INCOHST, the brainchild of Nawaloka College of Higher Studies (NCHS), stands as one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering school-level technology competitions, dedicated to promoting innovation and emerging technologies among students.
First launched in 2018, INCOHST was introduced as Sri Lanka’s first inter-school Internet of Things (IoT) competition. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of IoT among Sri Lankan students while providing a platform for young innovators to design technology-driven solutions that address real-world social challenges. Organized by NCHS in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, the programme quickly gained recognition for encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on innovation among school students.
INCOHST 2026
Building on the success of previous editions, INCOHST 2026 continues its mission of inspiring the next generation of innovators and future technology leaders. Organised annually by NCHS, the competition has grown into a nationally recognised platform that brings together students from across Sri Lanka to explore emerging technologies and develop IoT-based solutions with meaningful impact on communities and industries.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and internet connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data. These smart technologies are transforming everyday life—from smart home devices and wearable technology to advanced healthcare systems, industrial automation, and smart city solutions. Through INCOHST, students are introduced to these future-focused technologies and encouraged to think beyond the classroom by applying innovation to real-world problem-solving.
Smart Future: Where AI Meets Sustainability
Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT are distinct technologies, their combined potential is especially powerful. IoT devices continuously collect data such as temperature, movement, usage patterns, and system performance, while AI analyses this data to identify trends, detect anomalies, and enable automated responses.
In preparation for the competition, students from across the island participated in an intensive workshop series held in Kandy, Colombo, and Trincomalee. Conducted by industry experts, the workshops provided participants with valuable insights into IoT technologies and their real-world applications. This interactive training helped prepare students for the final competition. This year’s theme, “Smart Future: Where AI Meets Sustainability,” encourages participants to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions that promote sustainability and address pressing global challenges.