GMV has announced the winners of its international mathematical challenge, launched in collaboration with Trampoline Network, the first blockchain-based marketplace for innovation and intellectual property. The challenge aimed to identify innovative solutions to a highly complex algebraic problem with applications in advanced cryptography.

The challenge focused on solving a complex mathematical problem with significant implications for cybersecurity, particularly in developing stronger protection systems against emerging threats such as quantum computing.

Specifically, the challenge had three primary objectives:

• To inspire fresh ideas for tackling such challenges through innovative approaches.
• To find effective, scalable solutions suitable for real-world implementation.
• To advance cryptographic innovation by harnessing advanced mathematics as a driver of technological progress.

The competition attracted over 100 participants worldwide, including experts in mathematics, theoretical computer science, and cryptography, underscoring its international and collaborative nature. Serving as an open platform, the challenge channeled talent towards a frontier technological problem with direct applications in cybersecurity and post-quantum encryption.

Trampoline Network played a key role in conceptualizing and managing the challenge, acting as a bridge between industry and the global scientific community. Its blockchain-based platform enabled a swift, traceable launch of the challenge, connecting GMV with highly specialized international talent and ensuring transparency throughout the open innovation process.

Challenge winners

The technical jury, composed of GMV specialists in cryptography and computational algebra, selected the winning proposal from a multidisciplinary international team made up of:

• Ángela Barbero, Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Valladolid, Spain
• Øyvind Ytrehus, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, Norway
• Håvard Raddum y Morten Øygarden, Department of Cryptography, Simula UiB, Norway
• Camilla Hollanti y Ragnar Freij-Hollanti, Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis, Aalto University, Finland

The team has been awarded a prize of €15,000 for the originality and potential of their approach, which combines algebraic techniques with advanced structural analysis over finite fields.

Beyond the monetary award, the winners will continue collaborating with GMV to analyze and develop the solution for practical applications in future cryptographic projects, setting a precedent for co-creation between academia and the technology sector.

Driving cryptographic innovation

This challenge reflects GMV’s commitment to fostering open research and promoting global collaboration in critical areas shaping the future of cybersecurity. As a company dedicated to responsible and sustainable innovation, GMV values deep connections with the international scientific community to tackle technical challenges with real-world impact.