# OpenAI ends Caltech math hackathon sponsorship after "slop mathematics" criticism

_Friday, September 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM EDT · AI, Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

OpenAI says it is no longer sponsoring Caltech's math hackathon, an event where participants use AI to solve research problems, following criticism that the approach produces "slop mathematics." The withdrawal, reported by Business Insider, marks a reversal of the company's backing for an academic competition built around AI-assisted mathematical research.

The source does not state the value of the sponsorship, when the decision was made, or whether Caltech will continue the event without OpenAI's support. The criticism cited centers on the quality of AI-generated mathematical work rather than on the hackathon's organization.

## Sources

- [Techmeme](https://www.techmeme.com/260911/p13#a260911p13)

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Retrieved: 2026-09-12T04:08:19.770Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)