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 leaders 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 context.

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

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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.

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Foundations of Data Science

Learn the core statistitical reasoning and analytics behind AI

The goal of this course is to dig into the core statistical reasoning and intuitions that underpin data science and artificial intelligence.

Develop fluency in a robust statistical paradigm

Analyze real-world dataset case studies

Scale the scientific method to novel data contexts

Approach data visualisation through a critical and analytical lens

Why It Matters

Uncovering insights that connect data science to machine learning leads to a renewed appreciation for both disciplines.

Applied Artificial Intelligence

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

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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.

Speaking Lab

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. The Speaking Lab will teach you to be an impactful communicator.

Thinking Like an Entrepreneur

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 and 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!

Capstone Projects

Apply everything you learn in the program

The two capstone projects of the Applied Data Institute allow you to collaborate with fellow cohort members and members of faculty to synthesize the following skills and attitudes:

Technical Know-how

Data Scientist Mindset

Entreprenurial Solutions

Communication Skills

Why It Matters

This output is essential for course completion as it will demonstrate all that you have learned and showcase your growth.

A varied group of people working at a table

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.

They believed in me before I did

Equitech Futures' Applied Data Institute brought me together with exceptionally motivated, thoughtful, and talented people from all over the world. Everything I am doing in the data science field right now is because of the introduction I got from Equitech Futures. I wasn’t sure if I could even get in, but they had confidence in me, and they were the first ones who gave me a chance to learn something in AI.

Seba Nazary

Product Owner & Product Lifecycle Manager at Siemens Mobility, Germany

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Learning meets Purpose

Being a part of the Applied Data Institute was one of the most remarkable learning experiences in my life. The community was very supportive, the program intense, and the knowledge transfer was timeless. Additionally, weekly seminars with industry practitioners put all the learnings in perspective from a practical sense. If you would like to advance ideas at the frontiers of science, technology, and societal challenges, this is the place for you.

Mitchell Odhiambo

Kenya

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A global launchpad

Being a part of the Equitech Futures community has given me the opportunity to work with people around the world. After the Applied Data Institute, I joined with a fellow alumnus from Kenya to pitch a new venture. It is a truly global experience.

Raunaq Jain

Co-Founder of Measuring Carbon, India

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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 & IRL 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

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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.

Our Faculty

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 July 2025.

A technical screening will examine candidates for fluency in Python programming (including NumPy, Pandas, & matplotlib) and mathematical reasoning (e.g. algebra, calculus). You can write to info@equitechfutures.com if you have any questions.

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Late Aug 2025

Written applications due

Early Sep 2025

Faculty interviews with finalists

Late Sep 2025

Final admission decisions

FAQ

If you still have questions, feel free to ask them here:

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Admissions & Eligibility

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.

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?

Coursework is primarily focused on Applied Artificial Intelligence and Foundations of Data Science and Programming. Writing Lab and Speaking Lab support and supplement the data curriculum. Each course meets weekly in live, synchronous, cohort-based online classes.

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.

The need of the hour is responsible data scientists.

Are you one of them?