Butterfly Data Triumphs at SAS Hackathon with AI-Powered Tool to Combat Misinformation
In an era of rampant misinformation and disinformation, the reliability of data has become paramount for informed decision-making. Recognizing this critical need, Butterfly Data, a SAS Partner based in the UK, has developed an innovative AI-powered tool to tackle the pervasive issue of misinformation. This groundbreaking solution earned them the coveted title of overall winner at the 2024 SAS Hackathon.
The winning tool, developed by a diverse team of experienced technology consultants at Butterfly Data, leverages the power of advanced natural language processing (NLP) and classification models to assess the trustworthiness of open-source data. By meticulously analyzing data sources, the tool empowers organizations to identify and flag unreliable information, ensuring that decisions are based on credible and ethical data.
"In a world where data shapes decisions with tangible consequences, ensuring its reliability is non-negotiable," emphasizes Luke Coldridge, Senior Consultant at Butterfly Data and Team Leader of the winning team, "Combating misinformation with trusted data leads to better and more transparent decisions. Our tool has the potential to be a force for good, fostering a more informed world."
At the heart of this groundbreaking solution lies SAS Viya, a cutting-edge data and AI platform. Butterfly Data utilized SAS Viya, along with SAS Viya Workbench and SAS Viya Copilot, to build their innovative tool. These powerful platforms provided the team with advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities, while accelerating model development and seamlessly integrating large language model (LLM) technology.
Complementing the SAS technologies, open-source tools like Git, Python, and Visual Studio (VS) Code were instrumental in facilitating flexible coding and collaborative development. The Cloud Analytics Services (CAS) data-processing engine within SAS Viya enabled centralized data management and provided real-time dashboards for enhanced monitoring and analysis. Furthermore, SAS Information Catalog APIs were employed to bolster transparency by tracing data lineage and ensuring quality, thereby instilling confidence in the insights derived from the tool.
The 2024 SAS Hackathon witnessed an unprecedented level of participation, with 1,731 registrants from over 70 countries. This global convergence of talent resulted in a record-breaking 145 approved teams, each vying to create innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Supported by 110 SAS mentors, the teams embarked on a month-long journey of collaboration and innovation, fueled by their shared passion for technology and positive change.
The SAS Hackathon, an annual event sponsored by long-time SAS Partners Microsoft and Intel, provides a unique platform for data scientists, business analysts, technology enthusiasts, and students to connect and learn from each other. Under the guidance of experienced SAS mentors, teams experiment with cutting-edge technologies, sparking innovation and driving positive impact across various domains.
"Team Butterflies, along with all the SAS Hackathon teams, exemplifies the remarkable synergy of curiosity, innovation, and AI technology in addressing critical challenges facing businesses and society," commends Einar Halvorsen, Global Hackathon Producer at SAS. "Like a caterpillar’s transformative journey, Team Butterflies’ AI-powered tool transforms data into valuable insights, empowering trustworthy decisions."
Team Butterflies’ remarkable achievement was officially recognized at SAS Innovate, the premier SAS data and AI technology conference. The team’s dedication and ingenuity also garnered them recognition in four categories at the 2024 SAS Hackathon awards, including EMEA region, Models technology, and Channel Readiness and Trustworthy AI special awards. A rigorous evaluation process involving over 100 judges culminated in these well-deserved accolades.
SAS, a global leader in data and AI, empowers organizations to transform data into trusted decisions through its innovative software and industry-specific solutions. The company’s commitment to providing "THE POWER TO KNOW®" underpins its mission to unlock the potential of data and drive meaningful change. This commitment extends to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, as exemplified by the SAS Hackathon, where groundbreaking solutions emerge to address pressing global challenges. The success of Team Butterflies and their AI-powered tool marks a significant step towards combating misinformation and empowering informed decision-making in an increasingly data-driven world.