AMS Derive 2026
Competition Structure
Three rounds. Each stage tests a distinct layer of thinking ability — from mathematical precision to open-ended system reasoning. Progression is not guaranteed. Selection at each stage is based on signal quality, not volume.
Problems are drawn from probability, stochastic processes, expected value, and distribution theory. No templates are provided. Participants are expected to build models from first principles and show their reasoning in full.
Competitive-programming style problems with a quantitative layer. Correct answers are not enough, solutions must be efficient, well-structured, and handle edge cases under constraints. Problems combine algorithmic thinking with probabilistic reasoning.
Selected participants are invited to the offline finals. Teams are formed on-site. Problems are open-ended, real-world, and deliberately ambiguous, co-designed with partner firms. There is no single correct answer. Evaluation is based on how the problem is structured, reasoned through, and communicated.
Evaluation Philosophy
Reasoning Over Recall. Problems are designed so that memorised solutions do not transfer directly. Participants are expected to reason through unfamiliar configurations, not apply known patterns. Partial derivations with sound logic are valued over complete answers with no visible reasoning.
Modeling Ability Over Speed. Time pressure exists, but it is not the primary filter. The evaluation prioritises the quality of a participant's model — how well they decompose a problem, identify the relevant variables, and structure their approach. A clean, well-reasoned partial solution outranks a fast but shallow complete one.
Structured Thinking Under Uncertainty. Especially in Rounds 2 and 3, problems are deliberately underspecified. Participants must identify what is unknown, make explicit assumptions, and reason forward. This mirrors how problems are encountered in quantitative and research environments — ambiguous inputs, no guarantee of a closed-form answer.
Full Timeline
All dates are tentative and subject to confirmation. Registered participants will be notified directly via email at each stage transition. Join the AMS Derive community group for live updates.
Final Round — Beyond the Evaluation
The offline finals are not just an evaluation. The format is designed to bring together a concentrated group of strong analytical minds — and that itself is valuable.
Alongside the main event, finalists can expect structured chess and poker sessions — natural extensions of the probabilistic and strategic reasoning AMS Derive selects for.
Dedicated networking time with peers, the AMS team, and representatives from partner firms including Jane Street.
The top 3 teams emerge victorious and win the title of AMS Derive Champions.