Samsung Electronics seeks AI, software talent with annual college programming challenge

Samsung Electronics announced Thursday it is accepting applications for the 12th Samsung Electronics Collegiate Programming Contest (SCPC).

SCPC is the country's largest software competition, held annually by Samsung Electronics since 2015 to expand the software ecosystem and identify top talent.

Any undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in programming may apply, regardless of year or major. Applications are open from Thursday through July 5 on the Samsung Research website.

This year's contest runs two tracks simultaneously: the AI Challenge and the Software Algorithm Challenge. Finalists for each track will be selected through separate online qualifying rounds.

The AI Challenge evaluates participants' ability to develop agentic AI, while the Software Algorithm Challenge focuses on programming skills and the ability to solve complex algorithmic problems.

The finals will be held at Samsung Electronics' Seoul R&D Campus in Umyeon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. The AI Challenge final is scheduled for Aug. 21 and the Software Algorithm Challenge final for Aug. 28. A combined awards ceremony for both tracks will also be held at the Seoul R&D Campus on Aug. 28. Winners will receive cash prizes and preferential consideration in Samsung Electronics hiring.

Since its inaugural competition in 2015, SCPC has drawn a cumulative total of about 40,000 college students and produced 393 winners, contributing to the development of software talent in South Korea.