There is a demand for biomedical scientists who can apply statistical analysis and computational methods to large volumes of data. The IDI-BD2K is a program that takes an interdisciplinary approach through informal teaching for faculty and students to create community and develop biomedical data science. This document describes the experience in the use of innovative hackathons and professional development workshops for teachers and students, as well as interdisciplinary courses to spur innovation in interdisciplinary data science in biomedical problems.