FAU Science’s Biotech Hackathon Nationally Recognized by UEDA

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology’s (CMBB) Biotech Hackathon initiative was selected as a finalist in this year's University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Awards of Excellence, which represented some of the top university-based economic development initiatives in the country. 

Shailaja Allani, Ph.D., associate scientist in the Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and director of the CMBB and the center’s Biotech Bridge program, presented,“ Biotech Hackathon: Empowering Next Gen Skills Through Collaboration , in the talent category during the 2025 UEDA Summit from Oct. 6 to 8, in Huntsville, Alabama. Florida Atlantic was one of three talent category finalists. 

The summit, which capped a six-month selection process, brought together national experts in leveraging college and university resources for greater economic development and community impact. The group represented various fields, including higher education, the private sector, economic development organizations, government agencies and research centers. All participants competed to be named category leaders, as voted on by their peers. 

“Although we were not named a category leader, it was an amazing experience to be a finalist and represent Florida Atlantic,” shared Allani. “We gained valuable insights, made great connections and are excited for the next opportunity to compete and highlight our strengths.” 

The CMBB, housed within the Schmidt College of Science, hosted its inaugural Biotech Bridge Hackathon earlier this year. The two-day event challenged undergraduate and graduate students from various majors, including biology, mathematics, chemistry, computer science and engineering, neuroscience and more, to solve a real-world problem: How do we extend health span and slow the effects of aging? By working together in teams, more than 85 students harnessed their varied skillsets to create innovative solutions. 

“The inaugural CMBB Biotech Bridge Biotech Hackathon showcased the power of curiosity and problem solving driven by the spirit of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration to create solutions for a longer, healthier life,” noted Allani. “I was truly impressed by how many students with no prior experience in a hackathon worked tirelessly for nearly 30 hours to develop, execute and complete their projects with incredible dedication and creativity.” 

Established in 2023, the FAU Biotech Bridge program in CMBB aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry to give students insights into the wide array of non-academic career options in the rapidly growing biotechnology field. FAU Biotech Bridge draws on the expertise of 47 FAU faculty from various disciplines, including cancer biology, biochemistry, computational chemistry, neuroscience and aging. Click here for more information about CMBB and the Biotech Bridge program.