Ankita Ambast

Co-founder of CodeChef, revolutionizing competitive programming and open-source communities

Ankita Ambast is a computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded CodeChef, a global competitive programming platform that has transformed how developers learn and collaborate. Born in India, she emerged as a leader in the tech community during the early 2000s, when online coding competitions were still niche. CodeChef, launched in 2010, became a pivotal space for developers to solve algorithmic challenges, fostering a culture of open-source innovation. Ambast’s vision emphasized accessibility, enabling millions of users from underrepresented regions to participate in coding contests. Her work directly impacted tech education in India and beyond, with partnerships with universities and corporations like Google. She also contributed to initiatives like the CodeChef community, which hosts over 4 million developers today. Beyond coding, Ambast advocated for women in tech through mentorship programs, addressing gender gaps in STEM fields. Her legacy includes shaping the next generation of problem-solvers, as seen in her collaborations with UNESCO on digital literacy projects. Learn more.