Bradford Hosts Quantum Hackathon: Solve Real-World Challenges

Scheduled for the grand finals on November 21st, 2025, the Bradford Quantum Hackathon—hosted by the University of Bradford, Quantinuum, and Aqora—will challenge innovators to develop quantum solutions addressing real-world problems in sectors including health, transport, and finance. Beginning with online webinars and collaboration via the Aqora platform on October 27th, 2025, the hackathon seeks diverse teams to tackle challenges aligned with the International Year of Quantum’s Sustainable Development Goals. The culminating in-person event at Bradford Live aims to accelerate the application of quantum computing to societal impact and celebrate Bradford’s designation as UK City of Culture 2025.

Hackathon Timeline and Key Dates

The Bradford Quantum Hackathon 2025 kicks off with an opening webinar on October 27th, providing essential context and team-building opportunities. Supporting webinars will continue through mid-November, bolstering participant knowledge. Crucially, mid-November features a mid-evaluation stage, ensuring projects stay on track. This phased approach culminates in the in-person final at Bradford Live on November 21st, where teams will present their quantum solutions – all facilitated through the Aqora platform.

The hackathon is strategically aligned with the UN International Year of Quantum Science & Technology, emphasizing impactful applications. Teams will tackle challenges mapped to Sustainable Development Goals, with a total prize pool of £25,000 shared across categories. Beyond awards, participants gain access to mentorship, showcase opportunities, and potential follow-up collaborations with partner organizations. This focus underscores the event’s commitment to driving real-world quantum innovation.

Registration opens September 27th, 2025, and is the first step toward participating in this global event. The entire process, from initial webinars to the November 21st finals in Bradford, UK, is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all technical levels. The hackathon isn’t just a competition; it’s a collaborative ecosystem fostering quantum literacy and accelerating the development of practical quantum solutions.

IYQ Goals & Challenge Themes

The International Year of Quantum (IYQ) is driving innovation through a series of challenge themes culminating in the Bradford Quantum Hackathon 2025. Beginning with webinars on October 27th and concluding with an in-person final on November 21st, the hackathon directly maps challenges to UN Sustainable Development Goals. These include areas like health & wellbeing, reduced inequalities, economic growth, and clean energy, showcasing quantum’s potential for societal impact. A prize pool of £25,000 will be awarded across categories, incentivizing impactful solutions.

This hackathon isn’t solely about advanced quantum physics; accessibility is key. Challenges are designed to attract diverse teams – from students to seasoned professionals – with varying levels of quantum expertise. Focus areas span health, transport, finance, and logistics, encouraging application of quantum principles to real-world problems. The event leverages the Aqora platform for online collaboration, and culminates in a live final at Bradford Live, coinciding with the city’s designation as UK City of Culture 2025.

Quantinuum and the University of Bradford are central to this initiative, providing mentorship and technical support. Beyond the competition, participants gain access to showcase opportunities and potential follow-up collaborations with partner organizations. The hackathon aims to demonstrate how quantum computing can accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, bridging the gap between theoretical potential and practical application, and fostering a globally inclusive quantum ecosystem.

Bradford Quantum Hackathon Partners

The Bradford Quantum Hackathon, culminating in a grand finale on November 21st, 2025, is a collaborative effort powered by the University of Bradford, Quantinuum, and Aqora. This event isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, coinciding with Bradford’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2025. Initial online activities, including webinars starting October 27th, will foster team formation and mentorship before the in-person event at Bradford Live.

Quantinuum, a leading quantum computing company, plays a crucial role, providing access to its hardware and expertise. The hackathon challenges are directly mapped to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring practical application of quantum solutions to real-world problems in areas like health, transport, and clean energy. A prize pool of £25,000 will be awarded, alongside mentorship and showcase opportunities for participating teams, fostering innovation and future development.

Aqora provides the online platform hosting the initial stages of the hackathon. The event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all skill levels, from students to professionals. By bringing together a diverse community and focusing on impactful applications, the Bradford Quantum Hackathon aims to accelerate the advancement and universal accessibility of quantum computing technologies – all within the dynamic cultural landscape of Bradford.

Registration, FAQs & Event Details

Registration for the Bradford Quantum Hackathon 2025 opens September 27th, culminating in an in-person finale on November 21st at Bradford Live (1 Thornton Rd, Bradford BD1 2EP, UK). The event kicks off with an opening webinar on October 27th, followed by supporting online sessions throughout October and November. Teams will collaborate virtually via the Aqora platform before converging in Bradford. Participation is open to all skill levels, from students to professionals, with challenges aligned to the UN International Year of Quantum Science & Technology’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The hackathon offers a significant prize pool of £25,000, distributed across various challenge categories. Beyond financial rewards, successful teams gain access to mentorship opportunities, showcase their solutions to potential partners, and receive follow-up support. The event uniquely blends technological innovation with cultural celebration, leveraging Bradford’s status as the UK City of Culture 2025. A comprehensive FAQ addresses common queries regarding participation, technical requirements, and the role of the University of Bradford and Quantinuum.

Detailed information, including event terms & conditions, a code of conduct, and privacy policies, is readily available on the Aqora website. Teams will tackle real-world challenges spanning health, transport, finance, and logistics, with solutions designed to demonstrate the practical application of quantum computing. Interested individuals are encouraged to register now to secure their place and contribute to the advancement of this transformative technology within a vibrant, culturally rich environment.

Quantum News

Quantum News

As the Official Quantum Dog (or hound) by role is to dig out the latest nuggets of quantum goodness. There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that might be considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing space.

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