It’s time to get your hack on … virtually!

Unlike previous HATCH events, held in person, the 2021 HudsonAlpha Tech Challenge will be virtual. (Photo/Steve Babin)

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Urban Engine are gearing up for the fourth annual HudsonAlpha Tech Challenge. Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, this year’s event will take place virtually April 16-25.

HATCH is a unique life sciences hackathon that brings together Alabama-based college and high school students, as well as professionals in the field.

“The HudsonAlpha Tech Challenge brings together some of the most innovative minds in the state, so it was important for us to continue offering the event this year, even in a virtual format,” said Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha. “More than 850,000 STEM-related jobs will be needed in Alabama by 2026 and HATCH is a great way to give students and others currently in the workforce a deeper dive into the exciting and challenging areas of genetics, genomics, computer science, informatics and much more.”

For the fourth year in a row, HudsonAlpha has teamed up with Urban Engine, a Huntsville-based nonprofit that specializes in innovative programming, such as hackathons and business accelerators.

“The HudsonAlpha Tech Challenge has become a fundamental part of Huntsville’s tech ecosystem and has grown to facilitate a direct connection for students and professional talent to pursue promising career opportunities in Alabama’s growing biotech industry,” said Urban Engine board member Toni Eberhart. “We are proud to partner with HudsonAlpha to offer the program in its new virtual format and look forward to seeing what teams achieve this year.”

HATCH 2020 brought close to 70 students and professionals to Huntsville. The event took place at the Propst Center on the HudsonAlpha campus, just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teams include the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A&M University, Avilution, JCIB ForensX, Jefferson County International, Colsa, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, and Covenant Christian Academy.

The teams work to solve real-world issues; the types of challenges often faced by researchers in genomics, genetics, and biotechnology. Participants will have the chance to win more than $5,000 in cash and prizes. Winners will be divided into two categories: High School and College/Professionals.

HATCH participants must be 16 years of age or older. It is not necessary to be part of a team at the time of registration. It is highly recommended, however, that to better grasp the challenge concepts, those participating have taken an advanced level biology, genetics, or biotech related course; or have professional experience in those fields.

Registration is open for HATCH 2021. For information, visit hudsonalpha.org/techchallenge.