Doha, November 13 (QNA) - The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is preparing to launch the first international hackathon of its kind in the State of Qatar, under the theme "The BIG Quantum Hackathon Qatar 2025," which will take place from Nov. 15-18 at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).

The hackathon is organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Defense, hosted by HBKU as the strategic partner, and supported by knowledge partners QuantX and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). 

This groundbreaking event marks the first of its kind in the State of Qatar, bringing together leading experts in quantum computing to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges presented by partners from key sectors, including healthcare, energy, logistics, and financial services.

Over the course of four days, students, engineers, researchers, technology providers, and industry leaders will collaborate to design and develop quantum-based solutions using the latest computing platforms provided by global leaders in quantum technology and software. 

The competition consists of two main phases designed to combine the technical and practical dimensions, ensuring that scientific innovation is integrated with the real-world feasibility of the developed solutions. 

The first phase focuses on technical innovation and the development of solutions using advanced quantum computing platforms, while the second phase emphasizes transforming the results into viable business models through commercial evaluation and collaboration with investors, entrepreneurs, and experts in emerging technologies.

In this context, the hackathon will kick off under the leadership of QuantX with an opening ceremony, followed by the technical phase taking place on Nov. 15-16. During this phase, the selected teams will work on addressing real-world challenges in the fields of chemistry, machine learning, optimization, finance, and digital simulation, utilizing advanced quantum computing platforms to develop innovative and impactful solutions. 

The competition will conclude on Nov. 18 with an official award ceremony honoring the winning teams, attended by a distinguished panel of international quantum computing experts.

In this context, Director of the Digital Innovation Department at MCIT Eman Al Kuwari, said: "The Quantum Computing Hackathon represents a unique platform that brings together talents and experts to explore the potential of one of the most advanced technologies in the world.

"Through this initiative, the MCIT aims to empower the next generation of researchers and engineers to harness quantum computing in developing practical solutions to national challenges, while reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional hub for emerging technologies and applied research, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030.

"Organizing this hackathon reflects the Ministry's commitment to transforming emerging technologies into scalable, real-world solutions that contribute to building national capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth."

HE Commander of Amiri Signal Corps Staff Major General Zayed bin Ahmed Al Kuwari affirmed that the ministry's support for the Quantum Computing Hackathon reflects its belief in Qatar's growing role as a regional hub for innovation in quantum computing. He noted that this initiative not only inspires students but also contributes to enhancing the national research and innovation system, which derives the country's digital transformation.

In turn, Associate Professor at HBKU and Director of Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) Dr. Saif M. Al Kuwari said: "The BIG Quantum Hackathon aligns with HBKU's commitment to leveraging partnerships, promoting innovation and research that addresses national priorities."

Similarly, President of QuantX Dr. Elvira Shishenina said: "The BIG Quantum Hackathon in Qatar is a historic milestone - extending the legacy of QuantX's global Big Quantum Hackathons and bringing this transformative movement to the Gulf for the first time."

 For his part, Global Lead for Quantum Computing and Deeptech, Boston Consulting Group Jean-Francois Bobier said: "At BCG, we are pleased to serve as the Knowledge Partner for Qatar's first Global Quantum Computing Hackathon, an initiative that reflects Qatar's forward-looking commitment to innovation and aligns with the ambitions of the National Vision 2030."

The organization of this event comes within the framework of the MCIT's efforts to promote digital innovation and harness emerging technologies to advance Qatar’s digital transformation journey. The event highlights the importance of quantum computing as a promising field and a fundamental pillar for building an advanced, diversified digital economy driven by knowledge and scientific research. (QNA)