Geneva, Switzerland \u2014 October 5, 2026 \u2014 The Office of Justin Sun today announced the newest recipients of the Justin Sun Prize: independent researcher Wouter van Doorn, mathematics Ph.D. student Quanyu Tang, and mathematics researcher Yanyang Li from Nanjing\u2019s Southeast University, recognized for contributions spanning six Erd\u0151s problems.<\/p>\n
Wouter van Doorn is an independent number theorist who began researching mathematics as an undergraduate in 2010 and continued collaborating and publishing after leaving academia following his master\u2019s degree. Quanyu Tang (\u6c64\u6cc9\u5b87) is a mathematics Ph.D. student at the University of Science and Technology of China whose research spans number theory, combinatorics and AI-assisted mathematical discovery.<\/p>\n
Erd\u0151s problems are mathematical questions posed or popularized by Hungarian mathematician Paul Erd\u0151s about numbers, patterns and other mathematical structures. Often simple to state but difficult to solve, they have helped shape research in number theory and combinatorics, with some remaining open for decades. The Erd\u0151s catalog, compiled and maintained by Thomas Bloom, a mathematician and Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, has more than 1200 problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Van Doorn and Tang worked with Yanyang Li, from Southeast University\u2019s School of Mathematics in Nanjing, to solve Erd\u0151s Problem #650, determining exactly how many integers can always be matched to distinct multiples within a specified interval. Van Doorn also produced computer-checkable proofs in Lean, software for verifying mathematical reasoning, for #369, concerning consecutive integers with restricted prime factors; #457, about whether a short run of consecutive integers can collectively contain every prime in a given range; and #469, concerning whether the reciprocals of a special class of numbers expressible as sums of their divisors add to a finite total.<\/p>\n
Tang separately resolved #1044, establishing a sharp lower limit for boundary lengths of regions defined by polynomials, and contributed alongside Li to a wider team\u2019s solution of #1196, bounding weighted sums over sets of integers in which no member divides another.<\/p>\n
Their work on #650 offers a concrete example of how human judgment and AI can complement each other. ChatGPT helped develop the proof strategy, while Aristotle, an AI system for mathematical reasoning, repaired a gap during Lean formalization. The researchers then simplified the argument and wrote the final proofs and exposition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis experience taught me how public feedback can sharpen a research question, and how AI-assisted discovery can combine mathematical judgment, collaboration and rigorous verification,\u201d Tang said.<\/p>\n
These are the program\u2019s first confirmed awards, recognizing both mathematical discovery and the work needed to make proofs independently checkable. Information about the Justin Sun Prize, its problem catalog and recipient contributions is available through the program\u2019s public GitHub repository<\/a>.<\/p>\n The prizes will be paid out in either USDT on TRON (TRC-20) or USDC on Ethereum (ERC-20) based on the recipient\u2019s choice. For more information, please visit www.hejustinsun.com\/prize<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \nAbout the Office of Justin Sun<\/p>\n The Office of Justin Sun supports Justin Sun\u2019s global business, philanthropic and public initiatives across technology, blockchain, artificial intelligence, scientific research, investment, art and space exploration.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Justin Sun is the Ambassador and former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the World Trade Organization and the Founder of TRON. TRON is the leading blockchain for the stablecoin revolution, processing over $13 trillion in volume since its inception. In the world\u2019s emerging markets, people rely on USDT on TRON to access the global financial system.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A prot\u00e9g\u00e9 of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Sun has been recognized internationally for his work in the digital asset industry, including a Forbes cover profile in April 2025 and multiple appearances on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. In August 2025, he flew aboard Blue Origin\u2019s NS-34 mission, becoming the 712th person in history to travel to space. His broader interests span technology, investment, philanthropy, art, gaming, and space exploration.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Office of Justin Sun Contact:<\/p>\n