Innovative SAS Hackathon Winners Solve Big Problems through AI and Analytics

From saving lives of first responders to exploring manure recycling, the winners transformed data into decisions.

The winners of the first-ever SAS global Hackathon delivered solutions to vexing problems by using big data AI. Teams from across the globe used cloud-native SAS Viya advanced analytics, Microsoft Azure, and other tools to improve people’s lives, enhance businesses and promote a healthy planet.

Throughout March, analytics leader SAS brought together hundreds of curious minds for the virtual Hackathon. The competition challenged data scientists, technology enthusiasts and business visionaries in a host of industries to apply technology to solve real-world business and humanitarian problems.

Recommended AI News: Mosyle Sets the First Standard for Apple Device Security in K-12 Schools

SAS will name overall global winners in three categories – Industry, Data for Good and Startups – at next week’s virtual SAS Global Forum 2021, the world’s premier analytics conference.

In addition to recognition, several teams will earn an invitation to partner with SAS to commercialize their ideas. These selected teams will have continued complimentary access to SAS Viya on Azure, expert guidance, and resources and support to further develop their applications.

“We launched our hackathons to inspire and innovate and help society and business,” said Bob Messier, Senior VP of Customer Engagement and Support at SAS. “The diverse teams in this global Hackathon sparked new ideas while addressing nearly 100 unique use cases. As a technologist, I’m amazed by the broad range of analytics technologies they used. All the teams deserve special recognition and thanks for their hard work and contributions.”

Recommended AI News: Mundrisoft partners with a leading US-Based EdTech Company to Accelerate Learning Delivery

Today, SAS is announcing regional winners for the Americas; Asia Pacific; and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); as well as winners in the specific industry and technology sub-categories. The winners were chosen by more than 50 expert judges. To learn more about each winning team and view short videos of their projects, visit the SAS Hackathon page and search by team name.

Innovation at the intersection of caring, curiosity and collaboration

SAS’ first ever global Hackathon featured participants from more than 30 countries, with experience ranging from novice to expert. They included SAS customers, partners and startups, as well as dozens of students from universities such as NC State, Uppsala and Nanyang Polytechnic. Each team aimed to uncover bold new insights and create life-changing solutions using SAS’ industry-leading analytics.

“Along with solving big problems, this year’s global Hackathon was about creating the ultimate virtual learning and networking experience for refining existing skills and acquiring new ones,” said Einar Halvorsen, Global Hackathon Lead at SAS. “Gamifying the experience with some friendly competition, the Hackathon transcended participants’ backgrounds and geographies to foster collaboration and innovation that benefits everyone.”

Recommended AI News: BlackLine Achieves ISO/IEC 27017 Cloud Security Certification