The inaugural Blaise Pascal [re]Generative Quantum Challenge, a hackathon dedicated to creating environmental solutions using quantum computers, has attracted over 750 participants from 25 countries. The event, running from October 5th to November 15th, offers a prize pool of €50,000 for the Pascal Quantum Challenge.
Participants will work with advanced quantum computing technologies from PASQAL Quantum. Camille de Valk, Quantum Applications Scientist at Capgemini’s Quantum Lab, and Georges Reymond, CEO of PASQAL, have expressed their enthusiasm for the potential of quantum computing to provide sustainable solutions to pressing global issues.
Quantum Computing Hackathon for Sustainable Development
From October 5th to November 15th, the event Pascal Quantum Challenge has attracted over 750 participants, exceeding its original capacity limit of 700. The hackathon aims to utilise quantum computing to make tangible progress towards sustainability. The philosophy behind the event is that quantum computing can provide a greener approach to calculations.
Participants from various backgrounds and areas of expertise have been inspired to reimagine sustainable solutions. The event has attracted a large number of registrations and over 60 project proposals from participants from over 25 countries across six continents. The strongest interest has come from France, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The hackathon has drawn participants from fields as diverse as artificial intelligence and quantum computing to marketing and design.
Pascal Quantum Challenge Prize Pool and Collaboration with PASQAL
Competing teams have the opportunity to share a prize pool of 50,000€, with a top award of 15,000€ for the best project, to be announced on the final demo day, November 15. In collaboration with PASQAL, a quantum computing company, participants will have the chance to immerse themselves in advanced quantum computing technologies, fostering innovation, networking, and exploration.
PASAQL Computing and Climate Change
Georges Reymond, the CEO of PASQAL, highlighted the potential of quantum computing in addressing the complexities of climate change. He noted the irony of digital solutions requiring vast processing power, leading to high energy costs and increased carbon emissions. Quantum computing, however, promises to calculate immense possibilities quickly and efficiently. PASQAL aims to leverage this technology for viable, sustainable applications.
Challenges Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals
The challenges posed in the hackathon correspond to some of the most pressing issues facing our planet. Each challenge aligns with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals, including sustainable transport, industry and circular economy, smart cities including clean water and sanitation, smart grids and affordable/clean energy, drug discovery, environment, climate and biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.
About Blaise Pascal Advisors and PASQAL Quantum
Blaise Pascal Advisors is an advisory firm that aims to put technology at the service of strategy and meaning. It was founded by mathematician and entrepreneur Etienne de Rocquigny and has supported more than forty algorithmic and pivotal entrepreneurial ventures with impact.
PASQAL Quantum, on the other hand, is a company that builds quantum computers from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D arrays. Founded in 2019, it aims to bring a practical quantum advantage to its customers and address real-world problems.
Camille de Valk, Quantum Applications Scientist in Capgemini’s Quantum Lab said, “I’m looking forward to being a mentor in the Blaise Pascal [re]Generative Quantum Challenge. I can spread my experience with quantum use cases. At the same time, it’s a great opportunity for me and the Capgemini team to familiarise ourselves with the neutral atom computing paradigm.”
Georges Reymond the CEO of PASQAL commented, “As we navigate the complexities of climate change, the imperative for sustainable solutions is evident. The irony is stark – the digital solutions of today demand vast processing power, incurring high energy costs and increasing the very carbon emissions we aim to reduce. Quantum computing stands out as a potential answer, promising the ability to calculate immense possibilities both quickly and efficiently. Thanks to the best-in-class power of our neutral atoms quantum computers, we’re pioneering a journey to leverage this remarkable technology for viable, sustainable applications.”
Pascal Quantum Challenge Summary
The inaugural Blaise Pascal [re]Generative Quantum Challenge, a hackathon dedicated to creating environmental solutions using quantum computers, has attracted over 750 participants from around the world, exceeding its original capacity. The competition, which runs from October 5th to November 15th, aims to utilise quantum computing for sustainable progress, with participants proposing over 60 projects related to pressing global issues such as sustainable transport, clean energy, and climate change.
- The inaugural Blaise Pascal [re]Generative Quantum Challenge, a hackathon dedicated to creating environmental solutions using quantum computers, is underway in Paris.
- The event, which runs from October 5th to November 15th, has attracted over 750 participants from more than 25 countries, exceeding its original capacity limit of 700.
- The hackathon aims to use quantum computing to make tangible progress towards sustainability.
- Participants, who come from diverse backgrounds including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, marketing, and design, will compete for a share of a €50,000 prize pool.
- The top contender will receive a €15,000 award on the final demo day, November 15.
- The event is in collaboration with PASQAL, a company that builds quantum computers.
- Camille de Valk, Quantum Applications Scientist in Capgemini’s Quantum Lab, and Georges Reymond, the CEO of PASQAL, have expressed their enthusiasm for the event and the potential of quantum computing in addressing environmental challenges.
- The challenges posed to participants correspond to various UN Sustainable Development Goals, including sustainable transport, smart cities, clean energy, drug discovery, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.
