DS + X Hackathon Toolkit: For Hackers & Mentors
Get ready to unleash your inner innovator, because BU Spark! and CDS are hosting the first-ever DS+X Hackathon — a two-day creative sprint where data science collides with everything else.
Think coding meets creativity, algorithms meet artistry, and insights meet impact.
Whether you’re a data wizard, designer, storyteller, or social change-maker — this is your playground. You’ll form teams, tackle real-world challenges, and prototype data-driven solutions that could shape the future.
What is DS + X?
It’s data science + your something: health, climate, public policy, AI, finance, and more. If it’s your passion, it’s in play.
We’re here to prove that data science isn’t a silo — it’s the ultimate collaborator.
Student Toolkit: Your Hackathon Survival Guide
Here’s everything you need to thrive, vibe, and hack your heart out.
- Bring your curiosity.
You don’t have to be a coder — just bring ideas, energy, and an open mind. - Find your people.
Form teams on-site or in advance. Or come alone, and we’ll help you find a team. The best ideas come from mixed minds — data scientists, artists, economists, policy thinkers, all together. - Pack your essentials.
- Laptop + charger + headphones + reusable water bottle and snacks
- Personal items like a toothbrush, deodorant, pillow or blanket, or sleeping bag. The building can get cold at night, so warm layers or blankets are recommended.
- Your imagination — seriously, pack that one
- Plan your 24(ish) hours.
Hackathons are marathons with better playlists. Pace yourself, take stretch breaks, and remember: sleep is optional, but collaboration isn’t. - Know your resources.
Mentors will be everywhere — ask questions, test your ideas, and get feedback early and often. Plus, Workshops will be provided on a range of topics from design101 with Figma, APIs, GenAI, and vibe coding best practices. Even BU Libraries has provided a list of curated datasets. - Tell your story.
At the end, it’s not just about code — it’s about communicating your why. Judges love clear, compelling pitches that connect the dots between data and impact.
Mentor Toolkit: Be the Spark!
Mentors are the heart of the hackathon — the ones who help teams push past “stuck” and into “aha!” territory.
Your role?
- Guide, don’t steer. Let students own their ideas.
- Ask questions that open doors (“What data do you need to prove that?”)
- Share quick wins, frameworks, and hard-earned lessons.
- Celebrate effort as much as outcome — innovation thrives on encouragement.
Mentors from industry, academia, and beyond will share their wisdom on topics such as responsible AI, ethics in data, UX design, and data storytelling.
Themes, Prizes, and Pure Innovation
Expect challenges that include helping to HackBU, ArtHack, and First Hacker Track — all inspired by the “+ X” spirit.
Winners earn more than just prizes — they’ll get showcased by Spark! and CDS featured on our websites, and maybe even find a future research or internship opportunity along the way.
Get Ready to Hack the Future
Power up your laptops. This isn’t just a hackathon — it’s a data-powered creativity lab where bold ideas meet real-world change.
Can’t be there? Stay tuned for highlights, winning projects, and the ideas that emerged when data science met everything.