In August 2025, NeoHacks held its largest edition yet, opening participation to the Synthetic Biology Course Cohort alongside 25 competing teams. The focus was on innovative approaches to improving the human healthspan, resulting in a wide range of creative prototypes from gamifying organ health-tracking, brainwave-regulating pillows to functional foods and reimagined aging clocks

Winner: GoldenBullet

A pill combining green tea extract (EGCG) and turmeric (Curcumin), natural compounds with rapalog-like properties that may help slow ageing pathways.

Runner-Up: Achari Shakti

A fermented, probiotic-rich achar designed to support gut health. Their project highlighted the Gut–Gut–Senescence Axis, showing how improving microbial balance reduces systemic inflammation and slows the signals that drive cellular aging. (With accompanying cartoon lore)

In July 2025, NeoHacks brought together 16 teams to address the challenge of eliminating thalassemia from Pakistan. The challenge brief was introduced by Dr. Yasar Mehmood, Tagha-e-Imtiaz recipient and a leading MD-PhD researcher in thalassemia. Teams developed a range of innovative concepts, from wearable patches to cfDNA mutation tracking tools.

Winner: Geo-ID Tagging

A geospatial risk-mapping platform using CNIC-linked regional data to prioritise thalassemia screening in high-risk areas.

Runner-Up: BetaType

A screening programme leveraging social engagement and distribution through local papad vendors to drive awareness and testing uptake.

Runner-Up: Thalascope

A low-cost, UV-diode–based screening device for rapid detection.

In June 2025, NeoHacks gathered 11 teams from the lab to design solutions tackling the rising burden of dengue fever in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Participants explored innovative prevention, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.

Winner: Repurposing for Dengue

A strategy focused on leveraging existing drugs and interventions for dengue management in resource-constrained settings.

Runner-Up: Gut Instinct

A microbiome-informed approach targeting gut–immune interactions to strengthen host resilience against dengue infection.

In May 2025, the inaugural NeoHacks brought together teams to design cutting-edge experiments for submission to the Chinese Space Station program. Ideas ranged from probing the gut microbiome in orbit to testing ferroptosis under space conditions.

Winner: BoneWatch

A concept to monitor and mitigate bone loss in astronauts during long-duration missions by providing tailored workout routines using wearables and AI. 

Runner-Up: In-situ VitD

An approach to address space-induced vitamin D deficiency through onboard synthesis using a co-culture system