CHUKA, Kenya – Chuka University’s John Tingoi has clinched the top spot in the Kenya National Finals of the International Quant Championship (IQC) 2025, securing a coveted slot among the 12 global finalists.
Tingoi, a final-year student at the Faculty of Science and Technology, beat more than 9,000 participants in Kenya and outperformed nearly 80,000 competitors worldwide to qualify for the showdown in Singapore on September 29–30.
The International Quant Championship, run by WorldQuant BRAIN, is a premier competition that challenges university students to design predictive models, or “alphas,” using historical financial data. Submissions are judged on originality, quality, risk diversification, and logical reasoning.
The competition culminates in live presentations before a panel of senior WorldQuant executives.
“This landmark achievement cements Chuka University’s reputation in science, technology, and innovation,” the university said in a congratulatory statement.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Tingoi is pursuing a degree in Applied Computer Science and currently works remotely as a WorldQuant Researcher, where he designs algorithmic models for financial markets.
His academic interests include data science, quantitative analysis, and blockchain technology, with his final-year project focusing on a blockchain-based healthcare records management system.
This year’s championship drew nearly 80,000 participants from over 11,000 universities across the globe. The prize pool totals about Ksh.13.2 million, with the winning team set to walk away with approximately Ksh.2.6 million.
Outstanding performers may also land internships, consulting opportunities, or full-time positions at WorldQuant.
Tingoi’s qualification not only places Chuka University in the global spotlight but also adds Kenya to the elite list of countries competing for the championship title.
