The American University of Kuwait Hosts the 14th Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest (KCPC)

AUK proudly hosted the Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest (KCPC 2026) on October 22 and 24, 2026, bringing together 47 teams comprising 141 students, alongside 22 coaches, representing 10 universities in Kuwait. Organized by AUK’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), the competition reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to strengthening students’ programming skills and supporting young talent.
 
Launched in 2010 as an initiative by the American University of Kuwait, KCPC was established to encourage a spirit of competitive programming among university students. Since its inception, the competition has grown into an event that brings together higher education institutions in Kuwait around a shared goal of developing programming skills, analytical thinking, and technological innovation. Participation has increased from 10 teams in the inaugural competition to 47 teams in this year’s edition, reflecting the contest’s continued growth and increasing interest in programming in Kuwait.
 
This year’s competition welcomed students from 10 universities and higher education institutions: Abdullah Al Salem University, the American University of Kuwait, Arab Open University, Australian University, Canadian College of Kuwait, Gulf University for Science and Technology, International University of Science and Technology in Kuwait, Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Kuwait Technical College, and Kuwait University, represented by its College of Science and College of Engineering. This participation reflects growing national interest in programming and its role in developing students’ skills and preparing them for the demands of the technology sector.
 
Over five hours of intensive competition, teams tackled challenging algorithmic problems that tested their logical reasoning, creativity, and ability to collaborate under pressure, following the format of the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC). The competition provided participants with an opportunity to test their programming abilities, exchange knowledge, and strengthen their problem-solving skills through innovative technical challenges.

The top three teams were:
  
First Place: Team Critical Path from Arab Open University.
Second Place: Team Sharks from Kuwait Technical College.
Third Place: Team init1 from Arab Open University.
 
The event was marked by enthusiasm, concentration, and a strong spirit of collaboration, bringing students from different institutions together in an environment that encouraged knowledge-sharing, learning, and skills development. The efforts of the organizers, coaches, and volunteers also contributed to the successful delivery of the competition and a positive experience for participants.
 
Commenting on the competition, Senior Instructor Dima Aburshaid, Contest Director and faculty member at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said:
“Competitive programming is about far more than algorithms and solving problems. It is about inspiring young minds, nurturing talent, and building a community united by passion, perseverance, and a spirit of volunteerism. KCPC 2026 was a powerful testament to that spirit, reminding us that the greatest legacy of any competition does not lie in the medals awarded, but in the people, it brings together and the lasting bonds it creates.”
 
Professor Mohammed El-Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, added:
“The Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of computing talent. It gives students the opportunity to develop their creativity, perseverance, and collaboration skills, which are all essential qualities for driving technological innovation. Since AUK first hosted the competition in 2010, participation has grown from 10 teams to 47, with an increasing number of universities competing.
 
AUK and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences are proud to have served as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s competitive programming community, supporting young talent and helping the community continue to grow.”
 
The Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest 2026 reaffirms the American University of Kuwait and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ commitment to supporting young talent in programming, promoting innovation, and providing students with opportunities to strengthen their problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork skills. Through initiatives such as KCPC, AUK continues to contribute to a thriving technology community and help prepare the next generation of innovators.
  
  
Images from the event