For Project Partners

Program Overview¶

Since 2015, the Data Discovery Program has helped incubate and accelerate research for over 1,000 partner projects. We do this by connecting projects with talented student teams along with project management and technical infrastructure support.

We welcome all academic institutions, non-profits, government agencies, and industry to partner with us.

Spring Timeline¶

Exact program deadlines follow UC Berkeley’s academic calendar and will vary by term. Proposals can be submitted beginning in early August or January, with students applying in the following weeks. Project work begins in the first week of the semester and continues through the last week of classes.

Spring 2026 Dates¶

• DDMatch mentor portal opens: Nov. 17, 2025
  The portal opens for mentors to submit project descriptions. Your proposal will be reviewed by Data Discovery staff before being posted, and we may ask you for more information.

• Project description deadline: Dec. 10, 2025
  Approved mentors will be contacted. Approved projects will be posted for students to apply.

• Projects posted for students: Dec. 15, 2025
  Students can begin applying to posted projects.

• Student application closes: Jan. 9, 2026
  Student submissions close in DDMatch.

• Student applications viewable: Jan. 12, 2026
  Mentors can begin reviewing applications and contacting students to schedule interviews.

• Mentors can begin extending offers: Jan. 19, 2026
  Partners can begin extending offers in DDMatch and forming their team of one to five students.

• Deadline for team selection: Jan. 23, 2026
  Please extend all offers by this date for a prompt start to the program.

• Project work begins: Jan. 26, 2026
  Begin meeting with your team, assigning tasks, and kicking off your project. The Data Discovery course for students will also begin.