At the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre’s 2024 Hackathon, aspiring students and researchers showcased the breadth of quantum computing in areas such as healthcare, energy, and engineering. The event saw winners utilizing IonQ quantum computers and Classiq software to develop solutions for novel quantum applications.
This marks the second year in a row that IonQ and Classiq have teamed up to enable hackathon teams to design, optimize, and execute quantum algorithms. Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ, expressed delight at being part of an event that fosters the next generation of quantum leaders. Nir Minerbi, CEO and co-founder of Classiq, praised the projects submitted by talented students and researchers. The winning teams presented quantum application use cases for areas like risk aggregation, evaluation for insurance losses, network design, and National Health Service forecasting.
Quantum Computing Hackathon: Fostering Innovation in the UK
The National Quantum Computing Centre’s (NQCC) 2024 hackathon has brought together aspiring students and researchers to showcase the breadth of quantum computing applications in areas such as healthcare, energy, and engineering. The event, which took place over three days, saw 13 teams comprising over 70 coders display innovative spirit and creativity.
IonQ, a leading provider of quantum computers, and Classiq, a pioneer in quantum software, teamed up for the second year in a row to enable hackathon teams to design, optimize, and execute quantum algorithms. IonQ’s quantum computers were used by the winning teams, including the first-place winner, to develop solutions for novel quantum applications. Classiq’s software simplified the circuit design process, allowing users to define their quantum circuit parameters before converting them into optimized quantum circuits.
The hackathon aimed to drive the advancement of practical use cases, facilitating the migration of quantum computing from academia to industry. The winning teams presented quantum application use cases for areas like risk aggregation, evaluation for insurance losses, network design, and National Health Service (NHS) forecasting. Each team’s approach was evaluated for scalability and how each application could address challenges in areas such as healthcare, energy, and engineering.
IonQ Quantum Computers: Powering Winning Projects
IonQ’s quantum computers played a crucial role in the hackathon, with all three winning teams using them to develop their projects. The company’s innovative technology has been recognized in Fast Company’s 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 500™ List, respectively. IonQ’s current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, boasts 36 algorithmic qubits, making it an attractive choice for researchers and developers.
IonQ’s President and CEO, Peter Chapman, expressed his delight at the company’s involvement in the hackathon, stating that it was “inspiring to be part of an incredible event that fosters the next generation of quantum leaders.” The fact that all three winning teams used IonQ’s quantum computers for their projects is a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing quantum computing.
Classiq Software: Simplifying Quantum Circuit Design
Classiq’s software was instrumental in simplifying the circuit design process, allowing users to define their quantum circuit parameters before converting them into optimized quantum circuits. The company’s high-level descriptive quantum software development environment is tailored to all levels of developer proficiency, automating quantum programming and ensuring that a broad range of talents can harness quantum computing without requiring deep, specialized knowledge of quantum physics.
Classiq’s core technology, algorithmic quantum circuit compilation, is engineered to power the quantum ecosystem of today and the future. The company works closely with quantum cloud providers and advanced computation hardware developers, providing software for use with quantum computers, HPC, and quantum simulators.
Fostering Innovation in Quantum Computing
The UK Quantum Hackathon is the NQCC’s flagship annual event, delivered as part of their user engagement program, SparQ. The event brought together teams of coders with industry mentors to tackle practical challenges and develop solutions using quantum computing. By providing a platform for innovation and collaboration, the hackathon aims to drive the advancement of quantum computing and its applications.
The involvement of companies like IonQ and Classiq is crucial in fostering innovation in quantum computing. By providing access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, these companies are helping to democratize access to quantum computing and equip users to take full advantage of the quantum computing revolution.
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