Durov backs International Olympiad in Informatics in Tashkent with $117,000 prize fund
The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics commenced on Monday at the CAEx Exhibition Center, marking a historic first for Uzbekistan.
Recognised as the premier coding competition for secondary school students, the event has drawn a record-breaking 386 contestants from 97 countries. Accompanied by team leaders, coaches and global technology representatives, total attendance is expected to exceed 900 people.
The host committee began intensive preparations for the gathering months in advance. To accommodate the massive influx of international visitors, officials coordinated comprehensive logistical arrangements spanning secure transportation, full catering services and dedicated accommodation at the New Uzbekistan Hotel Village. Uzbekistan first participated in the global contest in 2015 and is now the second Central Asian state to host the gathering.
Fierce algorithmic competition
The tournament challenges participants to solve complex programming problems. Contestants will compete individually across two five-hour competition days. These intensive sessions require them to write functional code, which judging software then evaluates automatically.
Success in the arena demands exceptional logical thinking, advanced analytical skills and the ability to make rapid decisions under pressure. Competitors must translate abstract mathematical concepts into efficient computer algorithms to succeed.
Uzbekistan’s selection as the host nation carries deep historical significance. The country is the ancestral homeland of the ninth-century mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, widely considered the father of algebra.
Telegram backs the next generation
This year’s event has secured financial backing from the messaging platform Telegram. Chief Executive Pavel Durov announced the sponsorship, noting that several current members of his engineering team are former IOI medallists.
Telegram will distribute a prize fund worth at least $117,000 to the top competitors. To support the world’s brightest young developers, the company plans to award 235 winners with exclusive digital collectibles dubbed Algorithm Cups.
The digital awards are divided into three tiers based on performance. Approximately 45 gold medallists will receive digital cups worth at least $1,000. Another 75 silver winners will take home collectibles worth at least $500, while 115 bronze recipients will earn awards valued at a minimum of $300.
Durov emphasised that hosting the tournament in the birthplace of Al-Khwarizmi makes the occasion particularly fitting, as the scholar’s name ultimately became the modern word «algorithm». The technology founder concluded his announcement by wishing the competitors luck, stating simply to let the best algorithm win.
Beyond the computer screens, the international delegations will experience a comprehensive cultural programme. Organisers have arranged excursions across Tashkent between the competition days to showcase the rich heritage of the region.
