ABOUT DATASPRINT
WHERE AND WHEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE?
September 29-30, 2026, Klub Studio, Witolda Budryka 4, Kraków, Poland
IS THE EVENT ONLINE OR IN-PERSON?
The event is fully in-person - see you in Kraków!
WHAT IF I’VE NEVER PARTICIPATED IN A HACKATHON BEFORE?
That’s perfectly fine! Datasprint is a great opportunity to try your first hackathon. No prior experience is required.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
We provide a workspace with a desk, chair, power supply, and internet access (Wi-Fi and LAN).
You should bring:
- your computer (laptop or PC),
- RJ45 adapter (if needed),
- any accessories you find useful (mouse, keyboard, headphones, monitor),
- extension cord (if you plan to use multiple devices).
You are responsible for your equipment - please keep it safe at all times.
WILL THERE BE INTERNET AND POWER ACCESS?
Yes - both Wi-Fi and wired internet, as well as power access, will be available on-site.
REGISTRATION
HOW CAN I REGISTER?
Each invited participant will receive a dedicated registration link along with instructions. More details coming soon.
If you have any questions, contact us at - contact@visadatasprint.com
DO I REGISTER INDIVIDUALLY OR AS A TEAM?
Each participant must register individually.
I’VE REGISTERED - WHAT’S NEXT?
You will receive a confirmation email along with your ticket. Please make sure to bring it with you to the event.
FOOD
WILL FOOD BE PROVIDED?
Yes! We provide 4 meals, including meat and vegetarian options - and (of course!) pizza.
ACCOMMODATION
IS THERE A SLEEPING AREA?
Yes - there will be a designated rest area where you can relax and recharge.
We provide mattresses and blankets, but for hygiene reasons we recommend bringing your own pillow and sleeping bag if needed.
TEAMS
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE IN A TEAM?
Teams can consist of 1 to 4 members.
Additionally, each team will receive support from a Visa representative, who will assist with data work, as well as a representative from the university.
CAN I BE PART OF MORE THAN ONE TEAM?
No, each participant can only join one team.
COMMUNICATION - DISCORD
WHERE DOES THE MAIN COMMUNICATION HAPPEN?
The main communication channel during the hackathon is Discord (link here). This is where you’ll find all key updates, announcements, and event information.
WHAT CAN I FIND ON DISCORD?
On Discord you will find:
- official announcements from organizers,
- task-specific channels,
- communication with mentors and participants,
- real-time updates during the event.
WHERE CAN I ASK QUESTIONS?
There will be a dedicated “Ask the Organizer” channel on Discord where you can ask any questions. Organizers will be actively responding throughout the event.
IS DISCORD MANDATORY?
Yes - being active on Discord is essential to stay informed and communicate effectively during the hackathon.
TASKS
HOW WILL PROJECTS BE EVALUATED?
Each challenge has its own evaluation criteria and scoring weights. Details will not be included in the general rules - they will be published in the task description on the day of the event at 11:00 AM.
CAN MY TEAM WORK ON MORE THAN ONE TASK?
No, each team works on one selected challenge.
WHAT IF I’M NOT HAPPY WITH MY PROJECT - DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT IT?
No, submission is not mandatory.However, we encourage you to submit your work - judges might see potential you don’t!
WHO OWNS THE PROJECT?
All rights remain with the participants. Visa does not take ownership - the event is educational in nature.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY PROJECT?
Detailed submission instructions will be provided together with the task release. Make sure you have a Discord account ready.
WHAT IF I MISS THE DEADLINE?
A deadline is a deadline - it cannot be extended. Make sure to submit your project a few minutes early to avoid missing it.
DO I NEED TO PRESENT MY PROJECT?
Yes - each team’s project must be presented by the team leader.
CAN I PREPARE ANYTHING BEFORE THE HACKATHON?
Task details will be revealed at the start of coding - September 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
You may use previously prepared materials or external resources, but they must be clearly disclosed in your presentation or code.
WE FINISHED OUR PROJECT - WHAT’S NEXT?
You will receive further instructions before the submission phase ends.
AI, FRAMEWORKS & EXTERNAL RESOURCES
CAN I USE AI, FRAMEWORKS AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES?
Yes - as long as they are:
- legal,
- compliant with licenses,
- possible to implement and transfer,
- free from third-party rights violations.
If the legal status of a tool, dataset, or generated content is unclear - do not use it.
DO I NEED TO DISCLOSE THE USE OF AI?
Yes, it is mandatory.
You must clearly indicate:
- which parts were created using AI,
- which tools, frameworks, and libraries were used,
- which materials come from external sources.
This is required for both evaluation and ownership clarity.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED?
- hiding the use of AI or external resources,
- presenting generated content as fully original,
- using materials that violate third-party rights.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE?
The team is fully responsible.
You must ensure that:
- all tools comply with challenge rules,
- the project can be legally implemented and transferred,
- all materials are properly credited and described.
MENTORS
WHO IS A MENTOR?
A mentor is an expert who supports participants by sharing knowledge and experience during the hackathon.
WHAT DO MENTORS DO?
Mentors help with both technical and business-related questions, support idea development, and guide teams when they get stuck.
They also help teams gain a broader perspective and refine their solutions.
HOW CAN I BECOME A MENTOR?
Simply fill out the application form, describe your expertise, and tell us how you can support participants.
WHERE CAN I FIND MENTORS?
Mentors will be available on-site in a dedicated mentor zone.
You can also reach them via Discord - in task channels or through direct messages.
Mentors are marked with “MENTOR |” and a special role.

