A Sleepover in the CDS Building? BU Students Will Participate in Weekend-Long Hackathon
The challenge allows participants to explore the possibilities of data science
Boston University students will participate in a weekend-long overnight innovation hackathon at the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences.
A Sleepover in the CDS Building? BU Students Will Participate in Weekend-Long Hackathon
The challenge allows participants to explore the possibilities of data science
More than 200 Boston University students will participate in a weekend-long overnight innovation challenge at the DS+X Hackathon, being held at the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences October 25 and 26.
Hosted by the Duan Family Spark! Initiative and BU’s Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, the event invites students to explore how data science can intersect with other fields, such as health, climate, art, and AI, to make meaningful change.
“The DS+X Hackathon is about giving students the opportunity to connect their passion for data science to their other passions while building skills in a fun and low-stress setting,” says Ziba Cranmer, founding director of BU Spark!
Shriya Jonnalagadda (CDS’28) says she chose to study data science because she wants to make a real impact in the world. Throughout her education, she’s been passionate about combining data science with business and marketing, and this weekend, she’s getting the opportunity to expand her skillset and make a significant leap towards her career goals.
Participants can choose from a range of DS+X tracks at the Hackathon, including Data Science + AI and Data Science + Public Policy. Student teams will come up with an idea, then prototype and pitch innovative data-driven solutions to real-world problems, including apps, chatbots, interactive dashboards, games, and AI agents.
They’re not just building projects—they’re building confidence, connections, and the mindset to tackle complex problems through collaboration and experimentation.
Each track will offer mentors to guide students through their creative process and offer valuable industry insights. This year’s mentors will be from organizations like Amazon, Red Hat, and MassMutual.
“I think having access to mentorship as you’re building something in real time is really valuable,” Jonnalagadda says. “I am very excited to meet all the mentors and see what kind of guidance they have to offer.”
Students will create solutions, such as apps, chatbots, interactive dashboards, and games, to pioneer new possibilities in data science. More than $5,000 in prizes will be awarded.
The event is open to those of all experience levels, from first-time hackers to seasoned competitors. There will be a dedicated beginner track for first-timers, with mentors and hands-on workshops to guide them through the basics of data science. And students who aren’t studying data science are also encouraged to come and bring a new perspective to the hacking world.
“There’s something magical about what happens when students immerse themselves in this kind of creative intensity,” Cranmer says. “They’re not just building projects—they’re building confidence, connections, and the mindset to tackle complex problems through collaboration and experimentation.”
Find more information about the Hackathon here.