Applied Data Institute
An intensive 10-week program for recent graduates and young professionals from STEM and computational science backgrounds.
Sep 29 – Dec 12, 2025
Global, cohort-based, online learning
Fully funded (no tuition)
Why joIn
Build Smarter. Solve Bigger. Lead with Data.
The Applied Data Institute empowers you to become a data-savvy leader in your respective domains. Our research-based curriculum, anchored in small-group learning and led by world-class faculty, provides a practical understanding of applied data science and AI across various contexts.
Build Scalable Foundations
Gain a deep understanding of the roots of data science: collection, measurement, and statistics
Gain Critical Intuition
Formulate salient questions, and adopt a rigorous approach to analysis and experimentation
Solve Complex Problems Responsibly
Learn to deal with messy and incomplete data while eliminating resulting biases
Advance your Career
Access the tools, networks, and perspectives you need to thrive in the 21st-century workforce
Curriculum
What you’ll learn
Modern data science is best learned by doing. While a number of bootcamps and data science courses focus on specific tools (for example, mastering specific packages in Python), we take a different approach. The Applied Data Institute teaches you how to "think like a data scientist" via hands-on projects and "idea labs" that encourage you to explore topics deeply. You will also cultivate the essential skill of "learning to learn" which will equip you to tackle present and future challenges.
Data and Decisions
Use AI tools to formulate solutions to globally relevant problems
In this learning module, you will learn to apply learnings from data science into actually building scalable solutions.
Learn how to find, refine, and work with relevant datasets
Build AI applications with diverse use cases
Identify good and problematic use cases for AI
Become a sensitive and informed deployer of AI
Why It Matters
Many roles in industry, academia, and the social sector now need an understanding of how AI works, even if leaders and professionals in the field are not engaged in the building of AI algorithms. This requires a new corps of "AI managers" who understand how data used for building the AI is generated.
Communicating Innovation
Learn to effectively communicate complex ideas
Growing up, we source language from those around us and our "voice" is formed almost unconsciously. This Lab encourages you to see your vocal instrument as a tool that can be leveraged to meet others where they are, and realize your personal and professional aspirations as well.
Foundations of breath and sound
Refine public communications to stand out
Build personal narratives
Navigate differences and find common ground
Why It Matters
To be impactful data-savvy leaders, you need to clearly communicate your ideas in diverse professional settings.
Data for Impact
Build your entrepreneurial toolkit
Access to entrepreneurship has traditionally been offered to a narrow section of society. We're attempting to widen that by creating an inclusive and scientific approach that anyone with an exciting idea or solution can adopt.
Identify problems you are uniquely suited to solve
De-risk assumptions and form hypotheses
Formulate solutions and products
Practice a human-centered approach to entrepreneurship
Why It Matters
Learning to think like an entrepreneur is a lifelong pursuit, and the skills you pick up along the way are widely transferrable. This is a way to get started!
Africa Utility Data Collaborative (AUDC) Project
Apply your learning from the program to a real-world challenge
This live project in collaboration with AUDC allows you to collaborate with fellow cohort members and members of faculty to synthesize skills and attitudes you will develop during the program. The goal of this project will be to address Africa's water infrastructure challenges by creating sustainable data analytics capabilities within utilities.
Build comprehensive data analytics platforms for water utilities
Analyze customer, asset, and financial datasets to improve service delivery
Develop dashboards for real-time monitoring of production, billing, and compliance metrics
Create evidence-based frameworks for water management and resource optimization
Why It Matters
Bridging the gap between data science expertise and critical infrastructure needs enables policymakers and bureaucrats to make informed decisions that directly impact millions of people's access to clean water across Africa. You can read an impact report of last year's project in our Newsroom.
Eligibility
Who can apply
The ideal candidate for the Applied Data Institute is a recent college graduate with technical skills looking to venture into data science and AI. We do not consider GPAs or grades in the application process, but we require fluency in programming and mathematical reasoning. We are looking for people who are curious, analytical, persistent, and open-minded when confronted with challenging problems.
Bachelor’s degree required
No specific major needed
Proficient in Python
(NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib)
Able to commit 20-25 hours
per week for 10 weeks
All Backgrounds
Underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply
How the program works
Learn by doing
Small cohorts (25 students max)
Direct mentorship & discussion-based learning
Project-based learning
Solve real-world problems using AI & data
Live, interactive online classes
No pre-recorded lectures
Timezone-friendly scheduling
Classes run from 13:00 - 16:00 UTC
Alumni impact
Discover Alumni Success Stories
Our alumni have gone on to land top internships, fellowships, and jobs in AI, policy, and entrepreneurship.
After the program
Career & Community Support
At the conclusion of each program term, graduates are entitled to a Certificate of Completion and are welcomed to join the Equitech Alumni Network. This cross-cohort community of talented young innovators share opportunities, collaborate on shared research, and inspire one another. A few of the privileges of alumni status include:
Career mentorship & recommendation letters
Faculty support for internships, fellowships and job applications
Ongoing education & Leadership Labs
Monthly discussions with top leaders in AI, policy, and academia
Global alumni retreats & in-person gatherings
Curated retreats, interdisciplinary collaborations, and community-building events around the world
Exclusive access to research & job opportunities
Alumni get first access to Equitech-led fellowships, research projects, and career placements
Teachers & mentors
Learn from world-class Faculty
Our faculty are leaders in data science, public policy, law, and civic innovation. We are committed to small-cohort, hands-on teaching that ensures every student gets individual mentorship.
Tuition & financial aid
$9,500
Full Scholarship
Thanks to the generous support of our philanthropic partners, every admitted scholar receives a full scholarship to make the program more accessible to global talent.
What’s Included?
10 weeks of instruction.
Career and mentorship support for one year on successful completion.
Access to ongoing Equitech Alumni Network programming.
Timeline
Applications & Selection
Applications for the 2025 Institute will tentatively open in August 2025.
The first step will be a technical challenge that will examine candidates for fluency in Python programming (including NumPy, Pandas, & matplotlib) and analytical reasoning. This challenge will have to be completed within 24 hours. The second step will be a written application (due August 31). Selected candidates will be invited for faculty interviews. If you have any questions, please write to admissions@equitechfutures.com.
Aug 2025
Technical challenge and written applications
Early Sep 2025
Faculty interviews with finalists
Mid Sep 2025
Final admission offers
Eligibility & Applications
I am currently enrolled in an academic program. Can I still apply for the ADI?
You are eligible only if you have completed an undergraduate/bachelor's degree. You may apply while you are enrolled in a postgraduate program, but we strongly recommend considering your schedule as the course requires 20-25 hours of commitment every week.
I completed my bachelor's xyz years ago. May I still apply?
Yes, you can! There is no age limit for the Applied Data Institute. The only academic requirement is to have completed your bachelor’s degree.
I had a low GPA during my bachelor's program. Is there a minimum grade requirement?
We do not consider GPAs or grades in the application process. We are looking for people who are curious, analytical, persistent, and open-minded when confronted with challenging problems.
I have just started learning Python. Should I apply?
No. We have found that successful students in this program must have technical know-how of multiple Python functions, such as NumPy, Pandas, and matplotlib. Therefore, the program is only open for candidates who are already fluent in Python. The first step to the application is a technical screening which will test your skills in Python programming and mathematical reasoning.
I am a citizen of xyz country, residing in abc country. Can I still apply?
Equitech Futures is committed to creating a global community that is inclusive and accessible to everyone who wishes to be a part of it. We encourage applicants from all professional, geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.
What can I expect when I start my application?
Once you click the “Apply Now” button on this page, you will be directed to an Airtable form. This form will collect your basic contact information. Once you submit this form, you will receive an email outlining the next steps. This email will contain a link to Futures Hub (Equitech Futures’ learning management and assessment platform), wherein you will have to create an account to begin your technical challenge. Please note that once you click the “Start Challenge” button, you will have only 24 hours to complete it. At the end of the 24 hours, the challenge will auto-submit, and you will not be able to make any changes. You will then receive an email with a link to the written application. This application has to be submitted by August 31 before 23:59:59 UTC. Your application will only be considered viable if both of these steps (technical challenge and written application) have been completed. If you face any issues with Futures Hub or have any other questions, please write to admissions@equitechfutures.com as soon as the issue pops up.
Learning Experience
I've done online learning before. How is this program different?
Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC) are generally asynchronous offerings that allow you to go at your own pace but without customization. That flexibility comes with less accountability. However, small cohort-based classes at Equitech Futures ensure that you learn through live discussions with a talented group of peers. Learning with others, and being able to speak directly to instructors as you do, will make a difference at how much you are able to take in.
What is the format of classes?
The Applied Data Institute will be divided into coursework and a live group project (see Curriculum section for more details). Each course meets for live, synchronous, cohort-based online classes for 3 hours, from Monday to Friday.
What technology platforms are used?
Our live classes and special seminars are accessed via Zoom. Individual coaching sessions with faculty, social encounters, and study groups are held on our course-related Discord server.
Commitment & Completion
What are the requirements for completing the course?
To be considered a successful graduate from the Applied Data Institute, one needs to have completed the course with a minimum of 80% attendance, and turn in the final capstone projects on time.
What happens if I begin but cannot complete the course?
Our cohort is small and we have significantly more applicants than we have the capacity to serve. We expect our incoming cohort to consider their own participation seriously because accepting a place closes the opportunity for another student. For this reason, if a student begins but does not complete the program for any reason other than a health emergency, we will be unable to attest to their participation or to accept an application for any other program in the future.
Will I receive a certificate for completing the course?
Yes, we provide a completion certificate contingent on attendance record and final project submissions.