The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) has launched its first Quantum Internet Application Challenge, inviting quantum enthusiasts to contribute to the future of quantum internet. The challenge requires participants to develop an innovative application that utilises quantum network functionalities, using QIA’s application simulator SquidASM. The main prize includes an internship or research visit to one of QIA’s partners in Germany, the Netherlands, or Italy. The challenge is open for registration from 12 September until 23 October 2023. QIA, led by QuTech, a collaboration of Delft University of Technology and TNO, is a consortium of around 40 institutions aiming to build a global Quantum Internet.
Quantum Internet Alliance Announces Quantum Internet Application Challenge
The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), a consortium of approximately 40 institutions, has launched its inaugural Quantum Internet Application Challenge. This initiative invites individuals with an interest in quantum technology to contribute their innovative ideas for the future of the quantum internet.
QIA Director Stephanie Wehner emphasised the importance of community involvement in the development of a global quantum internet. The Quantum Internet Application Challenge provides a platform for innovative ideas from the community and offers an opportunity to contribute to a future shaped by the quantum internet.
The challenge is open to all individuals interested in quantum technology and who have innovative application ideas that utilise the potential of quantum networks. Some familiarity with Python programming is required to participate in the challenge, but individuals of all technical backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
The Main Challenge and Quantum Network Explorer Application Challenge
The main challenge requires participants to develop an innovative application that utilises quantum network functionalities. Participants are expected to demonstrate their idea with a prototype using SquidASM, an SDK developed by QIA partner QuTech, to simulate quantum networking applications.
In addition to the main challenge, QIA is also offering a beginner’s challenge for those new to quantum networking or Python programming. This challenge requires participants to upload their own quantum network application to the Quantum Network Explorer (QNE) Community Application Library, a platform co-developed by QIA.
Evaluation Criteria and Prizes
Entries will be evaluated based on novelty, creativity, technical sophistication, and clarity of documentation. The prize for the main challenge includes an internship or research visit to one of the participating QIA partners, with travel and accommodation costs of up to 5,000 EUR covered by QIA.
Winners of the beginner’s challenge will receive QNE goodie bags and gift vouchers. The Quantum Internet Application Challenge is open for registration from 12 September and submissions will be accepted until 23 October 2023. Winners will be announced in early November.
About Quantum Internet Alliance
The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) is a consortium of around 40 institutions working together to build a global Quantum Internet. The consortium includes academic institutions, telecom operators, system integrators and quantum technology start-ups across nine European countries.
The consortium is led by QuTech, a collaboration of Delft University of Technology and TNO. QIA has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
Quantum Internet Application Challenge Registration
For more information on the Quantum Internet Application Challenge, individuals can visit the QIA website. The challenge is open for registration from 12 September and submissions will be accepted until 23 October 2023. Winners will be announced in early November.
“The role of the community—from students and enthusiasts to scientists and industry leaders—in our mission of building a global quantum internet is pivotal. And the Quantum Internet Application Challenge is a platform for us to welcome innovative ideas from the community and give an opportunity to co-create a future powered by the quantum internet,” QIA Director Stephanie Wehner noted.
“The Quantum Internet Application Challenge reflects QIA’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. We welcome participants from diverse backgrounds to pitch their expertise and ideas, and be part of our shared mission to shape the quantum landscape,” Wehner concluded.
Quick Summary
The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) has launched its first Quantum Internet Application Challenge, inviting individuals with an interest in quantum technology to propose innovative applications for quantum networks. The challenge, open for registration until 23 October 2023, will reward the best entries with internships or research visits to QIA partner institutions, while beginners can participate in a separate challenge to learn the basics of quantum networking.
- The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) has launched its first Quantum Internet Application Challenge, inviting quantum enthusiasts to contribute to the future of quantum internet.
- QIA Director Stephanie Wehner emphasises the importance of community involvement in building a global quantum internet.
- The challenge requires participants to develop an innovative application that utilises quantum network functionalities, with a prototype simulated using SquidASM, an SDK developed by QIA partner QuTech.
- Entries will be judged on novelty, creativity, technical sophistication, and documentation clarity.
- A beginner’s challenge is also available for those new to quantum networking or Python programming.
- Prizes include internships or research visits to QIA partners in Berlin, Delft, or Parma, with travel and accommodation costs covered up to 5,000 EUR. Beginner’s challenge winners will receive Quantum Network Explorer (QNE) goodie bags and gift vouchers.
- The challenge is open for registration from 12 September to 23 October 2023, with winners announced in early November.
- QIA is a consortium of around 40 institutions aiming to build a global Quantum Internet, led by QuTech, a collaboration of Delft University of Technology and TNO. It is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
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