Join the SAS Hackathon to gain hands-on AI skills, tackle real-world challenges, and advance your career in data and analytics.
1. Introduction: Why the SAS Hackathon Matters
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide. From finance to healthcare, AI technologies enhance productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and provide actionable insights. Real-world experience is crucial to mastering these technologies. The SAS Hackathon provides participants with an opportunity to develop practical AI and analytics skills that are highly valued in today’s job market.
By participating in this global, month-long event, individuals gain exposure to cutting-edge AI tools and collaborate on projects that address complex business and social problems. Whether you are a student, an IT developer, a business analyst, or an executive, the SAS Hackathon equips you with experience that can significantly advance your career.
2. Understanding the Structure of the SAS Hackathon
The SAS Hackathon is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive. Participants form teams and select challenges that align with their interests and expertise. Each team works collaboratively to analyze data, create models, and present innovative solutions.
Key stages of the Hackathon include:
- Registration by 31 August 2025.
- Selection of a challenge to solve.
- Hands-on development using SAS tools.
- Evaluation by expert judges with winners announced across categories.
3. Who Can Participate in the SAS Hackathon
The Hackathon welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds:
- Data scientists and developers who apply advanced analytics and AI modeling skills.
- Business analysts and consultants who translate data insights into actionable strategies.
- Executives and managers seeking to understand AI applications in decision-making.
- Students gaining practical experience in AI and analytics.
No prior experience with SAS platforms is required, making the event accessible to all skill levels.
4. Access to Advanced AI Tools
Participants in the SAS Hackathon gain access to state-of-the-art tools:
- SAS Viya, a cloud-native, cloud-agnostic AI and analytics platform.
- SAS Viya Workbench, a cloud-based environment for AI model development.
- SAS Data Maker, a secure synthetic data generator for testing AI solutions.
These tools allow participants to experiment with agentic, generative, and traditional AI, applying them to meaningful, real-world challenges.
5. Hands-On Experience That Builds Real Skills
One of the greatest strengths of the SAS Hackathon is its focus on applied learning. Unlike theoretical courses, this event emphasizes practical experience:
- Analyzing large datasets to extract meaningful insights.
- Building AI models that solve real-world problems.
- Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds.
This hands-on approach ensures participants not only understand AI concepts but also develop the confidence to implement them in professional settings.
6. Real-World Applications of AI in the Hackathon
Past SAS Hackathon projects demonstrate a wide range of AI applications:
- Worker safety systems that prevent heat stroke in construction environments.
- AI-driven rehabilitation tools for stroke patients.
- Automated quality inspection systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Streamlined extraction of business rules from complex banking policy documents.
- Machine learning solutions for climate and water management analysis.
These projects show how AI can transform industries, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making.
7. Industry Tracks for Diverse Participants
The Hackathon provides several industry-specific tracks to align participant efforts with real-world challenges:
- Banking
- Energy and Telecom
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Insurance
- Public Sector
- Retail, Consumer Goods, and Manufacturing
- Internet of Things
Participants can join individually or as part of an organization, focusing on sectors most relevant to their skills.
8. New Student Track for Emerging Talent
The SAS Hackathon offers a dedicated student track using Cortex, an analytics simulation game. Students engage with AI challenges in a gamified environment, preparing them for future careers in AI and analytics.
Through solving simulated business problems, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills while gaining hands-on experience.
9. Learning From AI Experts
Participants benefit from guidance and mentorship from experienced AI and analytics professionals, including:
- Insights into cutting-edge AI applications.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders.
- Expert feedback to refine AI models and strategies.
This mentorship helps participants gain both technical expertise and practical understanding of AI in real-world contexts.
10. Building a Career with AI Skills
AI proficiency is a key differentiator in today’s job market. The SAS Hackathon equips participants with skills that enhance employability:
- Mastery of advanced analytics platforms.
- Collaboration experience on complex AI projects.
- Exposure to diverse industry challenges and solutions.
Participation positions individuals as leaders in AI-driven initiatives, opening doors to new career opportunities.
11. Recognition and Impact
All Hackathon entries are evaluated by a panel of AI experts. Winners gain recognition for innovation, creativity, and practical impact. Participation demonstrates the ability to solve meaningful business and societal problems using AI, providing credibility and visibility within the global analytics community.
12. Conclusion: Why You Should Join the SAS Hackathon
The SAS Hackathon is a platform for professional growth, learning, and innovation. Participants acquire practical AI and analytics skills, collaborate on significant challenges, and gain mentorship from industry experts.
For anyone looking to advance their career and gain hands-on AI experience, the SAS Hackathon is an unmissable opportunity. Learn more about this transformative event and register through this link: Learn AI skills through the SAS Hackathon.
