The Virginia Datathon

The first Virginia Datathon was held in September 2014 at the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) in Richmond, Virginia. The event was a first of its kind among state governments across the country. Teams from across the state were challenged to create applications using state data to promote efficiency and transparency within state government. The teams presented their projects to a panel of expert judges and conference attendees who voted for the best solution. The spirit of the event prevails today with participants engaging in the sandbox provided and leveraging technology, exercising creativity, and wielding data to develop transformative solutions addressing complex problems.

The event is now produced by the Virginia Office of Data Governance and Analytics. Event participants include state agencies, students, localities, non-profits, and private sector employees.

Information regarding the 2026 Virginia Datathon is coming soon! 

Each year a new theme and complex challenge is presented to participants. Past themes have addressed the opioid epidemic, outcomes in education, contrasting COVID-19 community experiences, food insecurity, workforce development, and more.   

This year’s focus is on the challenge of evaluating and improving the Commonwealth's transportation model under the theme "Beyond the Numbers: Building a More Affordable Virginia." More information about the upcoming event will be available soon!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring the event? Email us at odga@odga.virginia.gov for more information or check out the 2026 Datathon Sponsorship Package for available options.