INCOHST is the brainchild of Nawaloka College of Higher Studies and stands today as one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering school-level technology competitions focused on innovation and emerging technologies.
First launched in 2018, INCOHST was introduced as the country’s first interschool IoT (Internet of Things) competition with the objective of creating awareness about IoT among Sri Lankan students while providing a platform for young innovators to design solutions that address real social needs through technology. The landmark initiative was organized by NCHS with the support of Swinburne University of Technology and quickly gained recognition for encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and practical innovation among school students.
Building on the success of previous years, INCOHST 2026 continues its mission of inspiring the next generation of innovators and future technology leaders. Organized annually by NCHS, the competition has evolved into a nationally recognized platform where students from across the island are encouraged to explore emerging technologies and develop IoT-based solutions that can positively impact communities and industries.
The Internet of Things, commonly known as IoT, refers to a network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and objects embedded with sensors, software, and internet connectivity that enable them to collect and exchange data. These smart technologies are transforming the way people live and work, ranging from everyday smart home devices and wearable technology to advanced industrial systems, healthcare solutions, and smart city infrastructure. Through INCOHST, students are introduced to these future-focused technologies and are empowered to think beyond the classroom, using innovation and technology to solve real-world challenges.
Although AI and IoT are different technologies, they are most powerful when combined. IoT devices continuously collect data such as temperature, movement, usage patterns, or machine performance. AI processes this data to identify trends, detect anomalies, and trigger automated responses.
In preparation for the competition, students from across the island attended an intensive workshop series in Kandy, Colombo and Trincomalee. The workshop, led by industry experts, provided participants with essential insights into IoT technologies and their applications. This interactive session set the stage for the students to develop innovative solutions for the final event. This year’s competition theme, “Smart Future: Where AI Meets Sustainability,” was emphasized, encouraging students to think critically about technological solutions for sustainable development.
The Grand Finale of the competition was successfully held on 16th May for the seventh consecutive year at Monarch Imperial, bringing together young innovators and technology enthusiasts from across the country. This year’s competition saw the participation of 58 teams representing Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, and Kandy, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for STEM and IoT innovation among school students.
The event served as a dynamic platform for participants to showcase their creativity through a range of innovative projects and presentations. The atmosphere throughout the competition was one of excitement and healthy competition as teams demonstrated solutions that addressed real-world challenges through technology and innovation.
The winners of the competition were Richmond College, Galle. The competition was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges including Dr. Kulari Lokuge and Dr. Alan Robertson, whose expertise and industry experience added immense value to the event. The occasion was graced by distinguished guests in attendance including Prof. Rangika Halwathura, Dr. Lalith Liyanage and Mrs. Sandamali Kodithuwakku.