The Challenge
M3 Challenge: Using Math and Data to Solve Real-world Problems
MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge is an entirely internet-based math modeling competition with no registration or participation fees. Schools in the U.S., England, and Wales are eligible to enter in teams of three to five students. Over $2 million has been awarded through 2025.
Registration for M3 Challenge 2026 is now closed.
Unlike other math competitions!
- Address a real open-ended problem
- Use your math skills – all levels welcome!
- Work as a team under flexible 14-hour time constraint
- Up for coding? Check out the MATLAB Technical Computing Award
- Access tons of free resources – books, videos, tutorials
- Finalists win scholarships & go to NYC to present with expenses paid
37 team scholarship awards, so go for it!
The Challenge
Flexible Work Time
Download the problem anytime during Challenge weekend to begin your 14-hour Challenge experience.
Resources
How do you like to learn?
Scholarship Awards
Top teams receive scholarship awards for college education.
Considering TC?
Additional awards available for teams that use MATLAB
Judging
More than 100 Ph.D.-level applied mathematicians serve as judges throughout three rounds of judging.
SPARK Awards
For teams from Title 1 schools that develop Solutions with Passion, Resourcefulness, and Knowledge.
