hackathon 2026, organised by Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI).

Selected from an initial pool of 40 teams, the finalists will showcase innovative ideas addressing some of today’s most pressing real-world challenges.

The competition has attracted students from leading schools, including Ananda College, Ave Maria Convent Negombo, Bandaranayake Central College , BT/BC/Hiluriya Vidyalayam, Dharmapala Vidyalaya Pannipitiya, Mahinda Rajapaksha College Homagama, Nalanda College, R/Kolonna National School, Royal College Colombo, ST Joseph VAZ College Wennappuwa, St. Rita’s College Wennappuwa, Sujatha Vidyalaya Nugegoda, Trinity College Kandy, Visakha Vidyalaya, and Wesley College, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for technology and innovation among Sri Lanka’s next generation.

The projects extend well beyond conventional coding competitions. Students have developed solutions spanning artificial intelligence, disaster management, education, agriculture, healthcare, food safety, and robotics. From AI-powered learning platforms and disaster prediction systems to precision agriculture technologies, emergency response robots and smart safety solutions, the competition demonstrates how young minds are applying emerging technologies to solve real-world problems.

Beyond the competition itself, the initiative has strengthened LNBTI’s engagement with schools across the country. Through visits to participating schools and close collaboration with principals, vice principals, and ICT departments, the institute has laid the foundation for future AI workshops, IoT events, Japanese language programs, technology exhibitions, and long-term educational partnerships.

LNBTI Consultant Prof. K P Hewagamage said: “Innovation begins with curiosity and the courage to solve problems. InfernoX provides students with an opportunity to transform ideas into practical solutions while developing the skills, confidence, and mindset needed for tomorrow’s technology-driven world.”

The Grand Finale will see the finalists compete for an Rs. 1 million prize pool, recognising the most innovative solutions while celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving capabilities of Sri Lanka’s emerging technology talent.

As the finalists prepare to present their innovations, InfernoX reflects LNBTI’s broader commitment to nurturing future-ready talent. By creating opportunities for school students to explore emerging technologies and tackle meaningful challenges, the institute is demonstrating that universities can play a vital role in inspiring innovation long before students step into a university classroom.