#Baku #Azerbaijan #Huawei #St. Petersburg #ICPC

The 2025 ICPC World Finals: A Showcase of Talent and Technique

The 2025 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Finals, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, saw the triumph of the St. Petersburg State University team, who outperformed 140 other elite teams from over 50 countries. Competing at the Baku Convention Center, the team resolutely tackled twelve programming challenges, achieving the highest score and securing the championship title. This competition not only highlighted academic prowess but also established a crucial link between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in the industry.

As a primary sponsor of the event, Huawei posed a unique challenge aimed at optimizing the photo gallery of a mobile device, bridging the gaps between algorithmic expertise and real-world tasks. During the three-hour ICPC Challenge, the University of Tokyo team, which eventually clinched the runner-up position in the championship, excelled in this Industry Challenge, showcasing their exceptional problem-solving skills.

Dr. Bill Poucher, the Executive Director of ICPC, expressed his admiration by stating, 'What remarkable talent we've witnessed! Congratulations to both the St. Petersburg State University team and the University of Tokyo team. Special thanks to our sponsors, particularly Huawei, for their support in making the ICPC World Finals Challenge a success.'

Huawei's commitment to fostering talent through such initiatives is evident in the words of Xiao Chunpeng, the Director of Competitive Management at Huawei. He remarked, 'AI is stepping out of the laboratory and into real-world applications, opening up unprecedented opportunities for today's youth. We at Huawei value fundamental research and are proud to partner with organizations like ICPC to face industry challenges head-on. By collaborating and sharing insights on global challenges, we can empower the brightest minds to devise innovative solutions.'

The companies declared plans for ongoing collaboration, indicating that Huawei and ICPC will launch additional software-focused challenges, including opportunities centered around AI and algorithms. This partnership will also encompass training camps, championship competitions, and technical lectures, all aimed at nurturing a new generation of talent capable of addressing contemporary challenges in AI, computer science, and the various operators involved in these fields.

Xiao emphasized the significance of global talent competitions, asserting that they not only assess individual capabilities but also bridge various talent ecosystems with diverse industries. 'Huawei is proud to support these platforms, contributing to identifying and nurturing brilliant talents across the globe, in hopes that future competitions will inspire young individuals to transform their innovative ideas and technical skills into societal progress and industrial advancement.'

As the ICPC celebrated another successful championship, the collaboration with Huawei indicates a progressive step towards integrating educational pursuits with real-world applications, undoubtedly setting the stage for many breakthroughs in the tech industry. Whether through competitions or innovative problem-solving initiatives, the future of programming and artificial intelligence appears bright, led by partnerships that prioritize knowledge-sharing and practical experience.




This year's ICPC World Finals underscored the critical role of industry partnerships in shaping the future of technology education, preparation, and application. As participants return to their universities, they carry not just accolades, but a commitment to advancing their skills and contributing to ongoing technological advancements, encouraged by the support of leaders like Huawei.