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​In this episode, we talk with Leonid Kholkine, co-founder of Data Makers Fest and Head of R&D at DareData.

​Leonid’s career spans research, engineering, startups, and community building. He completed a PhD in machine learning applied to sports, worked on real-world AI systems across several industries, and helped launch multiple initiatives around data and innovation, including World Data League and Data Lead Club.

​He is also one of the people behind Data Makers Fest, a conference created for practitioners who want to learn from real projects and real experience.

​In this conversation, we discuss:

  • ​Leonid’s path from engineering to applied AI research
  • ​His work on machine learning in sports and applied data systems
  • ​How the idea for Data Makers Fest started
  • ​What it takes to launch a conference from scratch
  • ​Why practitioner communities are important in the data ecosystem
  • ​His experience as one of the early members of DataTalks.Club

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​About the Speaker:
​Leonid Kholkine is Head of R&D at DareData and co-founder of Data Makers Fest, a conference for data practitioners focused on practical knowledge and real-world experience.

​Leonid has a background in machine learning research and applied AI. He completed a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Antwerp, where his work focused on machine learning applications in sports performance and physiology.

​Throughout his career, he has worked across research, engineering, and innovation projects in multiple domains, including sports analytics, healthcare, and data platforms. He has also co-founded several community initiatives, including World Data League, a global data science competition focused on urban challenges, and Data Lead Club, a community for data team leaders.

​His work combines applied AI, product development, and community building in the data ecosystem.

**Join our Slack: https://datatalks.club/slack.html**
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