NonaWorks 2024
Software X Biology
Hackathon
When
───
November 16th - 19th 2024
Where
───
Rajen Kilichand Center for Integrated Life Sciences and Engineering
Boston University, Boston MA, 02215
What is NonaWorks?
Gear up for an exhilarating four-day hackathon as part of Bio-Innovation Week! This event is designed to unite a dynamic mix of innovators and problem-solvers passionate about bio software development. You'll have the chance to connect with cutting-edge researchers, industry experts in biotechnology, and fellow participants who share your drive for innovation. Throughout the hackathon, you'll benefit from expert office hours for personalized guidance, as well as hands-on workshops to sharpen your bio software development skills. Supportive volunteers will be on hand to assist as you dive into your projects. The event will culminate in an exciting Demo Day, where you'll present your groundbreaking ideas to an enthusiastic audience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to collaborate, network, and leave a lasting mark during Biodesign Week's hackathon!
What's new for NonaWorks24?
This year, following Bio-Innovation Week, the event will extend
virtually until June 2025. During this time, teams are encouraged to
stay connected with their mentors and teammates, continuing to develop
their projects. The initiative will culminate in a virtual event in
June 2025, where outstanding efforts will be recognized, and emphasis
will be placed on advancing these projects for industrial application.
Agenda
View the NonaWorks 2024 Schedule Below
Day 1
Location: Boston University
Kick-off and Ideation
Day 1 of the hackathon kicks off with high energy as participants
gather for an inspiring introduction to the event.
After a welcome address outlining the goals and structure of the
hackathon, the challenge problems are then unveiled. Attendees dive
into team-building activities designed to foster collaboration and
creativity. Teams are formed, bringing together diverse skills and
expertise for a well-rounded problem-solving approach. Most of the day
is focused on sparking excitement as teams immediately begin
brainstorming solutions and mapping out strategies.
The day wraps up with a sense of anticipation, as participants
present their initial ideas for feedback and refinement.
9:00 - 9:10
Registration/Light Breakfast
9:00 - 9:10
9:10 - 10:10
10:10 - 10:40
10:40 - 12:00
1:00 - 2:20
2:20 - 3:00
3:00 - 4:00
NonaWorks Logistics
NonaWorks Work + Office Hours
Coffee Break
NonaWorks Proposal Presentations
Networking Reception
Welcome and Kickoff of BDW
Keynote
Coffee Break
5:30 - 7:00
Why you should particiate
Participating in NonaWorks presents an incredible opportunity for budding enthusiasts in the emerging field of open-source app synthetic biology. Here's why you, as a pioneer of this nascent community, should strongly consider being part of this groundbreaking event:
ENGAGE WITH A DYNAMIC COMMUNITY
NonaWorks offers you the opportunity to connect with fellow innovators who share your passion for open-source synthetic biology. As early adopters, you'll collaborate with others to shape the foundation of a growing community driven by curiosity and a forward-thinking mindset.
UNLOCK VALUABLE INSIGHTS
Access valuable resources and materials to support your exploration, providing key references to guide you through the exciting world of open-source synthetic biology. These tools will serve as your compass as you navigate this evolving field.
YOUR CURIOSITY FUELS DISCOVERY
As a pioneer, your perspective is essential to the journey ahead. NonaWorks encourages you to share your developing ideas, contribute your insights, and actively participate in shaping the narrative of this emerging field, ensuring that your voice plays a vital role in its evolution.
Embark on an Inspiring Odyssey
Above all, NonaWorks offers an exhilarating journey for innovators like you. It’s a chance to explore your curiosity, venture into the unknown, and take your first steps into a groundbreaking field brimming with possibilities.
In essence, NonaWorks is your invitation to become part of a vibrant community of trailblazers—a unique opportunity to connect, learn, share ideas, and help shape the future of open-source app synthetic biology. As a pioneer in this movement, you’ll lead the way in redefining the landscape, armed with knowledge, creativity, and the excitement of navigating new frontiers.
Tracks:
1. Lattice Automation's Manufacturing Programming Interface (MPI)
The MPI is an integrated collection of interfaces, tools, and services, designed to simplify and optimize users' bio-design and bio-manufacturing workflows.
For example, the MPI could be used to:
-
Pull a sequence/design from a DNA design tool
-
Generate a complexity score from a DNA synthesis vendor
-
Optimize via a protein design tool to improve the complexity score
-
Run a biosecurity screening
-
Submit an order with to a 3rd party service, all in a seamlessly integrated workflow
Groups could contribute in a variety of different ways, such as:
-
Integrating the tool or service of another company (examples will be given during office hours)
-
Helping to develop a data model and interface for users to create custom workflows
-
Improving a Flask microservice (for tools like BioPython), to efficiently handle multiple, concurrent requests and notify users upon completion
-
Implementing or extending various other systems/infrastructure, such as authorization, user and organization management, API documentation, usage metrics, payment (e.g. Stripe), etc.
*Lattice Automation representatives will be available to provide resources and guidance*
2. Asimov’s Genetic Design Challenge
Asimov’s genetic design tools, built into an interface called Kernel, support researchers in advancing synthetic biology. In this track, participants are invited to create standalone applications or scripts that address challenges in genetic design, leveraging open-source resources like SeqViz, a sequence visualizer.
For example, participants could:
-
Develop new tools for genetic analysis or biosecurity screening
-
Build standalone applications that streamline bio-design workflows
-
Explore innovative uses of data visualization in genetic research
Groups can contribute by developing novel solutions to challenges in synthetic biology. Guidance and support will be available during office hours.
Judges: Coming Soon!
FAQ:
-
WHO MAINTAINS MY CODE?The Nona online community helps to maintain and extend your software. In addition, Nona has hired staff members to assist in making sure the code is listed appropriately.
-
WHO "OWNS" MY CODE?Nona does not own your code. The code is governed by whatever open source license you have chosen.
-
CAN I TAKE MY CODE BACK?Well, you could if you really wanted to… But then you wouldn’t have the huge benefit of having a friendly online community help you make it into something bigger and better.
-
HOW DO I KNOW MY CODE IS SECURE?Nona uses Amazon Web Services for its infrastructure, with all the security that implies
-
I DON'T WANT COMAPANIES PROFITING OFF MY HARD WORK! HOW CAN NONA ENSURE THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN?The software terms are governed by the license you have chosen. Certain open source licenses restrict such commercialization. Check out the site opensource.org – they have an extensive list of almost all the open source licenses currently in use. We’re sure you can find one that suits your needs.
-
WHY MAKE MY CODE OPEN SOURCE?Companies like Google and Apple have released their newest software as open source. The open source movement has become the de facto standard. Some even say we live in a “post-open-source” world, that “open source software” has just become “software.” Managing open source has become a bigger issue as a result. But at the end of the day, one thing is still true: We are greater than Me.
Code Of Conduct:
All attendees, sponsors, partners, volunteers and and staff at our hackathon are required to agree with the following code of conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to ensure a safe environment for everybody.
Click to view our Code of Conduct