FAQs

Where is the event?

There will be a virtual event kickoff on Friday, April 4th, 2025 where the teams will receive the datasets and have a chance to ask questions about the theme and what the judges will be looking for in the solutions. Then, on Friday, April 11, 2025 team participants and the judges are invited to The ACCA Shriners Center at 1712 Bellevue Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23227 for the event. When your team arrives, please come to the lobby and check in. 

Where can I park on April 11, 2025?

The ACCA Shriners venue provides parking for the event at the venue. 

Will food be provided on the day of the event?

Absolutely! Lunch will be provided.

Are we allowed to bring our own data?

Teams are allowed to bring their own open data as long as they provide the data to other participating teams. Sharing is caring.

How do we submit our solution?

Teams should record their presentations (maximum length is five minutes) and submit in .mp4 format by 12:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, April 10th, 2025. Teams will post their solutions to YouTube and provide the link to the Datathon planning team to submit their presentation. Team presentations will be shared with everyone during the event on April 11, 2025 at which point the judges will be present to score and select winners.

Who can participate?

Anyone! Whether you are a student, state employee or community member, we invite you to participate. Some technical skills are needed, most participants have a background in data science, analytics, data engineering, etc. and familiarity with business intelligence tools.

How many people can be on a team?

Teams can have have four to six people but most teams have four to five participants. 

Do I need to be available for the entire event?

You can use as much or as little time as you would like to create a solution with your team. Most teams use the entire week. There is no virtual option for the April 11th in person portion of the event and participants are encouraged strongly to attend.

Who owns the rights to the solutions developed?

The event objective is for Commonwealth of Virginia agencies to work with the teams to utilize the solutions or models developed but the ownership of the intellectual property belongs to the team unless you are participating as a Commonwealth of Virginia employee or state agency, in which case the intellectual property belongs to the Commonwealth. Read more.