Our Origin
Several years ago, during our postgraduate studies in the United States, a group of us took part in a competition called Datafest ASA, organised by universities such as UCLA, Duke, and Princeton, alongside the American Statistical Association (ASA). It was a datathon — a competition in which companies provided business data for participants to uncover valuable insights. While competitors gained real-world experience and enriched their CVs, companies received fresh ideas and discovered potential future collaborators.
The event fostered outstanding networking — three intense, in-person days filled with food and challenges we’ll never forget. Inspired by this, we decided to bring the initiative to Spain, connecting local talent with companies and institutions in a single event.
Our first major datatón (our Spanish twist on the term datathon) took place in April 2023, in collaboration with the University of Navarra and global IKEA at their offices in San Sebastián de los Reyes, with 120 participants.
This event was organised on a not-for-profit basis, and we have since relaunched the initiative, working with universities, companies, and institutions to organise more datatones.
Meet the team
Matías
A data scientist with extensive experience in machine learning applied across various sectors, he is a regular speaker at AI conferences in Europe and South America. He coordinates and teaches on the Master’s in Big Data at the University of Navarra, holds a degree in Economics, a Master’s in Data Analytics from North Carolina State University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Mathematical Engineering at UC3M, while leading international data science projects at IKEA. He previously worked at BBVA AI Factory, among other places.
Edu
Eduardo is an electronic engineer and data scientist with a Master’s in Robotics and Automation from the Technical University of Madrid and another in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Navarra. He has taken part in various AI implementation projects across both the service sector and industry. He currently works full-time as a systems engineer at AG Solutions, where he has specialised in industrial consultancy.
Evelio
Evelio is an expert in data-driven solutions, currently leading the data division at Talent Hackers. Previously, he worked at CARTO as a data engineer, designing innovative geospatial solutions, and at Globaleris, where he developed analytical tools and predictive models. An industrial engineer from the Technical University of Madrid, he holds a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Navarra, with a focus on Big Data. He stands out for his ability to integrate advanced technologies into strategic analytics projects.
Javier
Javier is a lawyer specialised in Public Law and Regulated Sectors. He has experience at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and holds a degree in Economic and Business Law from the University of Navarra.
He currently works in the Human Resources department at P&G (Procter & Gamble), where he contributes his legal and strategic expertise to talent management and regulatory compliance.
Guillermo
Guille is a specialist in communication, reputation, and marketing, with recent experience in strategic management. He currently leads growth at Agforest, and advises Inka Marketing and DataFest Spain. Previously, he coordinated marketing at Boston Consulting Group, and managed reputation at Newlink, where he co-founded the institutional relations area and worked with high-profile clients on communication, crisis management, and positioning.
MISSION
At DataFest Spain, our mission is to promote development in the field of artificial intelligence and data analysis by strengthening its community — including students, professionals, institutions, and companies — and by championing freedom of thought, learning, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Through activities (such as talks, networking events, and datatones) and projects (whether entrepreneurial or research-based), we foster an ecosystem where individual talent and voluntary collaboration come together to create solutions with real impact on society.
VISION
We aspire to become a national and global benchmark in the field of artificial intelligence and data, building an environment where meritocracy, decentralised knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit drive growth. We believe in the power of data to empower individuals and organisations, optimise decision-making, and unlock new economic and professional opportunities, while fostering a community that values innovation, camaraderie, and voluntary collaboration.
VALUES
• Collaboration and Voluntary Partnership – We connect individuals, companies, universities and institutions to build a growth-oriented ecosystem. We believe in collaboration based on the voluntary and free cooperation of natural and legal persons, guided by mutual incentives and value-driven relationships.
• Recognition of Merit – We value effort, talent and excellence as key drivers of progress. We understand meritocracy as the social recognition of the value contributed.
• Entrepreneurship and Spontaneous Innovation – We foster creativity and individual initiative as engines of technological and business advancement. We uphold individual autonomy as essential for personal development, always with respect for others’ life projects.
• Impact-Oriented – We promote knowledge and use of data and AI through a variety of initiatives: building synergies between businesses and universities, connecting talent with companies, developing projects, supporting open technology initiatives, and encouraging the understanding of emerging technologies.