Like data? Like transit? Like being creative?

Participate in UChicago Transit Enthusiast’s annual datathon competition! You and a team of up to 3 other friends are encouraged to compete and build web apps, data analysis projects, algorithms or any other tech-centered solution about any form of transportation in Chicago: Metra, Pace, CTA, and even micro transit services like university shuttle services or Divvy.

Academics from the University and professionals in the transportation industry will be available to answer any questions and give you some starting ideas. At the end of the evening, you will present to our panel of judges to compete for prizes!

Thank you to our sponsors! UChicago Data Science Institute, Harris Computational Analysis and Public Policy program

Requirements

What to Build

You and your team should create a data-driven project that addresses a problem or opportunity related to public transportation, with a focus on transit in Chicago (or comparable systems).

Your project can take the form of:

  • Data visualizations – Maps, dashboards, or animated visual storytelling using transit data

  • Predictive models – Forecast delays, ridership, or accidents using statistical or machine learning models

  • Web tools or apps – Prototypes that improve wayfinding, rider experience, or access to transit

  • Original data analysis – Deep-dive reports or exploratory analysis revealing key trends or systemic gaps

What to Submit

Teams should submit a public GitHub repository link containing their code, a README file explaining the project, a pdf version of your presentation slides (if used), and any supplementary materials.​

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

3 non-cash prizes
1st Place
1 winner

Transit Tees Gift Set: Take your pick of their best selling transit and Chicago themed board games, puzzles and card games. Perfect for refreshing your game night.

2nd Place
1 winner

Chicago "El" Poster - A poster with a stylization the Chicago El System.

Honorable Mention
2 winners

No prize for Honorable Mention.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Borja Sotomayor

Borja Sotomayor
Senior Instructional Professor Department of Computer Science University of Chicago

Meghan Hutch

Meghan Hutch
Preceptor, Data Science Institute

Austin Steinhart

Austin Steinhart
Research Engineer with the Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation

Judging Criteria

  • Real-World Impact & Relevance
    Does it address a concrete pain-point for Chicago transit riders or operators? Have they identified clear stakeholders (commuters, CTA, city planners)? Evidence of research into existing services/data.
  • Technical Implementation
    Is the prototype functional and robust (no obvious bugs/crashes)? Quality of code (readability, modularity, API usage). Complexity matched to their claim—did they “hack” something non-trivial?
  • Innovation & Creativity
    How novel is the idea compared to existing tools (Ventra app, CTA bus tracker, etc.)? Did they combine datasets or tech (ML, real-time open data, IoT) in a new way?
  • Data Usage & Analysis
    Effective use of Chicago-specific datasets (CTA ridership, Divvy, Metra). Depth of analysis (visualizations, insights).
  • User Experience & Design
    Is the interface intuitive and well-designed? Accessibility (mobile-friendly, color-blind-safe, simple flows). Clear onboarding/demo for non-technical judges.
  • Presentation & Story Telling
    Clarity of pitch: problem statement → demo → impact. Ability to answer judges’ questions on the fly. Good time management and slide/visual quality.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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