Data Visualization Challenge
Analyze real datasets, create compelling visualizations, and tell data-backed stories. Compete with students across institutions.
Challenge Objective
The Data Visualization Challenge pushes participants to explore real datasets, extract meaningful insights, and communicate stories through compelling visualizations.
This isn't just about pretty charts—it's about analytical depth, visual clarity, and storytelling impact. Teams that combine technical precision with narrative power will rise to the top.
Storytelling
Transform raw data into a narrative that informs and inspires.
Visualization Quality
Create clear, beautiful, and informative visual representations.
Insight Discovery
Uncover patterns, trends, and actionable findings in data.
Team Rules
✓ Who Can Participate
Open to all students from any institution worldwide.
✓ Cross-Institution Teams
Team members can be from different institutions.
Exactly 2 Members Per Team
Individual participation is not allowed. All submissions must be from teams of exactly 2.
No Exceptions
Teams with 1 or 3+ members will be disqualified.
Two-Round Competition
Analysis & Submission
The foundation of your analysis
Dataset Release
Shared via email and Google Drive at event start
24-Hour Time Limit
Complete analysis and preparation within 24 hours
Single PDF Submission
One consolidated PDF containing all required components
Submission Must Include:
- • Focus of Analysis - What aspect(s) of the data are you exploring?
- • Methodology - How did you approach the analysis?
- • 3–5 Visualizations - Your visual representations of key findings
- • Data Story (Max 250 words) - Narrative explaining your insights
- • Tools Used - List all tools and libraries
- • Optional Code Links - GitHub or other repositories (optional)
Presentation & Defense
Showcase your work to the judges
Top 10 Teams Shortlisted
Based on Round 1 submissions
Online Presentation Format
Virtual presentation session with all judges and audience
5-Minute Pitch
Present your findings and visualizations
2–3 Minute Q&A
Answer questions from judges about your analysis and methodology
How We Score
Visualization Quality
Clarity, aesthetics, and effectiveness of visual representations
Storytelling Impact
Coherence, narrative flow, and communication of insights
Analytical Depth
Rigor of analysis, methodology, and insight validity
Important: Visuals without meaningful insights will not score well. We reward submissions that combine technical excellence with genuine analytical discovery.
Event Schedule
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Dataset Release
Submission Deadline
Shortlist Announcement
Final Presentations
Winners Announced
Recognition & Awards
1st Place
Winner Prize
Awarded to the top-scoring team
2nd Place
Runner-up Prize
Awarded to the second-highest scoring team
Certificates
For All Participants
E-certificates awarded to valid submissions
Recognition & Visibility
Winners and top performers will be featured on:
- • ACM Student Chapter official website and social media
- • Event recap and press materials
- • Internal leaderboard and hall of fame
Competition Integrity
Original Work Only
All submissions must be original work created during the challenge window. Pre-existing work is not permitted.
No Plagiarism
Plagiarism of visualizations, code, or written content from external sources will result in automatic disqualification.
Data Integrity
Data manipulation, falsification, or misrepresentation will result in disqualification. Use the dataset as provided.
Judge's Decision is Final
All judging decisions are final and binding. No appeals will be considered.
Ready to Compete?
Register your team now to secure your spot. Dataset access and challenge details will be shared via email at the challenge start time.
Registration Deadline
TBD
Capacity
Limited Spots