Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, residents are navigating a growing affordability crisis. The pressures on everyday Virginians are real, interconnected, and demand creative, data-driven solutions.
The 2026 Virginia Datathon invites college students and state employees to turn data into action. Teams will explore one or more dimensions of the cost-of-living challenge and propose innovative, evidence-based interventions that reflect the full complexity of life in Virginia: its geography, its diversity, and the resources already working within the Commonwealth.
This is your opportunity to make an impact on the issues that matter most to Virginian families. Use data to tell the story and design the solution.
The 2026 Virginia Datathon will be held from October 8th-October 16th, 2026. More information can be found on the participant information page.
The Challenge
Your Central Question
Core Challenge Prompt
"How can your team innovatively address one or more cost-of-living factors to make life more affordable in Virginia?"
Factor in Virginia's Unique Complexity
- Geography & Rural/Urban Divide
- Infrastructure Access
- Demographics & Population
- 동향
- Socioeconomic Factors
-
Existing Commonwealth Programs
Focus Areas
Cost-of-Living Topics
주거
Explore affordability gaps, housing supply shortfalls, rental burdens, and homelessness across Virginia's urban, suburban, and rural communities.
에너지
Examine electricity costs, energy insecurity, utility assistance programs, and the potential for renewable solutions to reduce household burdens.
의료
Analyze access to care, insurance coverage gaps, out-of-pocket costs, and health disparities across Virginia's diverse populations.
Childcare
Investigate childcare deserts, cost burdens on working families, subsidy program gaps, and workforce impacts of childcare unavailability.
교육
Assess educational costs, higher education affordability, and access to workforce training and credentialing programs.
Living Expenses
Look at food insecurity, transportation costs, access to goods and services, and the cumulative burden of day-to-day expenses on Virginia families.
참여
Who Can Participate
The Virginia Datathon is open to college and university students as well as Virginia state employees. Teams of 2–6 participants are encouraged to bring together a mix of disciplines — data science, public policy, economics, sociology, computer science, and beyond. No single background has all the answers, and the strongest solutions will reflect the full complexity of Virginia's communities.
What's Expected
Deliverables & Evaluation
Deliverables
A one-page written summary of your solution (due by 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 15 before presentations).
The event is "Expo" style. Teams set up at a station and judges rotate to hear each presentation. You can bring poster boards, dioramas, or a monitor to display your work at the in-person event on October 16. Presentations are up to 5 minutes. Pre-recorded virtual presentations will not be accepted.
Judging Criteria
|
카테고리 |
What Judges Look For |
Point Scale |
|
Data Analysis or Visualization |
The solution includes a meaningful analysis of data and/or a clear visual representation of findings. |
1 — No data used or data is irrelevant 2 — Data referenced but not analyzed 3 — Some analysis present; visualization basic 4 — Clear analysis with effective visuals 5 — Compelling, well-sourced analysis with strong visuals |
|
Innovation & Creativity |
The solution approaches the challenge in a fresh, original, or unexpected way. |
1 — Idea is generic or unoriginal 2 — Minor variation on a common approach 3 — Somewhat creative with some original elements 4 — Clear creative thinking; distinctive approach 5 — Highly innovative; stands out from other solutions |
|
Relevance to Theme |
The solution clearly addresses affordability in Virginia and ties to one or more of the defined topic areas (housing, energy, healthcare, childcare, education, or living expenses). |
1 — Little or no connection to the theme 2 — Loosely connected to the theme 3 — Addresses the theme but lacks depth 4 — Strong connection to theme with clear focus 5 — Directly and powerfully addresses the theme |
|
Feasibility |
The solution is realistic and could reasonably be implemented in Virginia, given existing resources, infrastructure, and context. |
1 — Not feasible; no path to implementation 2 — Significant barriers not addressed 3 — Feasible in theory but needs more grounding 4 — Realistic with a clear path forward 5 — Highly feasible with practical, actionable steps |
|
Presentation |
The team communicates their solution clearly, confidently, and within the 5-minute time limit. Presentation materials (if used) are organized and easy to follow. |
1 — Unclear, disorganized, or significantly over/under time 2 — Partially clear; some organizational issues 3 — Adequately presented; most key points conveyed 4 — Well-organized, clear, and within time 5 — Polished, engaging, and compelling delivery |
후원자
BigID
Macon IT
SAIC
