The LMU Datathon is a premier, hands-on competition that brings together undergraduate and graduate students to tackle real-world business and data challenges. Hosted by the Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics (ISBA) and the ISBA Society within Loyola Marymount University’s College of Business Administration, the event showcases innovation, analytical thinking, and collaboration.
Participants apply classroom knowledge to real-world datasets, transform data into actionable insights, and present their solutions to a panel of industry professionals.
Join us at the 2026 LMU Datathon!
Saturday, March 14
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hilton Center for Business
Loyola Marymount University
No cost to participate!
Why Participate
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Hands-On Experience: Work with real datasets using tools like Excel, Tableau, Python, R, SQL, and machine learning frameworks.
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Professional Development: Build your portfolio, network with industry professionals, and receive mentorship from faculty and industry professionals.
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Teamwork & Creativity: Collaborate with peers to develop innovative solutions.
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Recognition & Awards: Top teams receive cash prizes, certificates, and potential internship and job opportunities.
Who Can Participate
The LMU Datathon welcomes:
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All students: Undergraduate and graduate students across all majors.
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Team-oriented participants: Teams of 3–4 members encouraged; ideal team size is 4.
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All skill levels: From beginners eager to learn to experienced data students.
Datathon Structure
Kickoff & Problem Reveal
Details will be provided to students upon registration. Datasets will be released on March 13, one day prior to the LMU Datathon, with problem statements shared on the day of the event.
Data Exploration & Analysis
Teams dive into:
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Data cleaning and preprocessing
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Exploratory analysis
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Predictive modeling and visualization
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Crafting solutions that meet challenge objectives
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Presentations to present their solutions
Mentorship is available throughout the competition to support technical approaches and problem-solving strategies.
Submission & Presentations
Teams submit their findings along with supporting dashboards, code, or reports. Each team presents its results to a panel of judges, demonstrating methodology, results, and business impact.
Awards & Recognition
Judges assess submissions for creativity, technical rigor, and clarity. Winning teams are celebrated at the closing ceremony and gain recognition across the LMU community and beyond.
About the LMU Datathon
The Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics (ISBA) and the ISBA Society launched the inaugural LMU Datathon in 2023. In its first year, the competition featured separate undergraduate and graduate tracks and was limited to students within the College of Business Administration (CBA). Forty students participated, with cash prizes awarded to the winning teams.
The LMU Datathon is the brainchild of CBA alumnus and ISBA/MSBA Advisory Council member Ryan Komagome ’03, MBA ’04. Ryan also provided foundational financial support and has continued his investment as the event has grown—nearly doubling in participation each year—while also creating internship opportunities for participating students.
In its second year, the LMU Datathon expanded to include students from across LMU. By 2025, registration opened to students throughout Southern California, drawing more than 130 competitors and awarding $10,400 in prizes across undergraduate and graduate divisions. That year, Rob Crandall, MBA ’03, partner and founder of Resolution Economics, joined as a sponsor and mentor. His involvement led to multiple internship offers at Resolution Economics, several of which ultimately became full-time positions.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a student, mentor, or sponsor, the LMU Datathon is an exciting way to engage with the LMU data community.
To learn more, contact:
Ana Mangal, Ph.D
Clinical Associate Professor of Information Systems and Business Analytics
isba.outreach@lmu.edu