One of Elon Musk’s young DOGE engineers explains how he won the $700K Vesuvius Challenge
Luke Farritor won $700K Vesuvius Challenge using AI tech to decode scrolls.

Luke Farritor, a 21-year-old engineer, seized the $700K grand prize in the Vesuvius Challenge, spearheaded by AI investor Nat Friedman. He devised an AI software to decipher ancient scrolls, blending his passion for tech and archaeology.
Before his breakthrough, Farritor worked on Starship launch pad software at SpaceX, striving tirelessly as an intern. His achievements in the Vesuvius Challenge hinted at technology's transformative power, fostering excitement in a university-research-backed initiative.
Farritor's prize money will alleviate his parents' financial burdens and help launch a startup. His involvement opened doors to a secret government role under Musk's mentorship, surprising many in Washington.