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
- Register your team at www.optichallenge.com
- Form a team of 1–3 members
- Review the competition problem and guidelines on the official website
- Submit your solution during the Preliminary Round (June 15 – July 28)
- 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
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