The q-variance challenge

Can any continuous-time model, using no more than three free parameters, reproduce what may be the most clear-cut empirical property of variance, namely the parabolic relationship known as q-variance?

The competition was launched on 8 December 2025 by Wilmott magazine.

Prize:One-year subscription to WILMOTT magazine and publication of the technique.

Competition details: See the GitHub site.

Further model information:Q-Variance: or, a Duet Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. Wilmott 2025 (138)

Challenge update 30 January 2025 from Wilmott magazine

Watch Bloomberg presentation on their attempt at the challenge