US teen uses computer programme to solve geometry problem, wins Rs 2.39 crore

Connor Hill won the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search after using a computer program to solve a long-standing geometry problem. His proof identified exactly 146 isolated noble polyhedra, settling a question mathematicians had kept open.Connor Hill, 17, of Port Matilda, created a full list of the mathematical shapes called “noble polyhedra” for his Regeneron Science Talent Search mathematics project (Image: Society for Science/ Chris Ayers Photography)A 17-year-old student from Pennsylvania has won the top prize at the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search after using a computer program to solve a long-standing problem in geometry. Connor Hill of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, won $250,000 or Rs 2.39 crore for his work on a rare class of three-dimensional shapes called “noble polyhedra.”Hill, a student at Delta High School in State College, created a computer program to systematically examine all possible ways of constructing noble polyhedra. These shapes have flat sides and straight edges, with every face having the same shape and every corner having the same angle. A cube is a simple example of a highly symmetrical polyhedron.Before Hill's research, mathematicians had identified two infinite families of noble polyhedra and 61 isolated examples. However, they suspected that additional isolated examples existed. Hill's program allowed him to explore the possibilities systematically and establish that there are exactly 146 isolated noble polyhedra, in addition to the two infinite families.WHAT DID HIS RESEARCH USEHis research, as per Society of Science, used ideas from different areas of mathematics, including discrete geometry and algebraic geometry. Hill said his interest in mathematics has long been driven by patterns and by understanding how they appear across different areas. His project began after he encountered the noble-polyhedra problem through an online geometry community and gradually developed into a complete proof. The achievement earned Hill first place in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the leading US competitions for high school seniors in science and mathematics. As per data shared by the Society of Science, the 2026 competition received more than 2,600 applications, with 40 finalists selected.Hill plans to attend MIT this fall. He also runs a segment on his school news programme and volunteers at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Outside academics, he enjoys nature and spends several hours a week practising juggling.- EndsPublished By: Mridusmita DekaPublished On: Aug 18, 2026 11:51 IST