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Unlocking Potential: The SAS Curiosity Cup 2025

The SAS Curiosity Cup has become a powerful platform for students around the globe to demonstrate their ingenuity in data science and artificial intelligence. This year's competition saw an impressive turnout, with 112 teams comprising 360 students and 25 industry mentors from 29 countries. The participants tackled pressing questions using machine learning, such as predicting breast cancer and combating social isolation among the elderly.

At the heart of this year's event was the newly launched SAS Viya Workbench for Learners. This innovative platform allowed students to access a free, on-demand computing environment designed for developing programming skills, building AI models, and conducting data-driven projects across various programming languages.

According to Jürgen Kaselowsky, Director of Global Academic Programs at SAS, "The opportunity to use data and AI to address real-world challenges is at its peak, as evidenced by the record number of participants and their diverse backgrounds." The introduction of the SAS Viya Workbench significantly enriched the learning experience, enabling teams to seamlessly shuffle between SAS applications and open source tools to enhance their projects.

Participants were tasked with selecting publicly available datasets, generating their own analytical questions, and then crafting two five-page reports along with a video presentation outlining their findings. Evaluators comprised industry experts who assessed submissions in three categories: data preparation, analysis, and presentation.

Remarkable Performances

The competition highlighted several innovative solutions:

• - Data Aces, from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, won for Data Preparation with their project focusing on predictive modeling aimed at early detection of Alzheimer's Disease.
• - Machine Learning Dynamite, hailing from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, took the crown for Data Analysis by developing a tool for breast cancer detection.
• - DataMind, affiliated with the University of Padua in Italy, excelled in Data Presentation through their analysis of social media usage among older adults in Italy, drawing on a weighted examination of Facebook survey data.

"Participating in the Curiosity Cup was not just about competition; it enriched our skills both personally and professionally," the DataMind team shared. They emphasized the enhanced team collaboration, time management, and the importance of seeking experienced mentors for guidance—valued lessons for their future careers.

The achievements observed during the SAS Curiosity Cup are a testament to the growing significance of data science and AI in addressing critical societal issues. As students harness tools and frameworks like the SAS Viya Workbench, they are not only learning technical skills but are also becoming important contributors to their communities.

Looking forward, the 2026 competition promises even greater engagement and challenges, inviting more students to explore the fascinating world of data science. The SAS Academic Programs aim to cultivate curiosity and innovation among future data scientists, emphasizing the importance of harnessing knowledge for societal advancement.

About SAS

SAS is recognized globally as a leader in data analytics and AI solutions. Its software and industry-specific applications empower organizations to derive insightful decisions through data. With a commitment to transforming raw data into actionable insights, SAS stands firm in its mission to provide individuals and organizations with the power to know.

For more information about SAS's Academic Programs and to learn more about the 2026 SAS Curiosity Cup, visit their website.