The Competitive Programming Contest of Fall 24, organized by Deviteam in collaboration with the IEEE Student Branch, brought the thrill of competitive programming back to campus. Held in Lab 7, this exciting event spanned five intense hours, where teams of three tackled eight challenging problems designed to test their problem-solving and coding skills. The competition was an inspiring effort to rekindle the university's legacy in competitive programming, a domain in which AUI has won the Moroccan National Programming Contest (MNPC) for five consecutive years, with the last edition marking the latest victory.

To ensure a smooth and engaging experience, an info and prep session was held the day before the competition. This session familiarized participants with the contest platform and covered essential judging and ranking criteria. Teams were also advised on using programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python, with flexibility for others upon prior notice. The mandatory training, ensured that every participant was well-prepared to make the most of the event. The contest kicked off on Saturday, October 19, with participants arriving by 2:00 PM for setup and group photos. The competition officially began at 3:00 PM, as teams squeezed their brains to solve the problems within the allotted time. The rules allowed only official documentation for coding languages, but participants could bring printed notes or references for additional support. Despite the limited spots—allocated on a first-come, first-served basis—the event saw a fantastic turnout, demonstrating the students' enthusiasm and commitment to competitive programming.

The competition culminated in a dramatic blind hour, where final submissions were hidden from the live scoreboard. This created an air of suspense as teams made last-minute comebacks, shaking up the rankings. The results were announced at the award ceremony, held during a celebratory cocktail reception in the VIP Room. The prize pool of 9000 MAD was awarded to the top three teams, along with certificates of participation for all contestants. The contest was more than just a test of skills; it aimed to encourage interest in competitive programming and foster the next generation of AUI's programming champions. By building on the university’s rich tradition in the field, the event provided a platform for students to showcase their talent and explore potential recruitment opportunities with Deviteam.

Special thanks to Deviteam and the IEEE Student Branch for their collaborative efforts in organizing this inspiring event, and to all the participants for their energy and enthusiasm. Events like these not only reignite the competitive spirit but also help cement AUI’s position as a hub for technological and intellectual excellence.

Stay tuned for future challenges and opportunities to code your way to success!