Information on the course Data Challenge at the University of Oldenburg

Credit points

The Data Challenge (inf541) is an official course of the University of Oldenburg (Department of Information Systems / VLBA). Successful participation in the Data Challenge can be recognised with six credit points.

However, the Data Challenge is not limited to students of the University of Oldenburg. This means that students from other universities or colleges or private individuals can also take part in the Data Challenge. Please contact us if you are interested in participating. However, it is up to your university to decide whether your participation can be recognised.

Data

As part of the task, you will be provided with an extensive dataset to work with. Modern data science methods will be used to generate added value for practice. This year's data and tasks will be provided by the practice partner Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband (OOWV). We are pleased and grateful for the support of our partner.

Prize money

A jury consisting of representatives from the field will select the three best groups and nominate them for the final event of the Data Challenge 2026, where the results will be presented and awarded prize money totalling €2000.

Registration/schedule

The Data Challenge 2026 will take place from 24 July 2026 to 7 August 2026. Here is the detailed schedule:

• 21 April 2026, 16:00 Information event at the University of Oldenburg (hybrid for the Emden-Leer University of Applied Sciences) regarding the procedure, organisation, etc.
• 24 July - 07 August Processing period with the following events:
  • 24 July 2026: Kick-off event with the detailed task and distribution of the data set
  • 07 August 2026: Presentation of the results of the Data Challenge (conclusion of the university part of the Data Challenge event)
  • August/September 2026: Final event at the Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband (OOWV) as the conclusion of the competition for the prize money

Individuals or teams of up to three people can take part.

To register, simply send an email to data-challenge[at]uol.de with the names of the team members and a team name.

Credit points

Students should refer to the information provided by their university when registering for the exam.

Registration for the exam for students of the University of Oldenburg: possible until 26 July 2026 via Stud.IP.