2026 SMT Data Challenge Registration & Information
Registration Closes April 29th, 2026

2026 Topic to be Announced Feb. 26th!

| General Information

The SMT Data Challenge is an advanced data competition where students analyze real-world, baseball tracking data. Projects are open-ended, emphasizing process, relevance, creativity and communication rather than purely quantitative analysis. The Data Challenge has become a top recruiting ground for MLB teams—more than 25% of past participants have been hired by professional teams or sports companies.

IF YOU WANT TO STAND OUT AS A JOB CANDIDATE, THIS IS WHERE TO START!

| Eligibility

The SMT Data Challenge is open to STUDENTS ONLY.
Must be 18 years or older and enrolled for both Spring and Fall 2025 semesters
Students may participate individually or in teams (max: 4 students). There is also an option for individuals looking for team members.

| Project Guidelines & Submissions

PROJECT TOPIC: Announced February 26, 2026

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS | Deadline July 27th

Abstract
Technical Paper in PDF format (max: 2000 words)
Results in CSV format

| Judging

Judges from academia, industry, journalism, and sports will evaluate submissions based on creativity, relevance, methodology, storytelling and communication to technical and non-technical audiences.

| Finalist Showcase

Three finalist teams will be invited to a showcase weekend at SMT headquarters in Durham, NC to present to a panel of judges. (Mid-Late Nov, date TBD)

Optional analysis demo/Q&A sessions:

May 8 – Introduction
May 22 - Analysis
June 5 – Data Visualization
July 3 – Technical Writing

Virtual office hours available: May 6 – July 31

| Key Dates

April 30: Registration Deadline

May 5: Earliest date Data might be available

Aug 1: Submission Deadline

Oct 6: Finalists Announced

Mid-Nov: Finalist Presentations

2026 Data Challenge Registration Form

Team Captain: Full Name

Team Captain: School Name

Team Captain "Student Email (assigned by your academic institution, such as example@duke.edu):

Are you registering for a team?

Yes

No, I'm participating as an individual.

No, but please help me find a team!

How many people are in your team?

Team Member 2: Full Name

Team Member 2: School Name

Team Member 2: Student Email

Team Member 3: Full Name

Team Member 3: School Name

Team Member 3: Student Email

Team Member 4: Full Name

Team Member 4: School Name

Team Member 4: Student Email

REQUIREMENT: Upon completion of this form, registrants will receive an email containing SMT's Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA). In order to participate, you must sign and return the NDA.

REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE COMPLETE UNTIL THE SIGNED NDA IS RECEIVED.

I agree to sign and return SMT's Nondisclosure Agreement, and I will abide by its terms.

REQUIREMENT: All participants must be 18 years of age or older.

I certify that I am 18 years of age or older as well as any other members on my team.

REQUIREMENT: All participants must be enrolled as a student in the Spring and Fall Semesters.

I certify that I am a student enrolled in the 2026 Spring and Fall Semesters, as well as any other members of my team.

2026 SMT Data Challenge Registration & Information Registration Closes April 29th, 2026

2026 Data Challenge Registration Form

2026 SMT Data Challenge Registration & Information
Registration Closes April 29th, 2026