Turning School Students into IoT Innovators
INCOHST 2026, the annual Interschool IoT (Internet of Things) event organised by Nawaloka College of Higher Studies (NCHS), is a significant initiative aimed at fostering IoT awareness among Sri Lankan students. The event also served as a platform for young innovators to develop IoT-based solutions addressing various social needs.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to collect and share data.
IoT devices—also known as “smart objects”—can range from simple “smart home” devices like smart thermostats, to wearables like smartwatches and RFID-enabled clothing, to complex industrial machinery and transportation systems. Technologists are even envisioning entire “smart cities” predicated on IoT technologies.
Smart Future: Where AI Meets Sustainability
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 also emphasised, encouraging students to think critically about technological solutions for sustainable development.
The sessions were delivered by an expert panel from Swinburne University of Technology. Dr. Atie Kia – Lecturer in Computing Technologies, conducted an insightful session on “What is IoT and Innovation”, and Mr. Ben Doran – Manager of Pathway Programmes, delivered a session on “Presentation Skills”, equipping students with essential skills to effectively communicate their ideas
The workshops witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across all regions and served as a strong foundation leading up to the main competition.
Nawaloka College of Higher Studies
Nawaloka College of Higher Studies (NCHS) is dedicated to providing globally recognised higher education qualifications. Located in the heart of Colombo, NCHS boasts modern facilities that offer students an international learning environment. The institution’s commitment to high-quality education is reflected in its tailored programmes designed to meet individual student needs. Upon completing a pathway programme at NCHS, students have the option to pursue their degrees at Swinburne University’s campuses in Hawthorne, Australia, or Malaysia, ensuring a seamless transition to further education.
For more information about INCOHST or other initiatives at NCHS, interested parties can contact 077 6661920. Through events like INCOHST, NCHS continues to empower the next generation of innovators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address future technological challenges.
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