MSCF Hosts 2nd Annual Datathon: Advancing Experiential Learning and Industry Connections

On March 29, 2025, the MSCF program hosted its 2nd Annual MSCF Datathon, bringing together 130 graduate and undergraduate students across our NYC and Pittsburgh campuses for a day of intense competition, hands-on learning, and networking. Designed to mirror the fast-paced challenges of the finance industry, the competition pushed students to apply machine learning, data modeling, and quantitative strategies to real-world financial data problems.

Powered by Code Willing, with Quantbot Technologies, LP. providing institutional-grade financial data and expert mentorship, students had five hours to develop alpha-generating trading models. Teams worked under tight constraints, rapidly building, backtesting, and refining their strategies to maximize performance. The event fostered collaboration and innovative problem-solving, offering participants an invaluable opportunity to translate classroom knowledge into practical, real-world applications.

Beyond the competition, the Datathon also served as a valuable networking opportunity, allowing students to connect with industry professionals and corporate sponsors. Participants engaged with mentors from Quantbot and representatives from leading firms, gaining insights into careers in quantitative finance and expanding their professional networks.

“Events like the MSCF Datathon are a powerful way for us to connect with the next generation of quantitative and engineering talent. It’s an ideal setting to see how students approach real-world trading challenges using the kind of data-driven thinking and technical innovation that’s core to GTS,” said Viktoria Slutskaya, Director of Talent Aquisition at GTS.

“The Datathon continues to be an exceptional opportunity for students to test their skills in a high-pressure, real-world setting while also engaging with industry professionals,” said Robert Simon, Executive Director of the MSCF Program. “These experiences are at the core of our mission—to prepare students for impactful careers in quantitative finance.”

Congratulations to all participants for their dedication, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. We look forward to making next year’s 3rd Annual MSCF Datathon even bigger and better!