Call for Participants: Data Science Regional Hackathons 2025

Are you a postgraduate student with a passion for data science? Do you have the skills and drive to solve challenging research problems using data science, while competing globally? Join us for the Hack4dev Regional Hackathons 2025!

**Group photo from our 2023 BAWG Data Science Hackathon**

What’s Happening?

Hack4dev, in partnership with the regional hackathon organizers, is hosting a series of 3-day regional hackathons from 03 February to 11 April 2025

Participants will tackle a real research problem: developing an efficient machine learning pipeline for CubeSats, small satellites used for space research. The challenge is to optimally prioritize data for transmission by designing machine learning models that ensure high accuracy with minimal resource usage – crucial for missions constrained by limited computational power and communication capabilities. To learn more about the challenge, please visit this link.

You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with your peers and compete against other regional hackathon teams from across the globe. To tackle this problem, all participants will utilize the ilifu cloud computing system, which provides the necessary computational resources to develop and test your solutions.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for motivated individuals who:

Have a strong motivation to participate and contribute actively to the hackathon experience.
Have proficiency in Python programming and familiarity with command-line usage.
Are enrolled in postgraduate studies (Honours to PhD). Exceptional Final-year undergrad students may also be considered.
Are local to the event location and can commute daily to and from the venue.
Are prepared to work on the provided materials and notebooks, available two weeks before each regional hackathon
Can submit a recommendation letter verifying their Python skills and availability for the hackathon event.

Gender Balance: We aim to achieve gender equality in our participant selection, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment.

Selection Framework

Selection Criterion	Corresponding Questions in the Application Form	Scoring Guideline
Motivation	3.1 Sparked interest 3.2 Contribution plan 3.3 Learning excitement	How motivated, contributive, and eager to learn is the applicant?
Skills	4.1 Python experience 4.2 Last use of Python 4.3 Example Python project	How experienced and proficient is the applicant with Python?
Independence & Availability	5.1 Independent project approach 5.2 Time management before class 5.3 Commitment to reviewing materials	How effectively does the applicant work independently, manage their time, and commit to preparation?

Application and Participation Details

Application Period: All regional calls will open simultaneously on the 25th of October and will close six weeks before the start of each regional hackathon. However, the call may close earlier if the number of applications exceeds 150.
Resources: All you need is a laptop, although in some regions, participants may have access to a computer lab instead.
Preparation: You will be informed of your application status four weeks prior to the regional hackathon. Two weeks before the event, you will receive the Hackathon Programme, introductory notebooks and other preparatory materials to help you get ready.

Prizes:

Best Team per Regional Hackathon: The top-performing team at each regional hackathon will be awarded a prize and recognised for their outstanding contribution.
Best Overall Pipeline across All Regional Hackathons: Compete for a grand prize by showcasing the best machine learning pipeline across all regional hackathons. A committee of experienced ML academics will evaluate the pipelines based on clarity, completeness, and innovation. The winning team will receive an additional 10,000 ZAR prize, generously sponsored by DARA, and be recognized as co-authors on a Hack4dev academic paper.

Ready to Make an Impact?

This is your chance to tackle a real-world research challenge, enhance your data science skills, and work alongside talented peers. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in an exciting and transformative hackathon experience. Join us and contribute to something meaningful.

[Apply Now]

Choose from the following data science regional hackathon (DSRH) events below to learn more and apply. Please ensure you can commute to and from the venue for the duration of the event.