Chuka university student among top 3 in International Quant Championship

Chuka University student John Tingoi/HANDOUT

Kenyan student John Tingoi, applied computer science graduate from Chuka University finished third in the International Quant Championship (IQC) held in Singapore.

The competition drew nearly 80,000 participants globally to test their skills in quantitative finance. 

The 22-year-old applied computer science fourth years student beat over 9,000 participants in Kenya to represent the country in the global competition designed to test skills in finance, statistics, and programming.

“I managed to secure second runners up from the competition.

“Alpha is an algorithm that can be used to predict the future price of financial markets. It's basically about building signals that can be used to trade in the financial markets,” he told NTV.

He started by working part time as a WorldQuant researcher remotely even as he continued with his studies.

The International Quant Championship, organized by WorldQuant BRAIN, is a premier competition designed to identify exceptional quantitative talent across the globe. 

At the competition, they are allowed to choose up to groups of four but Tingoi was alone.

"There were countries that were solo, for example I from Kenya. It was a good competition and a tough one especially competing against those who have been in this industry for a very long time.

“Participating in world quant is sustainable, I don’t have to call my mother asking for rent or money for upkeep.”

His final project was tested on logic, risk strategy and originality.

He noted that to succeed one must have something extra that other competitors have.

The championship was divided into three stages, starting with National qualifiers in March 2025, regional qualifiers in July 2025 and the global finals in September 2025.

The prize pool totals about Sh13.2 million with the winning team set to receive about Sh2.6 million.

Top performers may also be considered for internships, consulting, or full-time roles at WorldQuant.

In a statement after emerging third, Chuka University said Tungoi's participation and success in departmental hackathons and innovation challenges including those run in partnership with Teach2Give, TheJitu, and HealthIT sharpened his problem-solving mindset and prepared him for international excellence.

“From his humble beginnings in a Maasai rural community, John has risen through determination, resilience, and brilliance to achieve global recognition. His journey shows that background does not define destiny and that all dreams are valid when supported by mentorship, discipline, and opportunity.

“We celebrate this achievement as a proud moment for Chuka University, for Kenya, and for Africa. Congratulations John for inspiring a generation.”