Artificial intelligence (AI) is a reality shaping workplaces worldwide. From generative and agentic AI to quantum computing, these technologies are transforming the way people work and opening new career opportunities. Yet, to benefit fully, individuals need practical AI and data skills. That’s where the SAS Hackathon steps in.
“AI is transformational, but how do you cut through the hype and build relevant, real-world AI skills? Enter the SAS Hackathon,” said Einar Halvorsen, Global Hackathon Producer at SAS. “The hands-on experience and AI contacts you’ll gain will help advance your career, whether you are an established professional or a student just starting out.”
A global, digital challenge
Now in its fifth year, the SAS Hackathon is a month-long, all-digital global competition that runs from 15 September to 10 October 2025. Registration is open until 31 August 2025, giving aspiring participants just days left to sign up.
Open to professionals and students alike, the hackathon brings together data scientists, IT developers, business analysts, executives, consultants, and students to collaborate on pressing business and social challenges.
Hands-on AI experience
Participants won’t just talk about AI; they’ll use it. Approved teams gain access to cutting-edge tools, including:
- SAS® Viya® – a cloud-native, cloud-agnostic data and AI platform.
- SAS Viya Workbench – a developer environment for building AI models.
- SAS Data Maker – a secure synthetic data generator.
By applying these technologies, teams learn to solve real-world problems while sharpening skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market.
AI in action: previous successes
Past editions of the SAS Hackathon have demonstrated the impact of AI across industries:
- Preventing heat stroke among construction workers with AI-enabled safety systems.
- Improving pharmaceutical quality control using computer vision.
- Helping banks save time and money by automating policy audits.
- Supporting better patient rehabilitation with AI-driven health care solutions.
These examples highlight how innovative thinking and data-driven problem solving can make industries safer, smarter, and more efficient.
Tracks for every industry
This year, teams can choose challenges in categories such as banking, health care, life sciences, public sector, insurance, retail, manufacturing, energy, telecom, and IoT.
New for 2025 is a Student Individual track, where participants use Cortex, an analytics simulation game developed by SAS and HEC Montréal, to tackle fundraising challenges. This makes the event even more accessible for students eager to showcase their skills.
Why it matters
AI is reshaping industries across South Africa and the world. Competitions like the SAS Hackathon don’t just build skills; they foster innovation, create global networks, and prepare people for jobs of the future.
As Halvorsen explained, “The SAS Hackathon is about more than competition. It’s about collaboration, creativity, and using AI to solve meaningful challenges.”
With registration closing on 31 August 2025, time is running out to join one of the most exciting AI skill-building opportunities of the year.
