Continuous and mixed-integer optimization are two fields where evolutionary computation (EC) and related techniques have been successfully applied in disciplines such as engineering design, robotics, and bioinformatics. Real-world continuous and mixed-integer problems provide unique challenges that cannot be fully replicated by algebraic and artificial problems, in which characteristics of these problems could be different across a variety of scientific fields. Some of these characteristics are expensive function evaluations, vast design space, multi/many-objective optimization, and correlated variables, to name a few. Besides optimization, EC/related techniques also frequently work hand-in-hand with machine learning and data mining tools to explore trade-offs and infer important knowledge that would be useful for real-world optimization processes. Fundamental differences between combinatorial and continuous/mixed integer optimization lead to different approaches in the research, algorithmic development, and application of EC/related techniques. It is important that a special focus is given to real-world applications in order to synergize the research in EC/related techniques with real-world applications in both industry and academia, which, in turn, would also benefit the research in algorithmic development.

The aim of this workshop is to act as a medium for debate, for exchanging knowledge and experience, and to encourage collaboration between researchers and practitioners from a range of disciplines to discuss the recent challenges and applications of EC/related techniques for solving real-world continuous and mixed-integer optimization problems. The workshop will feature: (1) an invited talk from a researcher/practitioner with a successful track record on applications of EC for solving continuous/mixed integer problems, (2) presentation of submission-based papers, and (3) discussion with the speakers and audience on present and future challenges. The workshop encourages submissions from various disciplines to stimulate multidisciplinary research discussion.