The linear Hadwiger conjecture asserts that there is an absolute constant such that every finite graph
satisfies
where
is the chromatic number and
is the Hadwiger number.
Equivalently, every graph with no complete
graph
as a graph minor can be colored with at most
colors. Unlike the Hadwiger conjecture, this
permits a fixed constant factor rather than requiring
.
Norin and Steiner (2026) reported a proof. Norin and Steiner (2026) state that ChatGPT Astra 6 developed the proof following
their research directions and feedback and that they take responsibility for the
mathematical correctness. The full Hadwiger conjecture
asserts .
Wood (2026) reported the explicit bound in the revised version of his paper.
Wood (2026) states that Claude Opus 5.5 optimized the proof and drafted the manuscript
and that GPT-6 performed checks. The author reports understanding the high-level
argument but not checking every detail by hand. Wood (2026) reports a Lean formalization
of the revised bound using only the standard axioms.