challenge 1 — media optimization

find the optimal growth media — maximize growth rate, minimize cost.

media optimization — finding the right diet and living conditions for a cell — is one of the most common tasks in microbiology. the search space is vast: dozens of possible sugars, trace elements, and concentrations, each interacting in ways that are hard to predict from first principles. it's the kind of problem where a smart search strategy and real experimental feedback should beat brute force.