Bizkaia promotes data journalism with a new challenge

The Provincial Council of Bizkaia has launched the Data Journalism Challenge, a competition aimed at rewarding creativity, rigour and talent in the use of open data. This initiative seeks to promote journalistic projects that use the public data available on the Open Data Bizkaia platform  to create informative content with a strong visual component. Whether through interactive graphics, maps, animated videos or in-depth reports, the goal is  to transform data into narratives that connect with citizens.

Who can participate?

The call is open to individuals over 18 years of age, both individually and in teams of up to four members. Each participant may submit proposals in one or more of the available categories.

It is an opportunity of special relevance for students, entrepreneurs, developers, design professionals or journalists with an interest in open data.

Three categories to boost the use of open data

The competition is divided into three categories, each with its own approach and evaluation criteria:

1. Dynamic data representation: Projects that present data in an interactive, clear, and visually appealing way.

2. Data storytelling through animated video: audiovisual narratives that explain phenomena or trends using public data.

3. Reporting + Data: journalistic articles that integrate data analysis with research and depth of information.

As we have previously mentioned, all projects must be based on the public data available on the Open Data Bizkaia platform, which offers information on multiple areas: economy, environment, mobility, health, culture, etc. It is a rich and accessible source for building relevant and well-grounded stories.

Up to 4,500 euros in prizes

For each category, the following prizes will be awarded:

• First place: 1,500 euros

• Second place: 750 euros

The prizes will be subject to the corresponding tax withholdings. Since the same person can submit proposals to several categories, and these will be evaluated independently, it is possible for a single participant to win more than one prize. Therefore, a single participant will be able to win up to 4,500 euros, if they win in all three categories.

What are the evaluation criteria?

The awards will be made through the competitive concurrence procedure. All the projects received in the period enabled for this will be evaluated by the jury, according to a series of specific criteria for each category:

1. Dynamic data representation:

• Communicative clarity (30%)

• Interactivity (25%)

• Design and usability (20%)

• Originality in representation (15%)

• Rigor and fidelity of data (10%)

2. Data storytelling in animation video

• Narrative and script (30%)

• Visual creativity and technical innovation (25%)

• Informational clarity (20%)

• Emotional and aesthetic impact (15%)

• Rigorous and honest use of data (10%)

3. Feature + Data

• Journalistic quality and analytical depth (30%)

• Narrative integration of data (25%)

• Originality in approach and format (20%)

• Design and user experience (15%)

• Transparency and traceability of sources (10%)

How are applications submitted?

The deadline for submitting projects began on November 3 and will be open until December 3, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Applications may be submitted in a variety of ways:

• Electronically, through the electronic office of Bizkaia, using the procedure code 2899.

• In person, at the General Registry of the Laguntza Office (c/ Diputación, 7, Bilbao), at any other public registry or at the Post Office.

In the case of group projects, a single application signed by a representative must be submitted. This person will assume the dialogue with the organizing General Directorate, taking care of the procedures and the fulfillment of the corresponding obligations.

The documentation that must be submitted is:

• The project to be evaluated.

• The certificate of being up to date with tax obligations.

• The certificate of being up to date with Social Security obligations.

• The direct debit form, only in the event that the applicant objects to this Administration checking the bank details by its own means.

Contact Information

For queries or additional information, please contact the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. Specifically, with the Department of Public Administration and Institutional Relations, Technical Advisory Section c/ Gran Vía, 2 (48009) in the city of Bilbao. Doubts will also be answered by calling 944 068 000 and by email SAT@bizkaia.eus.

This competition represents an opportunity to explore the potential of data journalism and contribute to more transparent and accessible communication. The projects presented will be able to highlight the potential of open data to facilitate the understanding of issues of public interest, in a clear and simple way.

For more details, it is recommended to read the information