Social Enterprise Hub: Datastorm Hackathon 2024

Hosted by the Social Enterprise Hub, this event is set for 3–6 December. It was created to empower students with real-world experience in solving data-driven challenges. Tailored for students studying master’s degrees in Business Analytics, Business Information Systems and Information Technology, the Datastorm Hackathon offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, develop specialised skills, expand professional networks and enhance work-readiness.

But what is a hackathon? It’s an event where participants collaborate intensively within a short timeframe to develop solutions to real-world challenges, often focused on technology or software projects. Centred on problem-solving and innovation, hackathons foster creativity and hands-on learning, while also providing participants with valuable experience that enhances their employability – key elements of Torrens University’s educational approach.

The idea for the SAS Hackathon, dubbed the Datastorm, came from Hayden McDonald, a leader in innovation at Torrens University, who approached Ian Edwards from SAS with the proposal. At a time when universities struggle to host such events due to rising costs and limited resources, Hayden suggested leveraging the university’s Social Enterprise Hub, led by Peter Graves. This way, Torrens University can deliver the hackathon without incurring hefty costs. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, especially the team of students responsible for designing and hosting it under the guidance of Peter Schultz, a highly experienced business analyst.

What is the Datastorm Hackathon?

The Datastorm Hackathon is an immersive opportunity for students to tackle real data challenges provided by industry partners, offering hands-on experience with advanced tools that deepen their expertise in analytics and sharpen their skill sets. So, are hackathons good for résumés and do they improve career prospects? Hackathons demonstrate problem-solving, creativity, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure – all qualities highly valued by employers.

For the 2024 Hackathon, our purpose-driven partner supplying the data challenge is AUSMAP – a national citizen science project dedicated to mapping microplastic pollution in Australian waterways. With an ambitious goal of uniting schools, environmental groups, universities and educators, AUSMAP gathers critical new data on microplastics through its network of citizen scientists and researchers. Their work enables communities and governments to implement behaviour changes, regulate industries and improve waste management systems by identifying pollution hotspots across the country.

The hackathon also strengthens the ongoing partnership between Torrens University and SAS, a juggernaut in analytics software and services. SAS is recognised for its advanced data solutions, which are used by businesses, governments and institutions worldwide to make data-driven decisions. Thanks to this partnership, students gain access to cutting-edge tools like the SAS Viya platform, an industry-leading software suite for analytics, machine learning and data management, which they will use throughout the Datastorm Hackathon.

What makes this event unique is its two-part structure. Students will work in teams, with the hackathon time divided into two phases: ideation and execution. This format promotes collaboration, allowing participants to brainstorm, refine their ideas and then bring those ideas to life.

Datastorm Hackathon 2024 structure

The inaugural Datastorm Hackathon is scheduled for the 3rd to 6th of December, and it will be held annually from then on. The hackathon structure spans 72 hours, during which students will work intensely on a high-stakes project. Throughout the event, they will have access to mentorship, resources and data provided through the SAS Viya platform to help them tackle the dataset challenge.

Using the SAS Viya platform, students will analyse data and develop innovative solutions. At the end of the event, teams will present their findings and visualisations in a pitch to a panel of academic and industry experts. The judges will evaluate the solutions based on creativity, feasibility and impact.

Datastorm Hackathon 2024 outcome

Participants in the Datastorm Hackathon not only refine their practical skills and knowledge but also position themselves to stand out to future employers. The experience highlights a student’s ability to think critically and collaborate effectively under pressure – qualities that are highly valued in the fast-evolving world of data analytics and beyond.

On top of that, students will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, receive mentorship and potentially earn SAS certifications, further strengthening their career prospects.

Looking to the future, the longer-term goal of the Datastorm Hackathon is to build on the 2024 model and expand the event in years to come. Torrens University plans to collaborate with other institutions, broadening the scope and impact of the hackathon to reach a wider range of students – and to inspire the next generation of data-driven innovators.

Ready to turn your ideas into impactful solutions? Register now for the hackathon and bring your innovation to life!