The inaugural Singapore Quantum Cup, held on August 29-30, 2024, brought together the brightest students and researchers in quantum information from Singaporean universities to test their skills in quantum programming. Organized by PennyLane and A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), this premier event saw teams of 2-4 participants compete in time-limited challenges, with the top two teams advancing to a live coding battle on the second day.
Professor Ping Koy Lam, Chief Quantum Scientist at A*STAR, delivered the opening remarks. The competition attracted 111 students and researchers from three universities, with 902 submissions received during the virtual competition on Day 1. Team Entangled Minds, representing Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore, Centre for Quantum Technologies, emerged as the first-place winner, taking home a cash prize of S$3,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Toronto, Canada to spend a week at Xanadu with the PennyLane team.
The Inaugural Singapore Quantum Cup 2024: A Premier Event for Quantum Programming
The inaugural Singapore Quantum Cup 2024 was held on August 29-30, 2024, at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in collaboration with PennyLane. This two-day event brought together Singapore’s brightest students and researchers in quantum information to test their quantum programming skills, learn from experts, and compete for cash prizes and an all-expenses-paid trip to the PennyLane offices in Toronto.
The event was designed to provide a platform for participants to showcase their skills in solving time-limited quantum programming challenges. Teams of 2-4 university students and researchers from Singaporean universities were selected to participate, with 111 students and researchers signing up to participate, forming 34 teams from three universities. The competition consisted of two days: a virtual competition on Day 1, followed by a live coding battle between the top two teams on Day 2.
The Competition: A Test of Quantum Programming Skills
On Day 1, teams spent 12 hours solving quantum programming challenges, with each challenge earning points that counted towards their total score. The team that solved challenges faster ranked higher on the leaderboard. The competition saw a total of 902 submissions, with the fastest solution submitted in just 5 minutes by Team QuantumGateKeepers. Two teams, Quilt and Entangle Minds, advanced to the Day 2 competition after solving all six challenges in an impressive 5.5 hours.
On Day 2, the top two teams faced off in a head-to-head live coding battle, tackling four brand-new quantum programming challenges on stage. The winners were announced, with Team Entangled Minds taking first place, followed by Team Quilt and Team HappyTreeFriends in second and third places, respectively.
The Winners: A Showcase of Quantum Programming Talent
The winning teams demonstrated exceptional skills in quantum programming, with the top three teams receiving cash prizes and recognition for their achievements. Team Entangled Minds, representing Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore, Centre for Quantum Technologies, took home the first prize of S$3,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Toronto, Canada to spend a week at Xanadu with the PennyLane team.
Team Quilt, representing Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore, secured second place with a prize of S$1,500. Team HappyTreeFriends, from National University of Singapore, took third place with a prize of S$500.
The Future of Quantum Research: Networking and Knowledge Sharing
The event concluded with a networking lunch and an afternoon of talks and panel discussions, providing students and researchers with opportunities to learn about hot new research topics and explore the vibrant Singaporean startup ecosystem. Two panel discussions were held, focusing on the Singapore startup ecosystem and national quantum strategy.
The first panel discussion, moderated by Wei Zhang Chuan (Venture Builder, A*STAR), explored the Singapore startup ecosystem and how to spin out research into successful startups. The panel included experts from Horizon Quantum Computing, Entropica Labs, elev8.vc, and Digital Industry Singapore.
The second panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Desmond Toa (Senior Assistant Director, National Quantum Office), focused on the Singapore national quantum strategy, investment, and workforce development for tomorrow. Esteemed panelists from the National Quantum Office, NUS & CQT, and Temasek shared their insights and expertise.
The Future of Quantum Talent: Developing Skills and Pursuing Opportunities
The inaugural Singapore Quantum Cup 2024 demonstrated the talent and potential of Singapore’s quantum information students and researchers. As the field continues to evolve, it is essential for individuals to hone their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in quantum programming.
PennyLane Challenges offer a platform for participants to develop their skills, learn new techniques, and earn badges and certificates to propel them further in their careers in quantum. The Singapore Quantum Cup 2024 serves as a catalyst for the growth of quantum talent in Singapore, inspiring individuals to pursue opportunities in this exciting field.
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