Optimization Grand Challenge 2026

The challenge

Develop an optimized algorithm to solve "The Grand Shipyard Puzzle: Pack the Block, Beat the Clock." Your solution should maximize efficiency in block packing and scheduling within the given constraints. All implementation details and methodology must be documented in a Technical Report.

Tracks / categories

This hackathon focuses on algorithmic optimization, with a Grand Shipyard Puzzle challenge.

Required tech & constraints

• Minimum team size: 1 member
• Maximum team size: 3 members
• Open to participants above the legal age of majority in their country of residence.
• All countries/territories are eligible, excluding standard exceptions.
• Any methodology is allowed: mathematical optimization, machine learning, heuristics, or a combination.
• All code and technical reports submitted by finalist teams will be made public as open source.

Submission requirements

• Preliminary Round: Algorithm code submission via the official competition platform. Top 30-40 teams advance.
• Final Round: Technical Report describing the approach, methodology, and results, along with algorithm code files.
• Finalist teams must present their approach and results.
• Full submission guidelines are available on the official competition website: www.optichallenge.com.

Judging criteria

• Algorithm Performance: Efficiency and accuracy of the optimization solution.
• Technical Report: Clarity and depth of methodology documentation.
• Code Quality: Readability, structure, and reproducibility.

Prizes

• 1st Place: KRW 70,000,000 (approx. $48,000 USD) + internship opportunities at LG CNS.
• 2nd Place: KRW 25,000,000 (approx. $17,000 USD) per team (2 winners).
• 3rd Place: KRW 10,000,000 (approx. $7,000 USD) per team (3 winners).
• Additional Prizes: For teams ranked 4th–20th.
• Total prize pool: KRW 200 million (approx. $130,000 USD) and additional prizes.

Bonus / optional points

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.