๐ Data Hack Challenge 2025
๐ Data Hack Challenge 2025
This challenge invites all post-secondary participants and hackers to present their ideas to foster innovation in sustainability for a better future!
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Welcome to the Data-hack Challenge for the chance to make a real difference!
As part of the ThinkSport's Sport Innovation Challenges, Data-hack Challenge is designed to inspire and engage participants from technology bachelor and master programs by giving them the opportunity to tackle real-world problems faced by the sports industry. Developed in collaboration with key industry players, this challenge offers a hands-on learning experience, allowing young innovators to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills to practical, high-impact issues.
The challenge is carried by ISU, the International Skating Union, who defines and represents the topic throughout the challenge.
In partnership with scoreTec, a Swiss-based sports data company that helps sports organisations turn their data into an asset,
created in 2015 by the International Olympic Committee and the Canton of Vaud is organising the challenge.
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We truly believe that the talent and creativity of our future generations is the main driving force in moving us forward. By working on actual sport federation challenges, the Data Hack Challenge bridges the gap between education and the professional sports world, equipping the next tech generation with the skills and experience needed to drive meaningful change in sport. That's why we are calling for universities with your participants to join the challenge and play a key role in building the future of sport!
By participating, you will have the chance to win prizes and rewards, and to showcase your solution at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games - all while developing your brilliant ideas!
Choose from 2 Categories
Topic 1
Beat to Glide – The Ultimate Skating Soundtrack Challenge
You can read more details on the page "Categories".
Topic 2
Data on Ice – Unlock Hidden Stories of Short Track Speed Skating
You can read more details on the page "Categories".
Timeline
Registration Phase for Universities
1 April 2025 - 31 August 2025
Participation confirmation for Academic partners, and promotion and their institution.
•••
Kick-off Event
3 October 2025
Participants tools registration, team creation, and selection of the field of interest.
Access to the recorded video here.
•••
Gameplay & Mentoring Phase
4 October 2025 - 12 November 2025
Prepare your project, take part in workshops and sessions with your dedicated coach to prepare your project.
TOPIC 1 - Beat to Glide - The Ultimate Skating Soundtrack Challenge
WORKSHOP #1
Understand challenge-specific resources and tech
October 6 | 12:00-13:00 CET
Access to the recorded workshop here.
WORKSHOP #2
Real-world Insights from Figure Skating Experts
October 9 | 17:00-18:00 CET
Access to the recorded workshop here.
WORKSHOP #3
Presenting Winning Prototypes - From Idea to Impact
October 27 | 17:00-18:00 CET
Click here to access the workshop
TOPIC 2 - Data on Ice – Unlock Hidden Stories
WORKSHOP #1
Multimodal Data Collection in Short Trackโฏ
October 6 | 17:00-18:00 CET
Access to the recorded workshop here.
WORKSHOP #2
Real-world Insights from Short Track & Interaction Design Expert
October 10 | 17:00-18:00 CET
Access to the recorded workshop here.
Access to the Jeff Kitura videos here.
WORKSHOP #3
Presenting Winning Prototypes - From Idea to Impact
October 27 | 17:00-18:00 CET
Click here to access the workshop
•••
Local Selection Phase
13 November 2025 - 21 November 2025
Live presentation in front of the dedicated professor.
The top project of each university will be shortlisted by the professor.
One team per university selected to the Final Pitching Day.
•••
Final Preparation Phase
22 November 2025 - 27 November 2025
Prepare your final presentation deck and prototype to showcase in front of the jury.
You can still contact your dedicated coach to finalise your project.
•••
Final Pitching Day
11 December 2025
Top finalist will be chosen to pitch in front of a jury at the Vaudoise Aréna in Prilly (Chemin du Viaduc 14, CH-1008 Prilly).
5’ pitch presentation per group (live)
5’ Q&A (live)
•••
Testing Phase
January - February 2026
The winner team of the Challenge will have the opportunity to showcase its solution at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Prizes
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
1st
Each member of the First Place team will win:
- Support in developing their brillant idea
- Showcase their solution at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games (January-February)
- A ticket to a ISU sport
- A ticket to THE SPOT 2026 event
2nd
Each member of the Second Place team will win:
- A range of fantastic gadgets
3rd
Each member of the Third Place team will win:
- A range of fantastic gadgets
Final Pitching Day
On final date, finalists will be invited for the chance to pitch their idea to our expert judging panel, consists of key decision makers of ISU, who will then select the winners of the Sport Innovation Challenge for Sport Organisations - 1st Data-hack edition!