Optimization Grand Challenge 2026

About the challenge

Optimization Grand Challenge 2026 (OGC 2026) is a global algorithmic optimization competition hosted by LG CNS and the Korean Institute of Industrial Engineers (KIIE).

This year's problem is "The Grand Shipyard Puzzle: Pack the Block, Beat the Clock" — a large-scale combinatorial optimization challenge inspired by real-world shipyard logistics. Participants are tasked with developing the most efficient algorithm to solve complex packing and scheduling problems under time constraints.

With a total prize pool of KRW 200 million (approx. $130,000 USD), OGC 2026 invites the world's brightest minds in optimization, operations research, and algorithm design to compete on a global stage.

All times and dates are based on Korea Standard Time (KST, UTC+09:00).

※ Top-ranked winners may be eligible for additional benefits when applying to LG CNS, such as exemption from the document screening stage in the recruitment process.

Get started

1. Register your team at www.optichallenge.com
2. Form a team of 1–3 members
3. Review the competition problem and guidelines on the official website
4. Submit your solution during the Preliminary Round (June 15 – July 28)
5. Top teams advance to the Final Round (August 3–14) and present at the Awards Ceremony on September 4

How the Competition Works

OGC 2026 consists of two stages: a Preliminary Round and a Final Round. Teams may use any methodology — mathematical optimization, machine learning, heuristics, or any combination thereof.

Preliminary Round

• Teams submit algorithm code to the competition server for automated evaluation
• The leaderboard is updated based on evaluation results
• Top 30–40 teams (subject to change) advance to the Final Round, based on automated scoring and code verification by the organizing committee
• Final Preliminary Round rankings will be announced at the close of the round

Final Round

• Automated scoring continues as in the Preliminary Round
• All finalist teams must submit a Technical Report explaining their algorithm
• Finalist teams must present their approach and results before the organizing committee
• Final winners are selected based on a comprehensive review of: automated scores, technical report, code review, and presentation evaluation

Evaluation & Disclosure Policy

• Specific evaluation criteria and procedures are at the organizing committee's discretion
• Individual evaluation results will not be disclosed; only final rankings of winners will be announced
• All code and technical reports submitted by finalist teams will be made public as open source
• Participation implies consent to this disclosure
• Awards may be revoked if misconduct, including plagiarism, is confirmed after final results are announced