Annual Data Challenge
Turning Data Into Impact: 2025 Data Challenge Highlights
The 2025 Mastercard x AUC Data Challenge brought together 150+ students from 25 HBCUs to tackle pressing community and economic challenges—using data as a tool for impact. Over eight weeks, students transformed ideas into insight and action, culminating in a high-energy final pitch showcase where more than $52,000 was awarded.
Hosted by the Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative in collaboration with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the challenge continues to demonstrate what’s possible when students are trusted with real problems—and real platforms.
Turning Data Into Impact: 2025 Data Challenge Highlights
🥇 1st Place – $15,000
DataDrive | Grambling State University David Nintang • Holy Agyei
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🥉 3rd Place – $5,800
Team Djono | NC A&T / North Carolina Central University
Adjovi Laba • Ebitu Ukiwe • Misan Esimaje
🥈 2nd Place – $10,000
Troy Tech | Virginia State University
Favour Adesoye • Elisha Barnes
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🥉 3rd Place – $5,800
Tornadoes | Talladega College
Thabhelo Duve • Ayomikun Oyeniyi • Oluwatosin Oseni • Izuchukwu Mba
🥈 2nd Place – $10,000
Team I4: Inclusive Insights & Impact Innovators | Fisk University
Sam Deo • Kanchan Thapa
🥉 3rd Place – $5,800
DataForge | Grambling State University
Uchechukwu Alih • Stecy Chirinda
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Teams will analyze communities with an Inclusive Growth Score (IGS) below 45, using economic, business, and public data to develop actionable, community-centered recommendations. No public health background is required—this challenge focuses on data analysis, storytelling, and impact.
The challenge runs early February–April 2026, includes workshops, pitch sessions, and an in-person finale in Atlanta. Teams will also compete for a portion of over $50,000 in total prize money.
Key Dates:
Open to currently enrolled HBCU undergraduate and graduate students.
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