Oakland University has made waves by winning the SAS Hackathon 2025, one of the biggest competitions in analytics and AI. This marks the third year in a row that a team from the university has achieved this honor.
The SAS Hackathon gathers participants from around the globe to tackle real-world problems using analytics and AI. This year, over 2,058 people from 66 countries joined in, supported by 134 mentors from SAS.
In a live awards ceremony on December 11, the Oakland team took home two prestigious awards: the SAS Viya Workbench Technology Award and the Sustainability Award. Judges praised their strong business case, technical skill, and innovative SAS technology applications.
The student team featured Aswini Sivakumar, a master’s graduate and current PhD student, and Alex Ordonez, who is finishing his master’s degree this semester. Their project, developed alongside the Dutch consulting firm Finext, aimed to improve energy transmission in electrical grids. They used advanced AI techniques to address issues like phase identification and load balancing.
The results were impressive. Their approach reduced voltage imbalances by 40% and current imbalances by 70%. These enhancements are critical for making electrical systems more reliable and efficient. As expert Dr. Vijayan Sugumaran noted, this experience blends classroom learning with real-world challenges, preparing students for leadership roles in analytics.
This success is not just a win; it’s a testament to Oakland’s strong collaboration with SAS. The university’s Institute for Data Science hosts annual events where students gain insights from SAS professionals. The MSBA program also integrates SAS tools into its curriculum, giving students hands-on experience.
The team has been invited to the SAS Innovate 2026 conference in Texas, where they could compete for the overall Grand Champion title. Their journey reflects not only individual achievement but also the supportive community built between Oakland University and SAS over the years. Mario Sacco, a SAS mentor, highlighted the dedication and teamwork that led to this victory, showcasing the commitment to education and innovation at Oakland University.
The ongoing successes at the SAS Hackathon illustrate the university’s focus on applied analytics and global collaboration, ensuring students are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges with data-driven solutions.
