American University in Kuwait Hosts 14th Kuwait University Programming Competition

The American University in Kuwait (AUK) hosted the 14th Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest (KCPC2026) for universities and colleges on October 22 and 24, featuring 47 teams comprising 141 students, along with 22 coaches, representing 10 universities in Kuwait. The event was organized by the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at the university, in line with its commitment to enhancing students’ programming skills and supporting young talent.

Launched in 2010 by the American University in Kuwait, the contest stems from a vision aimed at fostering competitive programming spirit among university students. Since its inception, it has evolved into an event that brings together higher education institutions in Kuwait under a shared goal of developing programming skills, analytical thinking, and encouraging technological innovation. The number of participating teams has grown from 10 in the first edition to 47 this year, reflecting the contest’s continuous growth and increasing interest in programming in Kuwait.

This year, the university hosted students from 10 universities and educational institutions: Abdullah Al-Salem University, the American University in Kuwait, the Arab Open University, the Australian University, the Canadian College in Kuwait, the Gulf University for Science and Technology, the International University for Science and Technology in Kuwait, the Kuwait College of Science and Technology, the Technical College in Kuwait, and the University of Kuwait, represented by its College of Science and College of Engineering. This participation reflects the growing national interest in programming and its role in developing students’ skills and preparing them for the demands of the technical sector.

Over five hours of intense programming challenges, teams competed to solve complex algorithmic problems requiring logical thinking, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively under pressure, following the format of the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC). The contest provided participants with an opportunity to test their programming skills, exchange experiences, and enhance their ability to find innovative solutions to problems.

Second place: The Sharks team from the Technical College in Kuwait.

The atmosphere of the contest was characterized by enthusiasm, focus, and a spirit of cooperation, as students from various educational institutions gathered in a competitive environment that encouraged knowledge sharing, learning, and skill development. The efforts of organizers, coaches, and volunteers contributed to the smooth running of the contest and provided a positive experience for participants.

Speaking about the contest, Dima Aboushaid, Senior Lecturer at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Contest Director, said: “Competitive programming goes far beyond algorithms and problem-solving; it is about inspiring young minds, nurturing talent, and building a community that brings together passion, perseverance, and a spirit of volunteerism. The Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest 2026 clearly embodied this spirit, emphasizing that the true legacy of any competition lies not only in medals and awards, but in the people it brings together and the bonds that form and endure long after the event concludes.”

For his part, Professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said: “The Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of talent in computing. It provides students with the opportunity to develop their creativity, perseverance, and teamwork skills, all of which are essential drivers of technological innovation. Since the American University of Kuwait first hosted the competition in 2010, the number of participating teams has risen from 10 to 47, alongside an increase in the number of participating universities. The American University of Kuwait and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences are proud of their role in supporting Kuwait’s programming community, nurturing young talent, and contributing to the continued growth and development of this community.”

The Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest 2026 underscores the American University of Kuwait’s and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ commitment to supporting young programming talent, fostering a culture of innovation, and providing students with opportunities to develop their problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork skills, thereby contributing to building a thriving tech community and preparing the next generation of innovators.

The American University of Kuwait is the first private university in Kuwait specializing in humanities and liberal arts. The university has established its educational, cultural, and administrative standards based on the educational model followed by universities and colleges in the United States, with English as the language of instruction. For more information about the American University of Kuwait, please visit www.auk.edu.kw.