Information about the Data Challenge event at the University of Oldenburg

Credit points

The Data Challenge (inf541) is an official course offered by the University of Oldenburg (Department of Business Informatics / VLBA). Successful participation in the Data Challenge can be credited with six credit points.

However, the Data Challenge is not restricted to students at the University of Oldenburg. This means that students from other universities or higher education institutions, as well as members of the public, are in principle welcome to take part in the Data Challenge. Please contact us if you are interested in taking part. However, it is up to your own higher education institution to decide whether credit can be awarded.

Data

As part of the task, you will be provided with a comprehensive dataset which you must work with. Modern data science methods should be employed to generate practical value. This year’s data and task have been provided by our industry partner, the Oldenburg-East Frisian Water Association (OOWV). We are delighted and grateful for the support of our partner.

Prize money

A jury, comprising representatives from industry, will carry out the selection of the three best teams and nominate them for the final event of the Data Challenge 2026. There, the results will be presented and awarded prize money totalling €2,000.

Registration/Timetable

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

• 21 April 2026, 4.00 pm: Information session at the University of Oldenburg (hybrid format for the University of Applied Sciences Emden-Leer) to explain the process, organisation, etc.
• 24 July – 7 August: Competition period, featuring the following events:
  • 24 July 2026: Kick-off event with the detailed task description and distribution of the dataset
  • 7 August 2026: Presentation of the Data Challenge results (conclusion of the university part of the Data Challenge event)
  • August/September 2026: Closing event at the Oldenburg-East Frisian Water Board (OOWV) to mark the conclusion of the competition for the prize money

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

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

Credit points

Students should please refer to the instructions provided by their respective university regarding exam registration.

Exam registration for students at the University of Oldenburg: open until 26 July 2026 via Stud.IP.