The US Federal Aviation Administration has announced the “2024 FAA Data Challenge”, which is being implemented by HeroX. The goal of the challenge is to invite university students to explore the ‘Art of the Possible’ in an information-centric National Airspace System.

“This Challenge is centred around using data more effectively to support the FAA’s mission of driving innovation through improved access to data,” says Marseta Dill, acting Chief Data Officer. “We want to reach those who will become the transportation leaders of tomorrow and invite them to participate.”

By harnessing the power of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics, participants are asked to tackle pressing challenges within aviation safety, operational efficiency, sustainable aviation, and the exploration of novel NAS applications. This opportunity will open the door for the next generation of data scientists, engineers, and other disciplines to contribute meaningful solutions that could shape the future of aviation. Diverse skills are needed to realise the value of AI use cases.

A $100,000 prize fund will be split across two challenge phases. In the initial phase, up to ten finalists will be awarded $1,000 each in addition to an $8,000 stipend to cover travel expenses as competitors attend a Phase 2 live event, where they may showcase their solutions to FAA officials and the broader aviation community. In Phase 2, the competition intensifies with a total prize purse of $90,000 that will be divided among the ten finalists according to how well they perform in Phase 2.

The prize is open to all students aged 18 or older participating as an individual or as a team. Individual competitors and teams must be US citizens, and currently enrolled in an American university.
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter