IBM has announced the 2024 IBM Quantum Challenge, an annual coding event aimed at teaching how quantum computational scientists use Qiskit, IBM’s software for programming utility-scale quantum computers. The challenge, which runs from June 5-14, will focus on the new features of Qiskit 1.0 and working toward utility-scale quantum experiments. The event is open to all, regardless of experience, and will not require hardware use. IBM will also host a Challenge Party in New York City. The challenge was announced by authors Brian Ingmanson and Vishal Sharathchandra Bajpe.
Introduction to the 2024 IBM Quantum Challenge
The 2024 IBM Quantum Challenge, an annual coding event, is set to commence on June 5th and will run until June 14th. This year, the challenge is centered around the first stable release of the Qiskit Software Development Kit (SDK) 1.0, IBM’s software for programming utility-scale quantum computers. The event is designed to educate participants on how quantum computational scientists utilize Qiskit, with a particular focus on utility-scale quantum experiments.
Qiskit SDK 1.0: A New Era in Quantum Computing
The Qiskit SDK 1.0 marks a significant milestone in the field of quantum computing. It is designed to facilitate utility-scale experiments, which involve 100 or more qubits. This year’s challenge will highlight the new features of Qiskit 1.0 and demonstrate how it differs from previous versions. The goal is to help participants understand the implications of conducting utility-scale experiments with Qiskit and to provide them with practical experience in doing so.
The Structure of the 2024 IBM Quantum Challenge
The 2024 IBM Quantum Challenge is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of experience level. It comprises a series of Jupyter notebooks, each referred to as a “lab,” which contain tutorial material, code examples, and auto-graded coding challenges. While the first lab is designed to be beginner-friendly, the final labs will test participants’ knowledge of Qiskit.
New Features and Developments in Quantum Computing
The challenge also provides an opportunity for participants to get a glimpse of the latest features and developments in the quantum stack. This includes new integrations with Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as the Qiskit code assistant powered by IBM WatsonX. To accommodate the growing quantum community, hardware use will not be a requirement for the Quantum Challenge. Instead, the labs will focus on helping participants build intuition and make progress without the need to run on real hardware. However, participants are encouraged to run any of the code on any IBM devices they have access to.
The Future of Quantum Computing with IBM
The workflow learned in this challenge represents a shift away from the IBM Quantum Lab, which will be sunset on May 15th, to focus on utility-scale workloads. IBM will provide tutorial content and hands-on support to assist participants with this new workflow. In addition, participants are encouraged to host or attend a Challenge Party, a local get-together event for Qiskit community members. IBM will host one such event in New York City, with more details to be released closer to the start date.
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