Queen’s Business School (QBS) was alive with innovation and energy as over 100 students from QBS and the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science (EEE&CS) came together to participate in the Datathon 2024, a key student event in this year’s Global Innovation Summit.

The Datathon, sponsored by Alteryx and Kainos, challenged participants to leverage their data analytics and problem-solving skills to tackle pressing sustainability issues in Northern Ireland, including climate change, urban planning, and healthcare optimisation. The event aimed to inspire impactful, data-driven solutions that could address some of the region’s most complex challenges.

A Day of Collaboration and Impact

Working in multidisciplinary teams, the students analysed datasets, applied innovative methodologies, and developed actionable recommendations. Alteryx provided its cutting-edge data analytics software to participants, while mentors from Kainos offered expert guidance throughout the competition.

The event culminated in high-stakes presentations, where teams pitched their solutions to a panel of judges. The top three teams earned the opportunity to present their projects at the Global Innovation Summit 2024, amplifying their ideas on a larger stage.

Spotlight on the Winners

Among the standout participants was Amy Hannon, an Economics and Accounting student and member of the winning team. Reflecting on her experience, Amy said:

“This was my first-ever Datathon, and what an unforgettable experience it has been. The competition was tough, but the process was incredibly rewarding.

Our project focused on enhancing healthcare in Northern Ireland through mobile health solutions, aiming to improve accessibility in underserved communities. It was so exciting to work on something that felt so impactful, especially knowing that we only had one day to make our vision come to life.”

Amy’s team impressed the judges with their innovative approach to improving healthcare accessibility, showcasing how data-driven solutions can create real-world impact.

Transformative Support from Industry Leaders

The Datathon was made possible through the generous support of industry sponsors. US-based tech company Alteryx provided $15 million worth of software licenses to Queen’s staff and students, marking the largest in-kind donation in the University’s history. Meanwhile, Kainos contributed hands-on mentorship, ensuring participants had the technical expertise needed to excel.

Pioneering Sustainability Through Data

The overarching goal of the Datathon was to inspire actionable insights and solutions that promote sustainability in Northern Ireland. By fostering collaboration between students from diverse academic backgrounds, the event highlighted the potential of data analytics to drive progress on critical social and environmental issues.

Queen’s Business School is proud to be at the forefront of such transformative initiatives, combining education, technology, and innovation to shape a more sustainable future.