“The Lost Algorithm” - Escape Room

The Lost Algorithm: The Ultimate Coding Escape Room The Lost Algorithm is an intense, immersive offline coding escape challenge conducted under INNOVATEX 4.0 at Presidency University as part of the MakerSpace Cluster. Organized by the Omega Coding Club, this event blends competitive programming, debugging, logical reasoning, and time-bound problem-solving into a high-pressure escape scenario. Participants must infiltrate the fortified CodeBreak Citadel and escape by solving eight interconnected coding levels within 90 minutes. Each level unlocks the next through decrypted clues, optimized algorithms, and precise debugging. Teams must strategically balance speed, accuracy, and performance efficiency to reach the final vault. The Lost Algorithm evaluates participants’ coding fundamentals, algorithmic optimization, debugging capability, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. The fastest team to successfully escape with the highest validated score will be declared the winner. This event delivers a real-world simulation of deadline-driven software engineering environments, strengthening skills highly relevant to competitive programming, technical interviews, and professional development. Guidelines Eligibility Open to undergraduate students of recognized institutions. Participants must carry a valid college ID card during the event. The event will be conducted in offline mode only. Team Composition Team size: 4 members per team. Each participant can be part of only one team. Teams must remain together throughout the event. All members are expected to actively contribute during the competition. Competition Format The competition is structured as a multi-level coding escape challenge. Event Flow Level-Based Escape Structure Teams must complete 8 interconnected coding levels within 90 minutes.Each level must be solved sequentially to unlock the next stage.Codes must be written or debugged in Python or Java as specified.Teams must decrypt clues, optimize algorithms for resource constraints, and solve logic-based tasks. Final Evaluation Upon completion of the levels, judges will validate solutions and compute final scores.Fastest escape time combined with scoring parameters determines the winners. An additional 30 minutes may be allocated for evaluation and scoring verification. Technical Specifications All code must be developed from scratch during the event. Pre-built or previously prepared code is strictly prohibited. Internet usage is not allowed during the competition. Basic power and connectivity support will be provided by organizers. Teams must use the provided key or validation mechanism to proceed to the next level. Submission Guidelines Teams must ensure: Completion of all accessible levels within the time limit. Submission of source code for evaluation. All solutions must successfully execute during verification. Judging Criteria Teams will be evaluated based on: Number of levels successfully cleared Completion of the final level Efficient performance and optimized logic Avoidance of hints Speed of completion Judges’ decisions will be final and binding. Technical Issues In case of system failure or connectivity issues, participants must immediately inform the proctor. Additional time may be granted only if the issue is verified as event-related. Compliance Rules Teams must adhere to all event rules and instructions. Participants must approach volunteers or the Event Head in case of discrepancies. All decisions by judges and safety officers are final.