Opportunity brief
DataNova 2026 – Global Data-thon - Prizes worth 1750$(~1.7 lakh rupees)
Turning Data Into Decisions. Building Solutions That Matter.
About the Event: (https://datanovathon.com)
DataNova 2026 is a global virtual Data-thon designed to bring together innovators, students, researchers, developers, data scientists and technology professionals to address meaningful challenges through data-driven innovation.
As Artificial Intelligence and data technologies transform industries, the ability to translate complex problems into practical, scalable solutions has become increasingly important.
DataNova provides a platform for participants to apply their technical knowledge, experiment with innovative approaches and demonstrate how data can drive better decisions and meaningful outcomes.
The event is being organized in collaboration with ACM Seattle Chapter and Swiss School of Management as institutional partners.
What Can You Build?
Participants can explore challenges across areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Science and Predictive Analytics
- Generative AI and Responsible AI
- Data Engineering and Business Intelligence
- Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection
- Healthcare and Social Impact
- Sustainability and Climate
- Operations Research and Decision Intelligence
- Education and Business Innovation
- Open Innovation
The final problem statements, datasets and submission requirements will be published by the organizers.
Who Can Participate?
DataNova welcomes eligible participants from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- PhD scholars and researchers
- Software developers and engineers
- Data scientists and analysts
- AI/ML practitioners
- Technology professionals
- Independent innovators
- Interdisciplinary teams
Participants should review the official eligibility requirements and team formation rules before registering.
How the Competition Works:
Stage 1: Registration
Register individually or as a team according to the competition rules.
Stage 2: Problem Exploration
Review the released problem statements and select a challenge aligned with your interests and expertise.
Stage 3: Solution Development
Develop a solution using relevant data, analytical methods, AI/ML techniques or other suitable technologies.
Stage 4: Submission
Submit the required project materials, which may include a presentation, source code, documentation, demonstration video and supporting evidence.
Stage 5: Evaluation
Eligible submissions will be assessed against the published evaluation criteria. Shortlisted teams may be invited to present their solutions online.
Stage 6: Winners and Closing Ceremony
Final results will be announced following the judging process, with the competition concluding by November 2026.
Judging Criteria:
Projects may be evaluated on the following dimensions:
- Problem understanding and relevance
- Innovation and originality
- Technical depth and implementation
- Data quality, methodology and analytical approach
- Solution quality and functionality
- Feasibility and scalability
- Potential real-world impact
- Presentation and communication
The final scoring rubric and any applicable weights will be communicated before evaluation.
Prizes and Recognition:
- Participants will compete for prizes and recognition across the competition's designated award categories.
- The final prize amounts, award categories and certificate eligibility will be published in the official prizes section once confirmed.
- Join the DataNova Community
- DataNova is an opportunity to move beyond theory, apply your knowledge to meaningful challenges and demonstrate your ability to build solutions that matter.
- Whether you specialize in data science, AI, engineering, analytics or domain-specific problem-solving, bring your ideas, collaborate with innovators and turn data into impact.
Register for DataNova 2026 – Global Data-thon and be part of the next wave of data-driven innovation.
