SFU DataJam 2026

Turn Data Into Insights. Solve Real-World Problems. Compete for Prizes.

SFU DataJam 2026 is an annual data science case competition hosted by the SFU Data Science Student Society (DSSS), bringing together students passionate about data analytics, problem-solving, and innovation.

Participants will work in teams of up to four to tackle a real-world business challenge using data science, statistical analysis, and creative problem-solving. Teams will receive a business case and dataset, analyze the information, uncover meaningful insights, and develop actionable, data-driven recommendations.

Throughout the competition, participants will have the opportunity to apply their technical and analytical skills, collaborate with fellow students, and gain hands-on experience solving practical business problems.

The competition concludes with in-person presentations to a panel of judges, where teams will showcase their findings, defend their recommendations, and compete for prizes.

Event Details:

  • Case & Dataset Release: November 8, 2026

  • Analysis & Development: November 8–14, 2026

  • Final Presentations: November 15, 2026

  • Location: SFU Student Union Building (SUB) Ballroom

  • Team Size: Up to 4 participants

  • Total Prize Value: $400

Whether you're interested in data science, machine learning, business analytics, or simply enjoy solving challenging problems, DataJam is an opportunity to put your skills to the test and turn data into meaningful impact.

Analyze. Innovate. Present. Welcome to SFU DataJam 2026!

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
First place
1 winner

50$ value pp

Second place
1 winner

30$ value pp

Third place
1 winner

20$ value pp

Judges

Efe Erhan

Efe Erhan
ETRO Construction

Kristen Basaraba

Kristen Basaraba
Workstream

Devansh Shah

Devansh Shah
Microsoft

Vincent Liu

Vincent Liu
Safety

Nick Turenne

Nick Turenne
Vancity

Abdullah Naeem

Abdullah Naeem
Oxford Learning Centres Inc.

Alexander Khrissanov

Alexander Khrissanov
Ebay

Adil Aliyev

Adil Aliyev
Samsung

Greg Baker

Greg Baker
SFU

Azhy Hama Gharib

Azhy Hama Gharib
Statistics Canada

Piyush Sharda

Piyush Sharda
VCH

Inayat Lakhani

Inayat Lakhani
Lululemon

Judging Criteria

  • See Business Case for details

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

Invite others to compete