EY is on the hunt for the next generation of data science superstars

With the increased demand for talent in data analytics and artificial intelligence, EY announces the launch of a data science competition to help identify and develop the brightest minds in data science from universities across Ireland. EY is calling on STEM students from third-level institutions in subjects such as data science, engineering, maths and physics around Ireland to get involved.

The EY NextWave Data Science Challenge is designed to test the skills of data science students who will use data from Skyhook, one of the pioneers in location technology and intelligence, to solve issues related to the future of mobility and smart cities. Full details of the specific challenge and the data set will be published on April 1 at www.ey.com/datasciencechallenge.

The Irish winner(s) will be awarded a paid internship with EY Ireland­. The Irish winners will also be invited to EY in New York to visit an EY wavespace global growth and innovation centre and to deliver presentations to members of EY leadership, who will name a global winner. The top three global winners will be awarded prizes of up to $8,000.

Commenting on the campaign launch, Eoin O’Reilly, Partner and Data Analytics Leader at EY Ireland said: “The new generation of people entering the workplace is passionate about using their talents to help change the world for the better. At EY, we’re equally passionate about showing students how they can have a career that marries technology with a purpose, and where they can have a positive impact on businesses, governments, communities and people. We are looking for the most innovative and creative aspiring data scientists in Ireland who will join the EY NextWave Data Science Challenge to harness the power of data analytics to drive real-world benefits for people.”

Frank O’Dea, Chief Innovation Officer at EY Ireland, added: “Helping businesses in the digital age means we need to give innovative people the opportunities to apply their vision in using technology to help us discover what’s possible. At EY, we have a team of more than 150 people working across Data Analytics and Emerging Technology, and we’re always on the lookout for the best people in the market as our clients continue to reinvent how they’re using technology within their organisations. As the EY NextWave Data Science Challenge unfolds and we see the ways in which participants approach problem-solving, we look forward to discovering how these data science devotees, who are just beginning their careers, will bring new thinking to solving complex problems.”

Students at universities in 16 countries and regions have been invited to compete, with registration now open. Other participating countries are Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China (mainland), France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malta, Nigeria, Poland, Spain, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and the US.

To learn more, visit www.ey.com/datasciencechallenge