Launching Data Science & Machine Learning Prize Competitions

We helped create and execute two prize challenges for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) for crowdsourcing unique data science solutions to modern-day geospatial analysis problems. We led the integration of the Topcoder platform where the challenges were hosted. Alongside Topcoder, we helped in defining challenge components within the challenge platform, such as wireframes and storyboards for front-end design, code and module assembly challenges for development, and “marathon” leaderboard driven challenges for data science. We also led all communications and outreach efforts, including social media, webinar hosting, and earned media coordination.

Problem statements were established with feedback from NGA and likely solvers. Additionally, we supported problem statement refinement throughout the sprint cycle with project stakeholders, resulting in salient and compelling problem statements that can be solved by the crowd. 

We developed a comprehensive communication plan detailing the purpose and subject of the competition including a Social Media outreach strategy, webinar, and “influencer kits” for engaging data science thought leaders to promote the competitions on behalf of the NGA.