Open Letter about the Mathathon (proofsandprompts.com)

On October 30, 2026, Caltech will host the Caltech Mathathon, a hackathon designed for participants to solve open mathematical problems using large language models (LLMs), supported by AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI who are providing $2 million in AI credits. However, this event has sparked controversy within the mathematical community, as many believe it could undermine the integrity of mathematical research and foster a harmful competitive environment. Critics argue that such initiatives turn mathematics into a marketing platform for AI companies, while neglecting essential practices like thorough verification and mentorship, potentially damaging the future of the field. The Mathathon could exacerbate issues of "slop mathematics," where hastily generated results by less-experienced participants may not meet the rigorous standards of mathematical practice. Moreover, the corporate interests of AI companies seem misaligned with the goals of academia, prioritizing rapid results over meaningful contributions to knowledge. This culminates in financial inequities and could mislead public perception regarding the role of human mathematicians versus AI in solving conjectures, raising concerns about the reputational risks for young researchers who engage with these companies. The open letter signed by over 770 mathematicians calls for the event's suspension, highlighting the lack of constructive engagement and the potential negative impact on the mathematical community's future.