Kattankulathur,February 2026:
Students from SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) are making their mark on the international academic arena by participating in the 2026 Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM)—a prestigious global competition that attracts thousands of teams from universities worldwide.
Organised by the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP), USA, the MCM challenges undergraduate students to solve open-ended, real-world problems using mathematical modeling, analytics, and critical thinking during an intensive four-day competition held from January 29 to February 2, 2026.
In the previous contest cycle (2025), the MCM/ICM competitions witnessed participation from over 27,000 teams globally, representing institutions across dozens of countries and regions. This scale underscores the competition’s stature and its growing significance within the international academic community.
Against this competitive global backdrop, six teams comprising 17 students from SRMIST are participating in MCM 2026, making SRMIST one of the largest Indian contingents in the contest. The students are applying creativity and analytical rigor to address complex challenges, including smartphone battery drain modeling, lunar colony design using space elevator systems, sports analytics for competitive performance, passive solar shading strategies, and the responsible use of generative AI.
Commenting on the achievement, Prof. Raj Srinivasan, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and Visiting Faculty at SRM IST, stated, “SRM’s extensive participation reflects the exceptional drive and problem-solving acumen of our students. Competing against thousands of teams globally gives them a valuable opportunity to shine and bring international recognition to SRM IST.”
Participation in the MCM not only showcases the students’ ability to apply mathematical concepts to complex scenarios but also opens pathways to international recognition, scholarships, and research opportunities, significantly enhancing their academic and professional prospects.
The results of MCM 2026, including distinctions such as Outstanding, Finalist, Meritorious, and Honorable Mention, are expected to be announced in May 2026.
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