2026 Illinois Statistics Datathon
The Datathon quest is officially underway! Registration is now open for the 2026 Illinois Statistics Datathon, celebrating our 10th anniversary! This year’s Datathon invites you to step into a data adventure.
Alongside fellow Illinois students, you’ll tackle a real-world data challenge using datasets provided by Synchrony Financial, working together to uncover insights, build models, and save the day (or at least earn some bragging rights and win prizes).
Hosted by the Department of Statistics in partnership with Synchrony Financial, the Datathon is open to students from all majors and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned data hero or just starting your journey, there’s a role for everyone on the team.
What’s in the game?A weekend-long data competition using real-world dataWorkshops led by faculty and industry professionalsMentorship from Synchrony professionals and Statistics facultyFree food, networking opportunities, and prizesNo prior experience requiredThe Datathon kicks off Friday, March 27 at 5:00 PM at the Campus Instructional Facility and runs through the weekend, giving teams time to explore the data, develop solutions, and present their findings.
How to join:Register as a team (2–4 students) or as an individualTeam captains register the full team on one formTeams must have a team name (get creative!)Individual registrants may be matched with a team before the eventRegister now and begin your Datathon adventure: Register Today!
See more details at go.illinois.edu/illinois-datathon Gather your party, sharpen your skills, and get ready for a weekend of data, discovery, and collaboration. We look forward to seeing you at the start of the quest!