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LMI Announces Student Winners of 2nd Annual Data Entrepreneurship Challenge
The University of Virginia School of Data Science and LMI recently concluded the 2nd Annual LMI-UVA Data Entrepreneurship Challenge, an initiative that brings together data-driven creativity and a commitment to social impact. With this year’s theme, "Toward Shaping Tomorrow: Innovate for Good, Empower with Data," student teams were tasked with designing technical solutions that address real-world social challenges using data science tools and principles.
This year’s winning team, DEV Squad — comprised of undergraduate students Dorothy Philips, Eshaan Jassal, and Varun Saxena — took first place with an innovative application addressing the growing threat of urban heat islands. Their platform equips urban planners, architects, and sustainability professionals with data-driven strategies to reduce heat impacts in cities, aiming to improve public health, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
The second-place team, Data Doctors, all first-year undergraduates — Ryan Colavita, Matthew Benson, Will Apostolides, and Harper Talbot — developed "AI for Health Equity: Bridging Resources and Communities." Their AI-powered tool analyzes COVID-19 trends alongside demographic data to inform more equitable public health responses. The solution emphasizes ethical AI and human-centered design, demonstrating the team's thoughtful approach to equity and accessibility.
Participants were not only awarded cash prizes but also received valuable mentoring sessions with challenge judges, including Phil Bourne, founding dean of the UVA School of Data Science, and Rob Liander, chief technology officer of 22C. Additional judges included Christen Smith, president of of LMI service lines and solutions, and assistant professor of data science Farhana Faruqe.
“Seeing students early in their data science careers grapple with complex data for the benefit of society is heartwarming," remarked Dean Bourne. "Congratulations to LMI for making it possible, and we hope to continue the annual tradition.”
The Data Entrepreneurship Challenge is grounded in the belief that data science can — and should — be a force for positive change. Participants are encouraged to consider how technical innovation intersects with public policy, socioeconomic conditions, and systemic inequities. Solutions are aimed at end users such as nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private-sector groups working across sectors including health, housing, education, sustainability, accessibility, and more.
LMI is a founding industry partner of the School of Data Science and has sponsored research capstone projects with data science master's students as well as hosted industry panels on applied data science on government issues.
"At LMI, leveraging applied data science to support government missions has revealed a world of opportunities and pathways for making a real difference," said Brant Horio, vice president of applied research and partnerships at LMI.
As the need for responsible and impactful data solutions grows, the LMI-UVA Data Entrepreneurship Challenge continues to empower the next generation of data scientists to innovate with purpose. Plans are already underway for the third annual competition with expanded opportunities for student engagement.
