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Rules

LAST EDIT September 22^nd 2026

Table of Content

TERM
AGREEING TO THE RULES
REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CHALLENGE
ELIGIBILITY
PURPOSE OF THE CHALLENGE AND PARTICIPATION
DELIVERABLES
CHALLENGE PROCESS
PRIZES
COMMUNICATION
CONFIDENTIALITY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
MODIFICATION OF RULES, SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATION OF THE CHALLENGE
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
THE PARTICIPATION POLICY
CLAIMS
APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTES RESOLUTION

Sport Innovation Challenge for Sport Organisations - Data-hack Challenge 2026

(the “Challenge”)

CHALLENGE RULES

(the “Rules”)

This Challenge is powered by ThinkSport in partnership with the Spengler Cup Davos (the “Sponsor”).

The aim of these Rules is to set out the terms and conditions governing your participation in the Challenge. By participating in this Challenge, you fully and unconditionally agree to comply with these Rules. If you do not agree with any of these Rules, do not register for this Challenge and do not submit an entry.

1. TERM

This Challenge begins on 30 November 2026 at 12:30 PM CEST and ends on 7 December 2026 at 22:00 CET. The Challenge will be accessible 24 hours a day on the dedicated Challenge platform operated by Agorize at https://innovation-thinksport.agorize.com/en/challenges/sic-datahack-challenge-2026 (“the Challenge website”), subject to possible IT maintenance operations. Dates and times in these Rules refer to Geneva time (UTC+1 / CET).

2. AGREEING TO THE RULES

Any eligible person who is registered on the Challenge platform and enrols to participate in the Challenge (“Participant” or “You”), is required to review and accept these Rules. By accessing and accepting these Rules, You:

enter into a valid and enforceable contractual relationship with the Sponsor regarding participation in the Challenge. The registration and enrolment in the Challenge does not set up any subordination relationship between the Sponsor and the Participant, and
fully and unconditionally agree to comply with these Rules. Participants express their agreement by checking an online box while enrolling for the Challenge.

In case of non-respect of these Rules, the Participant will be immediately disqualified from the Challenge and no prize will be awarded.

3. REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CHALLENGE

To take part in the Challenge, we must receive the university registration and independent technical builders by 30 September 2026 at 23:55 CEST.

To register, the Participant must first have created a user account on the Challenge platform, and must have truthfully and accurately completed required information, such as full name, email address, etc.

Any registration based on inaccurate, false or incomplete information will result in the Participant’s disqualification. Refusing collection, recording and use of their personal data that is strictly necessary to performing the Challenge will result in the Participant’s disqualification. The Participant is solely responsible for the information he/she provides when registering. Any intentional or unintentional mistake, anomaly or inconsistency, regarding this information, may result in the Participant’s disqualification. The Sponsor reserves the right to proceed all necessary verifications regarding the Participant’s identity, postal and/or email address.

Deletion of a Participant’s user account on the Challenge platform will be deemed as a withdrawal from the Challenge. In this case, the Participant, regardless of whether the deletion results from the Participant’s personal action or not, will not participate in the Challenge, and will not obtain any compensation.

You must also have accepted the Rules as well as the Terms and Conditions of Use and the Privacy Policy, during the creation of your user account and your registration to the Challenge.

Registration and participation in this challenge can come at a cost, payable by each partner university or independent technical builder.

4. ELIGIBILITY

This Challenge is restrictive to partner universities or independent technical builders and offered solely to:

Participant represented a university. Any individual aged eighteen (18) years and/or with full legal capacity, who (i) is currently enrolled in technical partner universities for the current academic year, with a student card as verification. Each participant represented a university may only participate once in each Challenge. If the participant is a minor, he/she must provide this authorization signed by a parent or guardian.
Participant as an independent technical builder. Any individual aged eighteen (18) years and/or with full legal capacity, whose age may be verified if necessary by means of a valid identity card or passport. Each participant as an independent technical builder may only participate once in each Challenge. If the participant is a minor, he/she must provide this authorization signed by a parent or guardian.

All the documents that may confirm the Participant’s eligibility may be required at any stage of the Challenge, and notably prior to awarding any prizes (e.g. identity document, student card, etc.).

This Challenge is not open to:

Non-partner universities - typically universities that have not sign the contract or possibly paid some fees.
Individual who are not defined with demonstrated technical skills in software development, engineering, or data science. These independent individuals are not eligible.

This Challenge is void in countries where it is prohibited or restricted by law.

ThinkSport has the ultimate authority and is the sole decision-maker as to whether a university or an independent technical builder has the ability and skills to participate in the Challenge. ThinkSport's decision may not be appealed or contested by the Participant.

5. PURPOSE OF THE CHALLENGE AND PARTICIPATION

Participation in the Challenge must be as a team, representing a university or an independent technical builders.

Teams. Individual Participants may elect to form a team (“Team”) of 1 to 4 members maximum. Each Team member must accept these Rules, by clicking a hyperlink through the Agorize interface. Sponsor may disqualify any Team (and all its members) if one member has not accepted or violates these Rules.

The goal of the Challenge is for Participants to submit contributions (or projects) meeting the requirements determined by the Sponsor in the Challenge brief, and that are formalized by deliverables. The brief includes information regarding various deadlines, details of the prizes, Sponsor requirements etc. (the “Brief”). The Brief is accessible through the Challenge platform.

6. DELIVERABLES

During the Challenge, Participants may upload any documents or other materials (such as texts, presentations, public code repository, videos, etc.) relating to their project to the Challenge platform in response and as a solution to the Sponsor’s Challenge (the “Deliverable”).

To be eligible, Deliverables must (i) address the specific issue set out in the Brief, (ii) be in a common digital format, such as DOC, DOCX, PDF, PPT, PPTX, KEY, ODT, MP3, MPEG, MOV, MP4, and (iii) be in English, and in general terms must comply with these Rules.

If a Deliverable cannot be downloaded, is not in the right format or is incompatible, illegible, or unintelligible, the Deliverable will be disqualified.

By submitting a Deliverable, the following needs must be respected:

The Deliverable includes exclusive contributions from an Individual Participant or Team.
Otherwise, if content from a third party has been used in the development of the Deliverable, all rights, authorizations and agreements necessary to submit the Deliverable and grant the rights mentioned herein have been obtained. The existence of uncredited third-party contributions in the Deliverable will result in the disqualification of the Deliverable and the related Participants;
No other individual and/or entity is entitled to claim any rights from the use of the Deliverable; and
The content of the Deliverable does not and will not infringe or violate any rights of any third party or entity, including, without limitation, intellectual property rights, privacy, competition law, confidentiality, or any contractual or extracontractual right. All deliverables suspected of any law(s) and/or any third party’s right will be ineligible.

Independent technical builder participants or university participants are responsible for and shall bear any costs or expenses associated with preparing and submitting Deliverables. Participants assume all risk for damaged, lost, late, incomplete, invalid, incorrect or misdirected Deliverables.

7. CHALLENGE PROCESS

Challenge steps. The Challenge consists of several steps:

Step Zero (Onboarding Phase for universities). Academic partners are invited to confirm their interest and prepare their participation in collaboration with the organiser. To do so, institutions should first contact the SIC Data-hack team to express their interest in joining the challenge, then review the participation process, internal academic schedule and local selection requirements. Once participation is confirmed, academic partners will receive the registration and platform instructions for their teams.
Step One (Registration Phase for universities). Registration will be accepted from 1 September 2026 at 00:00 AM to 30 September 2026 at 23:55 CEST. At the end of this Round, no more universities can be part of the Challenge.
Step One (Registration Phase for independent technical builders). Registration will be accepted from 1 September 2026 at 00:00 AM to 30 September 2026 at 23:55 CEST. At the end of this Round, no more independent technical builders can be part of the Challenge.
Step Two (Kick-off Event). Participants should be registered on the Challenge platform at the end of the Kick-off Event on 30 September 2026 at 23:55 PM CEST. Participants should select a field of interest (one category) in order to prepare their project.
Step Three (Gameplay Phase). Participants must take part in workshops and sessions to prepare their project. At the end of this Round, Deliverables should be uploaded on the platform for each participant team.
Step Four (Local Selection Phase – Project Review & Selection). Participants represented a university will pitch in front of their classroom on a date specify by the teacher. At the end of this Round, up to 1 winning Deliverables across all categories/topics will be selected to proceed to the Final Step. Independent tech-builder teams are not part of the university selection process.
Step Five (Final Preparation Phase). Selected participants will have the opportunity to review and clarify their project from 28 November 2026 to 2 December 2026.
Final Step (Final Pitching Day). The top finalists will be chosen to pitch in front of a jury at The Circle Convention Center in Zurich (The Circle 27 Flughafen CH, 8058 Zürich). The Finalists will have the privilege to pitch live in front of Spengler Cup Davos team on 7 December 2026. A jury will select the 3 winners.
Optional Step (Showcase Phase). The 1st place winner teams could will have the opportunity to showcase their project at the Spengler Cup Davos 2026.

Deliverable. If a Participant does not upload a Deliverable on the Challenge platform before the deadline, this will be considered as a withdrawal from the Challenge. The Participant may not join the Challenge, and may not obtain any compensation from the Sponsor.

Selection Criteria. Deliverables will be judged according to the Selection Criteria, described below. You agree and acknowledge that the Challenge relies on your creativity, capacity, ability, and ingenuity to solve difficult problems. The Challenge does not depend, even partially, on chance or luck, and therefore should not be considered as a lottery. Under no circumstances are factors such as appearance, religion, membership in a trade union, political opinions or sexual orientation considered.

Notification to Participants. Once selection has been completed, Participants will be notified by email, phone, or by other means of the results of each Round. The Sponsor will be free to alter the dates on which results are released should this become necessary due to the number of projects to be assessed. The ranking decided by the final jury will be announced on the day that presentations are made and will identify the Participants that are finalists.

A. Round #1

All Round #1 Registrations must be finalised before 30 September 2026 at 23:55 CET. At the end of this Round, no more universities or independent tech-builders can be part of the Challenge.

B. Round #2

All Round #2 Participant Registrations must be registered on the Challenge platform at least at the end of the Kick-off Event on 30 September 2026 at 23:55 PM CEST. Participants should select a field of interest (one category) in order to prepare their project.

C. Round #3

All Round #3 Deliverables must be submitted and uploaded on the platform before 15 November 2026 at 23:55 CET. Round #3 Deliverables must meet the specifications set out in Section 6, above, and include:

A 5-slide proposal of their solution (plus title and end slides) in PPT or PDF format.
A public code repository accessible without requesting permission.
A 3-minute demo video explaining your solution in format MOV or MP4.
A prototype or clickable demo if you have (optional).

D. Round #4

Selection phase following Round #3 will proceed as follows:

Academic teams present their solution to their university or designated local reviewing body.
Universities assess the submitted projects and communicate their selected team or teams to the Organiser.
The local presentation format may be adapted to each institution's academic schedule.
Independent tech-builder teams are not part of the university selection process.

“Criteria based” voting will take place from 16 November to 27 November 2026.

The voters (Institution members) (the “Voters”) may evaluate and select the Deliverables based on their content with their own criteria.

Except as otherwise provided above, the first Academic Participating Team per university (Academic Participant) with the highest score from each category will proceed to the final round.

Any attempt to cheat, use fake profiles, use third-party applications that enable false voting linked to cheating, or engage in duplicate voting of which the Organiser becomes aware will entitle the Organiser to disqualify the project that received these votes, and that Project’s Participants will not receive any prize or award. The Organiser’s decision regarding disqualification is final and its decision may not be contested by Participants involved in the project in question or in any other Participants.

Participants will be informed of the results of the Round #5 by 28 November 2026.

E. Round #5

Participants who have been selected to participate in the Final Round will be directly notified by email to the address provided during registration. In the event a Participant does not confirm his/her attendance at the final event, the Organiser reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify this Participant. This disqualification shall not entitle the Participant to claim any kind of compensation from the Sponsor or Organiser.

All Round #4 Deliverables must be submitted before 2 December 2026 at 23:55 CET. Round #4 Deliverables must meet the specifications set out in Section 6, above, and include:

A 5-slide enhanced presentation (plus title and end slides) of their Project based on the submission from Round #3 and feedback from the teacher if university teams, in PPT or PDF format.
A public code repository accessible without requesting permission.
A 3-minute demo video explaining your solution in format MOV or MP4.
A prototype or clickable demo if you have (optional).

“Criteria based” voting will take place on 7 December 2026.

The voters (final jury) (the “Voters”) may evaluate and select the Deliverables based on their content and the following criteria:

Problem Understanding/Solution Relevancy: Relevance of the solution to the given problem. How well did the team understand the specific need(s) set out by the Sponsor?
Creativity: How creative is the solution in terms of delivering something different and new?
Added Value & Impact: To what extend does the presented solution add value to ISU? Quantify the potential impact: (i) What is the scale of potential impact? (ii) How significant is the impact?
Technical Implementation: How good is the quality of the prototype’s technical implementation?
Presentation: Quality of the presentation: (i) Does the student team present correctly? (ii) Clarity: How well is the solution described and articulated in the proposal? (iii) How convincing was the presentation on stage?

F. Final Round

The Final Round consists of an oral presentation of the selected projects by the Participants. Participants are required to upload a Deliverable to the Challenge platform before the Final Round and at least on 27 December 2026 at 23:55 CET.

At the end of the Final Round, the jury will choose the winning projects and will rank the finalists.

8. PRIZES

The prizes are awarded to the winners of the Challenge and are subject to compliance with the following cumulative conditions:

The Deliverables comply with Section 6 (“Deliverables”);
Each Participant of a winning project complies with Sections 9 and 11;
It can be proven that the winning Participants fulfill the conditions of eligibility of Section 4.

No prize will be awarded to winners who do not fulfill the above conditions.

Subject to these Terms and Conditions, once confirmed by Sponsor, the winner(s) will receive the following:

Grand Prize for each member of the Champion team will win:
- Support in developing their brilliant idea
- Showcase their solution at the Spengler Cup Davos Switzerland 2026 (on 26 December 2026)
- A ticket to the Spengler Cup
- A ticket to THE SPOT 2027 event
Second Place Prize for each member of the 1st Runner-Up team will win:
- A range of fantastic gadgets

Third Place Prize for each member of the 2nd Runner-Up team will win:
- A range of fantastic gadgets

Each member of a Participant Team will receive its own prize.

No assignment or transfer of prizes is allowed by a winner. If a potential winner cannot be reached, is unable to accept the prize or any portion of the prize for any reason, Sponsor shall have no further obligation to such potential winner. Organiser will not replace any lost or stolen prizes after being awarded to winners. Winners will accept the prize “as it is”. Organiser disclaims any warranty regarding the Prizes.

In the event a Participant (a winner) cannot be reached, by email or by phone, for more than three (3) months after the first attempt to reach them was made, he/she will be deemed as having waived their right to claim the prize and will not be entitled to any prize or any kind of compensation.

If the prize as initially planned is unavailable, Sponsor will be free to substitute another prize of similar value. Any such decision is at Sponsor’s sole discretion.

Any Participant who does not fulfil the conditions of Participation as provided in the Rules during their registration and/or at any time during the Challenge will be summarily disqualified from the Challenge without prior notice and will not be entitled to any prize. In the event that a prize is awarded to a Participant who does not meet the conditions of Participation when registering or throughout the duration of the Challenge, Organsier reserves the right to require the Participant to return the awarded prize.

9. COMMUNICATION

The Participant acknowledges and consents that Organiser may, throughout the worldwide network and for the duration of the Challenge and for a period of one (1) year following the Final Round use the Challenge for publicity, including for Sponsor’s advertising or other marketing purposes, (by any means and through any format (website, advertising banners, social networks, newsletter, press release) now known or unknown to date, free of charge or for a consideration.

In particular, you consent to the use, by the Sponsor, of your name and surname, your city and region of residence, the name of the institution in which you studied or in which you obtained your diplomas and other biographical information, your image, the information regarding the Prize (if you are a winner), the name of your university (if you represent a university) or company and its distinctive signs (if you are independent) and any other personal data that you submit with your Deliverables as well as the content of your Deliverables relating to the Challenge.

As an example, each Participant authorizes the Organiser and Sponsor to use the photographs taken during the Kick-off event, Workshops, and Final event to disseminate them via any communication medium.

Such use does not entitle the winner to any other payment than the Prize he/she received. The Organiser agrees to cease use of the aforementioned elements in connection with the Participant at the end of the aforementioned period.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY

The Organiser has no obligation to keep the information contained in the Deliverables confidential. In general terms, when submitting any Deliverables, the Participants understand, agree and accept that any information contained therein may be publicly disclosed by the Sponsor.

The Organiser may request that any Participant execute a confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement for the purpose of entering into negotiations regarding the further development of your project, as described in your Deliverable. Such confidentiality/non-disclosure agreement will be directed to your Deliverable and all intellectual property that it may contain.

Furthermore, Participants acknowledge that the Organiser may currently or in the future be developing information internally, or receiving information from other parties, that is similar to the information contained in any of the projects. Accordingly, nothing herein shall prohibit the Organiser from independently acquiring, developing, or having developed for it, products, concepts, systems, services, or techniques that are similar to or compete with the products, concepts, systems or techniques contemplated by or embodied in any Deliverable.

The Participants recognize that other Participants, individuals or teams may have provided to the Organiser or others, or made public, or may in the future submit, or make public, content that is the same or similar to any piece of information contained in any of the projects. Hence, the Participants acknowledge, agree and accept that the Organiser shall have the right to use such same or similar materials, and that the Participants will not be entitled to any compensation arising from the Sponsor’s use of such materials.

Use of Sponsor Data / as discussed with Spengler Cup

As part of the Challenge, registered Participants are granted access to certain data provided by the Sponsor (the "Sponsor Data"). This access is granted solely for the purpose of preparing and submitting a Deliverable within the scope of this Challenge. Any other use of the Sponsor Data is strictly prohibited. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph is without prejudice to Section 10 (Confidentiality), and the Sponsor Data does not constitute a Creation or Previous Right of the Participant within the meaning of Section 11.

11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Definitions. For the purposes of this section,

"Intellectual Property Rights" refer to any copyright or other rights over a brand, a design or a model, a patent and, more generally, any element, (including trade secrets and knowhow), that may be protected by national and/or international laws or conventions on intellectual property (“Intellectual Property Rights”).
"Previous Rights" refer to any Intellectual Property Rights and/or any associated know-how held by the Participants before the start date of the Challenge (“Previous Rights”).
“Creations” refer to any software (including source and object code software), database, technical specifications, text, design, model, information, knowledge, method, process or product, as well as any resulting elements and/or processes likely or otherwise to be protected according to national and/or international laws or conventions on intellectual property developed by any Participant as a part of any submitted deliverable throughout the Challenge (“Creations”).

Warranty of non-infringement. When submitting any Deliverable, at any stage of the Challenge, each Participant guarantees to the Organiser that he/she is the co/owner and/or co/holder of the Intellectual Property Rights regarding all or part of the Creations contained in the Deliverables submitted at any stage of the Challenge, and that he/she has obtained all rights and permissions regarding all pre-existing Creations and any elements of the Deliverables for which he/she does not hold the relevant rights.

Each Participant guarantees (i) that his/her contribution is original and unprecedented; (ii) that it does not infringe upon the copyright or any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party; (iii) that all the elements of which his/her submissions are formed, as well as all pieces of contributions and information communicated in the submission presentation documents are accurate, reliable and complete; and (iv) that the submission of the relevant Deliverables does not constitute an act of unfair competition of any kind.

It is compulsory for Participants to indicate the source of any pre-existing Creations of whichever nature and on whichever support that are included in any submitted deliverable. Any Deliverable involving several Participants constitutes a collaborative work and it should be treated as such in accordance with the applicable regulation in force.

Liability. Organiser cannot be held liable for any infringement of the above provisions by Participants. Each Participant shall indemnify the Organiser against any disturbance, action, claim, opposition and demand or eviction attempt from any third party in connection with any Creation in the Deliverables (Intellectual Property Rights included).

By submitting a Deliverable and participating in this Challenge, you are not granting the Organiser any rights to any intellectual property supporting all of part of the Deliverable and the Organiser makes no claim to ownership of your Deliverable or any intellectual property that it may contain.

The Participant authorizes the Organiser to use its name, logo and brand image in connection with the Challenge. This authorization allows the Organiser to promote the Participant by using its name, logo and brand image on its communication media.

The Organiser (ThinkSport) is the owner of all intellectual property rights associated with itself, including its name and logo. Participants are granted a limited and non-exclusive license to use the Organiser's (ThinkSport) name, logo and image in connection with the promotion of Participant 's brand, as long as such promotion is within the framework defined by the Rules. This license is subject to the Organiser's (ThinkSport) prior written approval for each instance of use, and will automatically terminate one (1) year following the Final Event or Showcase Round.

The Participant may not use the Organiser's (ThinkSport - Sport Innovation Challenge – Data-hack Challenge) name and logo for activities that do not comply with the terms of the Rules or that could damage the Organiser's (ThinkSport), and the Challenge’s reputation and image.

12. MODIFICATION OF RULES, SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATION OF THE CHALLENGE

Update of the Rules. The Organiser reserves the right to amend these Rules at any time, including the Challenge duration in case of operational imperatives, without prior notice to Participants regarding the enforcement or the validity of these amendments. Participants are encouraged to consult these Rules regularly. Participants expressly waive all claims or disputes related to any amendment to these Rules by the Sponsor.

Should any paragraph of these Rules be declared or judged illegal, unenforceable or void by a court decision, the paragraph in question will be considered null and void, but all other unaffected paragraphs will be enforced within the limits of the law.

Challenge Termination, Modification, Cancellation or Suspension. The Organiser reserves the right in its discretion, to (i) cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Challenge and these Rules, for any reason, at any time and without any liability, and (ii) to limit or restrict participation in the Challenge. The Organiser will not be held liable for the modification, cancellation or suspension of the Challenge and no compensation or remuneration will be due to the Participants.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The Organiser will in no way be held liable in the event of breakdown or failure, regardless of the cause, of any telecommunications network used that causes Participants difficulty in or prevents Participants from identifying themselves on or gaining access to the Challenge website.

Participants agree that company, its affiliates and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, representatives and agents (“released parties”) will have no liability whatsoever for, and will be released and held harmless by participants for any claims, liabilities, or causes of action of any kind or nature for any injury, loss or damages of any kind including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages to persons, including without limitation disability or death. Without limiting the foregoing, everything on the challenge website and in connection with the challenge is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Some jurisdiction may not allow the limitations or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages or exclusion of implied warranties, in which case such limitation or exclusion shall apply only to the extent permitted by the law in the relevant jurisdiction.

Participation in the Challenge implies acknowledgement and acceptance of the characteristics, limits and risks of the internet and related technologies, particularly with regards to performance, response time, security of software and computer equipment against various potential attacks, such as viruses, logic bombs or Trojans, and loss or misuse of data. As a result, the Organiser will not be held liable in any way for any damage incurred by Participants arising from these characteristics, limits and risks, which Participants accept by registering and taking part in the Challenge.

The Organiser will not in any case be held liable for damages resulting from faults with or delays in the submission of deliverables by Participants, including refusal to accept these deliverables as a consequence of their submission outside the deadlines set out in the Rules, from faults with or delays to the sending of any emails by the Participant sent as part of the Challenge, or from any alterations made to the deliverables independently of the Sponsor.

To the extent admitted by the applicable law, the Organiser shall not be liable to the with respect to any subject matter of the Rules under any contract, strict liability, negligence or other legal or equitable theory for any special, incidental or consequential damages or lost profits, or cost of procurement of substitute goods, technology or services. The Organiser is not responsible for the activities of its auxiliaries.

The Organiser will not in any case be held liable for damages resulting from services provided by a third-party relating to the prizes.

The Organiser will not be held liable for the consequences of a Participant’s disqualification from the Challenge as a result of their violation of these Rules.

14. PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION

Participation in the Challenge requires the communication of the Participant's personal data ("Personal Data").

Participant’s personal data is subject to processing within the meaning of the regulations on the protection of personal data (The EU 2016/679 General Data Protection Regulation and the Council of 27 April 2016, known as GDPR, and the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection, known as FADP) for which the Organiser defines the purposes and means and is, as such, “Data controller” within the meaning of the GDPR and the FADP.

The purposes of the processing are:

To meet the organization of the challenge needs.
To organise the intermediation between the Participant and the Sponsor, to ensure identification, communication and preservation of the exchanges with the Participant.

In accordance with the provisions of the GDPR and of the FADP, the Organiser undertakes to implement organizational and technical security measures in order to protect all Participant’s Personal Data. The Organiser undertakes these measures to allow the exercise of Participants’ rights from GDPR and FADP.

15. THE PARTICIPATION POLICY

Introduction. This Participation Policy outlines the principles, rules, and expectations for all participants, mentors, experts, partners, and stakeholders involved in the SIC Data-hack. By registering for and taking part in the SIC Data-hack, all participating teams, their members as well as other stakeholders agree to abide by this policy.

Core Principles.

● Collaboration: Foster interdisciplinary teamwork.

● Innovation: Promote creative and rapid solution development.

● Inclusion: Welcome diverse participants from all backgrounds.

● Practical Impact: Focus on solving real-world sports challenges.

● Education and Growth: Enhance participants' skills through learning and mentorship.

Code of Conduct. All participants and partners are expected to:

● Respect: Treat all individuals with respect and foster an inclusive environment.

● Teamwork: Work cooperatively, share knowledge, and support one another.

● Integrity: Uphold honesty and transparency in all communications and activities.

● Professionalism: Maintain a professional attitude, both online and offline.

● Focus on Growth: Embrace continuous learning and development.

● Compliance: Follow all event rules, guidelines, and instructions from the organizing team.

Participants who violate the rules of the SIC Data-hack may receive a written warning for minor infractions, a temporary suspension from certain activities, or permanent exclusion from the challenge for serious misconduct such as plagiarism, breaches of confidentiality, or harassment.

In cases of serious violations, the organizer may notify the participant’s university or research institute.

Eligibility and Participation. Participation is open to participants, aged 18 or older, registered at a partner University of the SIC Data-hack or research institute. The SIC Data-hack is also open to independent technical builders, defined as individuals with demonstrated technical skills in software development, engineering, or data science. Other independent individuals are not eligible.

Participants under the age of 18 may only participate with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian, and of the institution, which must explicitly authorize both participation in the SIC Data-hack and the processing of the minor’s personal data. Copies of the identification documents of both the minor and the parent/guardian must be provided for verification purposes. The consent form must specify the data collected, its purpose, and the retention period in accordance with applicable data protection laws. The parent or legal guardian guarantees that the minor participant will comply with all rules and requirements of the challenge.

Each participant is responsible for ensuring they are legally eligible to join the event and to work on the provided data or challenges.

Data Use and Confidentiality. During the SIC Data-hack, participants receive access to datasets, documents, or other materials provided by the Organiser (ThinkSport), sports partner and technology partner ("Confidential Information").

Participants agree to the following:

Purpose limitation: All data and materials provided by the Organiser and partners are to be used exclusively for the purpose and duration of the SIC Data-hack.
No external use: Use of such data for any external, personal, or commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.
Confidentiality: Participants shall not disclose or redistribute challenge materials outside their team or the scope of the SIC Data-hack.
Data deletion: Participants commit to deleting or securely destroying any challenge-related data after the event, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing with the Sponsor (Sports partner).

Any exception must be explicitly agreed upon between the participant and the rganizer and/or partners and the Sponsor.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in a written warning for a first violation, temporary suspension from the SIC Data-hack for a second violation, and permanent exclusion from the SIC Data-hack for a third or severe violation.

In cases of unauthorized disclosure, commercial use, or repeated breaches, the organizer may pursue legal action and notify the participant’s affiliated institution.

In addition to any actual damages incurred, participants who violate the data use or confidentiality rules agree to pay a predetermined penalty per breach. This penalty is without prejudice to the right of the organizer to claim further compensation or seek judicial remedies for any additional damages suffered.

In the name of an open innovation culture, the organizer advises against the use of additional NDAs but do not prohibit partners from requesting them. Any such agreement must be prepared and managed directly by the partners.

Intellectual Property and Usage Right. Participants retain full ownership of any ideas, prototypes, or code they create during the SIC Data-hack.

However, by participating, they agree that:

They publish and present their results according to the rules and guidance provided by the SIC Data-hack.
By participating, participants grant the organizer and partners a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use their work, limited to the purposes, duration, territory, and type of use explicitly agreed in writing.
Partners and the organizer are obliged to define with the participants how the ownership of their work is recognised.
Any third-party software, datasets, or other intellectual property incorporated into a participant’s work must be disclosed, and participants must ensure that they hold all necessary rights or permissions to use such third-party materials.

Academic participants, research institutes or independent tech-builder participants are encouraged to clarify any questions regarding usage rights before submitting their work.

Platform Terms. Participation involves the use of third-party platforms (e.g., Agorize or GitHub) for team registration, communication, or standardized project submission and code repository. Participants agree to comply with the terms of use of these platforms.

Liability and Disclaimer. The Organiser shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from participation in the SIC Data-hack, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Participants acknowledge that they participate at their own risk and are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to data protection and intellectual property.

Participants are solely responsible for securing, handling, and deleting any data or materials provided during the challenge in accordance with the rules outlined in this policy.

Final Provisions. This policy is subject to change. Participants will be informed of any significant updates prior to or during the event.

For any questions, please contact:

SIC Data-hack
ThinkSport
Bâtiment Synathlon, Quartier UNIL-Centre
1015 Lausanne
[email protected]

16. CLAIMS

Any Participant’s claims arising from the Challenge, should be addressed no later than thirty (30) days following the Challenge end date to [email protected]. All claims must include: (i) the Participant’s complete contact details (name, address, email address and phone); (ii) the name of the Challenge; and (iii) a clear and detailed explanation for the claim.

17. APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTES RESOLUTION

The validity, interpretation and performance of the Challenge and any action related thereto shall be governed by laws of Switzerland, without reference to its conflicts of law rules, as shall all pre-contractual, contractual and non-contractual relations between the Participant and the Organiser.

The Challenge and any action related thereto shall be governed by the law applicable Swiss law.

In the event of a dispute, controversy or claim, arising out or in connection with the Rules, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, the Parties shall use their best endeavors to immediately resolve the dispute amicably.

In case of persistent disagreement on the application or interpretation of the Rules, and in the absence of an amicable settlement, any dispute that may arise between the parties, will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent court in Lausanne, Switzerland - over any disputes arising directly or indirectly in relation to this Agreement, be it a dispute in tort or in contract or for any other cause - to which the parties expressly grant jurisdiction, even in the case of multiple defendants, in summary proceedings, appeal by guarantee or by motion, or any other jurisdiction.

🎓 Data-hack Challenge 2026

Turn ice hockey data into an experience fans cannot stop playing.

Rules

Table of Content

Sport Innovation Challenge for Sport Organisations - Data-hack Challenge 2026