Humanitarian Data Challenge

Optimizing Global Aid Distribution

Join us in exploring critical challenges in global aid distribution. Organized by CMU Data Science Club × Databricks × United Nations.

January 24–25

Carnegie Mellon University

Teams up to 4

Challenge Topic

Analyze critical challenges in global aid distribution. We are tackling two core problems sourced directly from UN humanitarian teams: Targeting Validation - building models to benchmark budget-to-beneficiary ratios and flag anomalies in project efficiency; and Geo-Insight Challenge - mapping the "funding gap" by identifying geographic regions where humanitarian needs outweigh current pooled fund coverage. Create innovative analytical tools to improve how humanitarian resources are allocated and audited.

Who Can Participate?

This datathon is exclusively for CMU students. Both graduate students and undergraduate students are eligible. Form teams of up to 4 members.

Prizes and Perks

$2,000

Cash Prize

Plus free food and t-shirts for all participants!

Schedule

Friday, January 23rd (1/23 Fri)

5:00pm-6:00pm: DSC GBM + team matching

Saturday, January 24th (1/24 Sat)

12:00pm-12:30pm: Registration/tabling

12:30pm-2:30pm: Opening ceremony & Databricks demo

2:00pm: Lunch provided

3:00pm-6:00pm: Office hours

Sunday, January 25th (1/25 Sun)

1:00pm: Submissions due

4:30pm-5:30pm: Award ceremony

Judging Criteria

Exploration

Uncover novel datasets and provide insightful analysis.

Modeling

Develop advanced models to find meaningful data relationships.

Impact

Propose actionable and impactful policies.

Submission Materials

Code Submission

Releasing soon

Video Presentation

Releasing soon

Ready to make a difference with data? Join us for an exciting weekend of humanitarian data science!