2025 Business+Tech Datathon and Data Download

UNLOCK INSIGHTS AND UNLEASH INNOVATION WITH DATA ANALYTICS.

Comprehending large data sets, evaluating data with a critical eye, and utilizing data to make informed decisions are ALL skills that are essential to thrive in the tech industry. Every January, Business+Tech hosts the Data Download and Datathon Competition, in partnership with tech consulting firms PwC and Deloitte, for participants to practice analyzing a real-world problem.

Datathon Competition | February 3 – February 7, 2025 (register by Sunday, February 2nd to participate)

During this virtual and in-person week-long hack-a-thon style competition, interdisciplinary student teams use data as the primary basis for developing creative solutions to a real-world problem. Once the problem statement and data set are released at the kickoff, teams of 5-6 students have a week to analyze a set of data, identify real world problems, and pitch creative solutions to a panel of judges. The dataset theme is a secret until the kickoff!

*Please note that the Datathon Competition kickoff is a mandetary event and only those who are able to attend can participate. If you have a team, full team attendance is required for the Monday 2/3 kick off and Friday 2/5 finale to be eligible for the competition.

Data Download | January 27 – January 30, 2025 (register by January 29th to participate)

5 workshops geared toward advancing your data analytics skills through a +tech lens. These sessions help prepare students to excel in the Datathon Competition and win the $3,000 grand prize. Session topics include: Storytelling with Data, PowerExcel, Tableau Bootcamp, and more.

*Participation in the Datathon Compeition is not required to attend the Data Download sessions.

Datathon Competition

Session Is Over

February 3, 2025 - 5:00pm - February 7, 2025 - 7:30pm

Ross School of Business, Blau Colloquium
Livestream Available (Visible After Registration)
Business+Tech Ross School of Business

Join us for our Datathon Competition! Over the span of one week, you and a team of four others will analyze a set of authentic data, identify real world problems, and pitch your solutions to a panel of industry professionals for the chance to win the $3,000 grand prize. Whether your joining with a complete team or on your own, the Datathon Competition will be a week of learning, experimenting, and networking for all involved. Be a part of the Business+Tech community, enhance your capabilities, and chart your course towards using data to create real impact during the 2025 Datathon Compeition.

Monday 2/3: The week will begin with an evening kick off event from 5:00-7:30 EST in the Blau Colloquium where individuals without teams will be paired up. The case topic, data set, and problem statement will be revealed and teams will have time to begin preparing and analyzing the data. Please note that the Datathon Competition kickoff is a mandetary event and only those who are able to attend can participate. If you have a team, full team attendance is required for the Monday 2/3 kick off and Friday 2/5 finale to be eligible for the competition.
Wednesday 2/5: Industry experts from Deloitte and PwC and UM faculty will offer office hours throughout the day where teams can ask questions and receive guidance on their analysis and solutioning.
Thursday 2/6: A second round of office hours will take place throughout the day for further industry level insights. Teams will record and submit a pitch by midnight on Thursday from which the finalists will be selected.
Friday 2/7: The day will kick off with a networking hour where students can mingle with industry leaders from PwC and Deloitte - one past participant even received an internship offer because of this session! The top placing teams will be notified of their selection to compete in the final round. Pitches will occur from 12:30-2:30 in Robertson Auditorium after which the highest three placing teams will be announced and will leave the competition with $1000, $2000, and $3000 cash prizes!

For questions or contact information click here