Catomba – Summer Camps for Outstanding Students in Mathematics

Each year, the Faculty of Mathematics hosts three distinctive summer camps for talented youth, held in parallel and together forming an intellectual continuum of mathematical depth and exposure to contemporary fields of research: Tomba, Comba, and Quantomba. The Tomba camp focuses on number theory and offers an in-depth introduction to modern encryption principles, particularly the RSA algorithm, highlighting the connection between pure mathematics and real-world applications. Comba, the advanced continuation of Tomba, concentrates on graph theory and its applications, further developing participants’ algorithmic thinking and problem-solving skills. Quantomba, the most advanced of the three camps, is dedicated to quantum computing at the level of fundamental theory and basic practice. It is designed for high school students who have completed Tomba and Comba, or who possess an exceptionally strong mathematical background. Enrollment in Quantomba is limited to approximately twenty students each year, enabling intensive study in a focused academic setting. Alongside the rigorous academic program, the Katomba camps offer a comprehensive academic and social experience that closely resembles university life. The curriculum is developed within the Faculty of Mathematics and delivered by academic faculty members and researchers, combining lectures, small-group learning, and challenging problem-solving activities. Social and cultural activities complement the academic program, fostering a cohesive learning community of curious and highly capable students. Together, the depth of intellectual engagement, early exposure to academia, and meaningful peer interaction lay a strong foundation for participants’ future development in science, engineering, and technology.