To address pressing societal challenges through mathematical modelling and data-driven approaches, the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences (ASSMS) at Government College University (GCU) Lahore inaugurated a two-day national youth hackathon on Saturday.

The 'IMM–ASSMS Youth Hackathon 2026', funded by the Elsevier Mathematical Sciences Sponsorship Fund, has drawn extraordinary national interest. From a pool of over 2,100 applicants nationwide, only 42 undergraduate students were shortlisted, reflecting a highly competitive acceptance rate of approximately two per cent.

The selected participants hail from geographically diverse regions across Pakistan, travelling from cities as distant as Skardu, Mansehra, Sukkur, and Karachi. They represent several of the country's leading higher education institutions, including LUMS, IBA Karachi, Sukkur IBA University, Namal University, and the University of Baltistan.

During the two-day event, the students are divided into four thematic groups. They are tasked with developing quantitative frameworks to address critical societal issues: education inequality, gender disparity in STEM, the rural-urban divide, and data-driven social inclusion.

In a statement, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Omer Chaudhry noted that the hackathon reflects the university's continued commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and international collaboration. He highlighted that the initiative provides a unique platform to promote mathematical creativity and research-oriented learning, while exposing local talent to global academic standards.

The hackathon is organised in collaboration with the International Mathematics Master (IMM), Trieste, Italy. To oversee the academic activities and team-based challenges, representatives from IMM Italy—Ms Celeste Luciano and Mr Giacomo Umer—are physically present at the venue to ensure direct interaction between Pakistan’s emerging talent and global experts. Furthermore, IMM-trained graduates are serving as mentors to guide the competing teams.

Addressing the inaugural session, ASSMS Prof Dr Khurram Shabbir highlighted the intersection of quantitative sciences and public administration. He emphasised the essential role of mathematics in transforming complex, real-world social issues into concrete, evidence-based policy insights.

The hackathon will conclude on Sunday, June 14, with the participating teams delivering their final presentations before a joint panel of national and international experts.