Math Prize Program Offers $1 Million for Verified Proofs
The Justin Sun Prize and MathDB launch a 50-problem pilot to incentivize machine-verified mathematical discoveries.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Mathematics
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The Justin Sun Prize has launched a 50-problem pilot program in partnership with MathDB to incentivize complex mathematical proofs. This program, which is currently active, combines human mathematical solutions with Lean formalization and rigorous exposition to verify high-level theoretical work.
Why it matters
This initiative seeks to establish a standardized framework where human insight and automated proof verification collaborate to tackle legendary mathematical hurdles, potentially bridging the gap between theoretical research and machine-verified certainty.
The program allocates 50% of each award to the mathematical solution, 30% to Lean formalization—a language used for machine-checked proofs—and 20% for exposition. This split reflects a shift toward prioritizing verifiable machine-readable output alongside traditional proofs.
The players
Justin Sun Prize
An initiative that provides financial incentives for solving major mathematical challenges.
MathDB
A platform that specializes in accepting solution submissions and verifying formal mathematical proofs.
The details
MathDB serves as the submission portal, managing the ingestion of mathematical proofs and their subsequent verification using Lean, an interactive theorem prover designed to confirm logical correctness through computation. By requiring both a traditional solution and a Lean formalization, the program mandates that participants provide a machine-verifiable proof structure that eliminates the ambiguity often found in manual proofs. The pilot includes high-stakes problems such as P versus NP, the Riemann Hypothesis, and the Hodge Conjecture.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The Justin Sun Prize announced the launch of the MathDB pilot program.
The Tech Race
This program marks a departure from traditional mathematical prize models by mandating formalization as a core component of the proof submission process. It competes in an emerging space where high-level theoretical mathematics increasingly relies on automated theorem provers to validate results.
The program is open to mathematicians and researchers who can provide both the theoretical solution and the corresponding Lean formalization for the 50 pilot problems. Participants must ensure their submissions comply with international anti-money laundering and sanctions laws before any award is issued.
The takeaway
This pilot program elevates the role of computational verification in professional mathematics. Researchers should monitor the program for updates on how the specific Lean formalization requirements impact the evaluation of the P versus NP and Riemann Hypothesis submissions.
Further reading
For broader trends in formal verification, see our latest coverage on Mathematics.
More information
Review the full eligibility criteria and submission requirements at the Justin Sun Prize official program rules.
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