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Data Skills and Training

Data4Good Competition Kickoff & Case Discussion

October 2025

Your Presenter(s)

Matthew Lanham

Assistant Professor of Business Technology & Analytics at Butler University Lacy School of Business

Dr. Professor Matthew Lanham is the founder of the national Data4Good competition. He is an Assistant Professor of Business Technology and Analytics at Butler University's Lacy School of Business, where he focuses on preparing students for impactful careers in data analytics through experiential learning and industry engagement. Previously, he served on the faculty at Purdue University's Daniels School of Business, where he led the MS in Business Analytics & Information Management program to national recognition, including receiving the 2023 UPS George D. Smith Prize. Learn more about him at MatthewALanham.com.

Naser Nikandish

Associate Professor, Operations Management & Business Analytics Academic Program Director at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Dr. Naser Nikandish is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School, where he also serves as Academic Program Director for the MS in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence programs. In this role, he oversees both full-time and part-time offerings, shaping curricula that bridge advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and real-world problem solving.His teaching spans courses such as Practical Machine Learning, Python for Data Analysis, Simulation for Business Applications, and Operations Management. He is known for his award-winning instruction, having received the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award three years in a row.

Daniel Whitenack

Founder and CEO at Prediction Guard

Session Slides

Summary

This session introduces the Data4Good Competition, aimed at undergraduate and master students worldwide to address real-world challenges using data and AI.

The Data4Good Competition is an annual event inviting students to solve real-world problems with data and AI. This year, the competition is free and open to students outside the United States, with participants forming teams of three to four members from the same institution and degree level. The competition includes webinars and training sessions, culminating in a case challenge. Participants will gain skills in AI, analytics, and problem-solving, with opportunities for internships and prizes. Supported by sponsors like DataCamp, InForms, and SAS, the event offers a chance to earn certifications and badges in AI and analytics.

Key Takeaways:

Data4Good Competition is open to undergraduates and master students globally.
Participants form teams of three to four from the same institution and degree level.
The competition includes webinars, training sessions, and a case challenge.
Opportunities for internships and prizes, including $16,000 in regional prizes.
Supported by sponsors like DataCamp, InForms, and SAS.

Details

Competition Structure and Participation

The Data4Good Competition challenges students to apply data and AI to solve real-world problems. Participants must form teams of three to four members from the same institution and degree level. The competition is free this year, and students from outside the United States can participate as part of Region 4. Teams must register by October 31, and the competition includes a series of webinars and training sessions. "This event is free this year, but there is a slight fee if you choose to take the Microsoft AI 900 certification," said Matthew Lanham, one of the organizers.

Webinars and Training Sessions

The competition includes several professional development events, such as a session on the Informs analytics framework and training on Microsoft AI fundamentals. Participants can earn points by attending these sessions, which are designed to fill knowledge gaps and enhance skills. The training provides valuable insights not typically covered in academic programs. "The training that you are gonna get from this competition will give you the overall kind of general here are the seven domains that a certified analytics professional would need to know," Lanham explained.

Case Challenge and DataLab

The case challenge is a major component of the competition, accounting for 37% of the points. Participants will use DataLab and DataCamp to work on the challenge, which involves verifying the factual accuracy of AI-generated outputs. Daniel Whitenack, a data scientist involved in the competition, emphasized the importance of creativity and problem-solving in tackling the case. "Your goal as a competition participant is to build a system that will take in these three fields, the question, the context, and the answer, and will output the correct type," he stated.

Prizes and Opportunities

The competition offers $16,000 in regional prizes, with $2,000 awarded to the top undergraduate and graduate teams in each region. Regional champions will be invited to the national championship at Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, participants have the chance to earn internships and certifications, enhancing their career prospects. Aaron Burciaga from ZETECH mentioned, "I will have two internships ready to sign with me at the competition."