Frequently Asked Questions

Datathon’s, are events where teams of data scientists, computer programmers, graphic and interface designers and project managers try to creatively tackle data problems and prototype data analytics products. 

Datathon are typically designed for educational or social purposes, with the goal of developing functional data analytics solutions or products. Datathon tend to have a specific focus, which can include specific data sources, methodologies, technologies and applications. However, there is typically no restriction on the type of data analytics product that can be developed. A Datathon is a powerful way to stimulate innovation, promote data literacy, and foster collaboration among diverse groups. By following this proposal, we aim to create an impactful and memorable event that benefits all participants and contributes to solving real-world problems.

National statistical systems are undergoing transformation to become more agile, integrated, and responsive to the growing demand for timely, disaggregated, and actionable data. As part of the National Research Agenda of the National Statistical Capacity Development and Research Center, Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) is embracing new technologies such as GIS, big data, real time analytics, and data visualization tools.

This Datathon aims to strengthening transport statistics through innovative ways by challenging participants to explore innovative solutions for improving the quality, accessibility, and utility of transport data.

Efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transport systems rely on accurate, timely, and accessible data. In the Greater Malé area transport related data is often fragmented, siloed, or outdated, limiting the ability of planners and decision makers to respond effectively to congestion, emissions, and infrastructure needs.

The rise of new technologies, including Earth Observation data, machine learning, crowdsourced platforms, offers a unique opportunity to revolutionize how transport data is generated, integrated, and applied.

The key objective of the Maldives Datathon is to develop and showcase data-driven, tech-enabled solutions that strengthen transport data systems through innovative methods, enhancing transport planning, monitoring, and sustainability. 

Also, this event focuses; 

• To promote the use of Official statistics in creating new ideas among the youth and new initiatives to support policy decisions
• To move towards smart cities, sustainable transport, and climate resilience through timely data
• To promote the integration of GIS into national statistical systems.
• To promote and accelerate ‘big data for statistics’ initiatives in Maldives
• To foster collaboration between statisticians, geospatial experts, and technologists.
• To promote partnerships with research and technical community, by raising awareness on Official Statistics.

This datathon aims to explore innovative, data-driven solutions to improve the collection, integration, analysis, and application of transport data, particularly in the Greater Malé Area. 

Participants will work with global Earth observation data, open-source tools, and creative methodologies to strengthen the transport data ecosystem. The scope includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

• Leverage Earth Observation and satellite data to map and monitor transport infrastructure and activity.
• Utilize machine learning, AI, and computer vision to extract meaningful patterns from imagery and transport datasets.
• Study movement patterns across road, marine, and pedestrian transport systems.
• Track inter-island transport flows and analyze connectivity challenges.
• Integrate participatory mapping or mobile-based data collection tools to improve data richness.
• Use OpenStreetMap and other open data platforms to fill data gaps.
• Develop dashboards, interactive maps, or data portals to help policymakers visualize transport dynamics.
• Create accessible tools to support planning, investment, and emergency response.
• Model traffic flows, marine transport patterns to forecast demand or congestion.
• Suggest enhanced transport routes or interventions using historical and real-time data.
• Propose strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of urban mobility using data insights.
• Promoting innovation, creativity, and the use of open data in the statistical community.

 The datathon encourages solutions that address real-world transport data challenges, applicable beyond the immediate study area, use modern tools, platforms, and approaches and support decision-making for better, greener mobility.

The datathon will include a preparatory phase with webinars and workshops, followed by an in-person hacking event in Malé. This hands-on phase will prioritize team collaboration, direct mentoring, and cross-team knowledge sharing, leading to the presentation of creative and practical solutions. Ultimately, the Maldives Datathon 2026 will emphasize practical, scalable, and user-focused solutions that can inform real world policy, planning, and decision making

Teams: 3 to 5 participants per team

• Participation in the hackathon: 
  • Open track: Open to participants of all ages, including professionals, researchers, and data enthusiasts. Teams can consist of participants from diverse backgrounds. 
  • Virtual Participation: Teams not residing in Malé or participants who prefer remote involvement are welcome to join the datathon virtually. Each team is responsible for ensuring a stable and reliable internet connection throughout the event to adhere to the datathon rules.
• Duration:10 hours 
• Launched On: 20 Oct 2025
• Registration link: https://localhost:8000/form
• Deadline for registration: 25th March 2026
• Competition day: 5th April 2026
• Duration: 10 hours over–  (9 am – 8 pm)

• Participation in the hackathon: 
  • The hackathon will be open to all across Maldives. Groups can be formed within schools/colleges/universities or individuals.
  • Teams residing in Malé will require to join the datathon physically. Those residing in other locations of Maldives can participate virtually. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure they have a reliable internet connection and to be available according to the datathon rules.
• Challenge:

Teams from across the Maldives compete for the best solution to integrate spatial and statistical data that enable interactive exploration that support evidence-based planning, monitoring, or resource allocation.

Teams will be challenged to Design and prototype an interactive, GIS-powered statistical dashboard that visualizes development indicators across geographic regions to support data-driven decision-making.

• Data Sources: 
  • For the purposes of the 2026 Datathon, MBS will provide the participants the Census 2022/HIES 2019 dataset 
  • Recommended format: CSV, Excel, JSON
  • Also, participants can use related fields data sets or available big data options, like google earth, satellite, social media data, web scraping tools etc
• Submission:Teams will submit [e.g., reports, presentations, code repositories] by the end of the event.

• Teams must consist of [insert number, e.g., 3-5 members].
• All participants must register for the event by before the deadline
• Registration will be open for groups. The teams can change the team members 24hrs before the datathon starts

• Teams can be formed from students, professionals, or a mix of both who are 15 years and above. This datathon is available for Maldivians and Foreigners (residing in the Maldives). Literacy in English language is required.
• Teams may include members joining virtually from different locations.
• It is recommended to have participants from both genders in each group

• Teams can choose to participate either in-person or virtually.
• Virtual participants must ensure they have a stable internet connection for seamless participation.

All projects must address the theme of the datathon: " Mapping mobility through Data: Innovating Transport Insights for a Connected Maldives”

• Teams should present innovative solutions that utilize data effectively to fill identified gaps.

• Teams may use publicly available datasets or gather new data, but all sources must be properly credited.
• Private data sources or any sources that are not publicly available, including those with intellectual property restrictions, are strictly prohibited.

• All teams must provide their own equipment, tools, and licenses necessary for participation. 

• All submissions will be subjected to code checks and technical checks to ensure compliance with the rules and standards set by the organizers.
• Teams must ensure that their code is well-documented and easy to understand.

• Each team will have a designated time to present their project (e.g., 7 minutes for presentation followed by 5 minutes for Q&A).
• Teams should prepare a clear and concise presentation/demo to showcase their findings and solutions.

• Projects will be evaluated based on relevance, data utilization, innovation, technical execution, clarity, impact, and teamwork.

• Teams must remain accessible via designated communication channels throughout the datathon.
• In-person teams should be present at the venue during the entire duration of the event.(Follow the schedule for availability)

• All participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and professionally.
• Any form of harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.

• All final submissions must be uploaded to the designated platform by the specified deadline.
• Teams must submit any code, documentation, and presentation materials as part of their final submission.

• Teams may be disqualified for failing to adhere to the rules, engaging in dishonest practices, or not being present during their scheduled final pitch presentation.