MAPGD: Multi-Agent Prompt Gradient Descent for Collaborative Prompt Optimization

Yichen Han, Bojun Liu, Zhengpeng zhou, Guanyu Liu, Zeng Zhang, Yang Yang, Wenli Wang, Isaac N Shi, Yunyan, Lewei He, TIANYU SHI

Keywords: prompt, multi-agent, gradient

Abstract: Prompt engineering is crucial for leveraging large language models (LLMs), but existing methods often rely on a single optimization trajectory, limiting adaptability and efficiency while suffering from narrow perspectives, gradient conflicts, and high computational cost. We propose MAPGD (Multi-Agent Prompt Gradient Descent), a framework integrating multi-agent collaboration with gradient-based optimization. MAPGD features specialized agents for task clarity, example selection, format design, and stylistic refinement; semantic gradient coordination to resolve conflicts; bandit-based candidate selection for efficient exploration-exploitation; and theoretical convergence guarantees. Experiments on classification, generation, and reasoning tasks show MAPGD outperforms single-agent and random baselines in accuracy and efficiency. Ablations confirm the benefits of gradient fusion, agent specialization, and conflict resolution, providing a unified, gradient-inspired multi-agent approach to robust and interpretable prompt optimization.

Archival Option: The authors of this submission do *not* want it to appear in the archival proceedings.

Submission Number: 34