Overview
The IFCS 2026 Data Challenge invites teams of students and early-career researchers to work intensively on a real-world data problem within a one-day, time-constrained setting. More than a technical exercise, the challenge is designed to test participants’ analytical thinking, statistical expertise and business intuition under time pressure.
Teams will work with a large-scale dataset containing financial information from nearly 20,000 Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By applying statistical and machine learning techniques, participants will identify patterns and extract data-driven insights to better understand the Italian economic landscape.
Held on the opening day of IFCS 2026, the challenge offers a unique opportunity to engage with the international classification and data science community, showcase your skills before a panel of expert judges, and connect with leading academics and industry professionals.
What you will do
Participants will analyze a real-world dataset provided by PwC to uncover insights into the Italian economy using statistical and machine learning methods. Each team will present its findings and recommendations in a 5-minute pitch to a panel of expert judges.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Monday, 13 July 2026 |
| Venue | Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca |
| Registration | Free of charge |
| Teams | 2–4 members per team |
Programme
| Time | Activity |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Opening session and presentation of the challenge |
| 09:30 – 15:30 | Challenge work session (lunch and coffee break included) |
| 15:30 – 17:30 | Team presentations (5 minutes per team) |
| 17:30 – 18:00 | Jury deliberation and evaluation |
| 18:30 | Award ceremony and closing |
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of academics and industry experts based on:
- Statistical modeling: rigour and appropriateness of methods
- Interpretation: quality and relevance of insights
- Communication: clarity, structure, and effectiveness of presentation
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. More details will be announced soon
Eligibility
- Teams of 2 to 4 MSc or PhD students (individual participation is not allowed)
- All team members must be under 30 years of age at the time of the event
- Background in statistics, data science, or machine learning is recommended
- Participation is free of charge; conference registration is not required
- Maximum of 20 teams. Early registration is recommended!
Practical Information
- Participants must bring their own laptops
- No specific software is required
- Internet access will be available (subject to confirmation)
- The challenge and presentations will be conducted in English
Registration
Registration is now open! Secure your place as participation is limited to 20 teams. Registrations will close approximately two weeks before the event or once all places have been filled.
Collaborators and Sponsors
The challenge is supported by Fondazione Cariplo and features a real-world dataset provided by PwC.
With the patronage of:
