International Quantum Challenge Launches Hackathon to Shape People-First Quantum Ecosystem

Insider Brief

• SC Quantum and partners have announced the International Quantum Challenge (IQC), a year-long initiative coinciding with the UN-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, designed to foster global innovation and collaboration in quantum science.
• The IQC will feature regional hackathons and workshops, culminating in a championship event in South Carolina in Fall 2025, where participants will solve real-world challenges using quantum technologies and compete for prizes and professional development opportunities.
• Organizers emphasize the initiative’s focus on practical quantum applications, equitable talent development, and building a resilient global quantum ecosystem through partnerships across academia, industry, and government.

PRESS RELEASE — SC Quantum, Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative, Classiq, DoraHacks, Elevate Quantum, IonQ, MIT, National Quantum Literacy Network, NYUAD, Pasqal, qBraid, Qllianse, QuEra, and Xanadu announce year-long initiative aimed to foster innovation and collaboration in quantum science and technology.

The future of quantum technology lives in people: researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, workers, and students. The inaugural International Quantum Challenge (IQC) is a groundbreaking series that unites global innovators to solve real-world problems using quantum technologies. Coinciding with the UN-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the challenge aims to showcase practical applications of quantum technologies and cultivate a global, people-driven quantum ecosystem. IQC will host regional hackathons and workshops, culminating in a final championship event in South Carolina in Fall 2025.

Bridging Innovation, Collaboration, and Real-World Quantum Application

The IQC emphasizes deep collaboration and equitable growth in the global quantum landscape. It aims to strengthen the global quantum ecosystem by fostering novel partnerships and focusing on practical use cases in areas such as workplace optimization, cybersecurity, and economic development.

“Quantathon V1 demonstrated the transformative power of hackathons,” said Joe Queenan, Executive Director of SC Quantum and Qllianse. “These competitors are future collaborators who will shape our quantum landscape, launch innovative companies, create jobs, and lead world-changing projects.”

Participants will compete for cash prizes, computing resources, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, they will contribute their solutions to an open archive, preserving the initiative’s long-term impact.

Technology partners such as qBraid and IonQ highlight the challenge’s role in driving innovation and fostering partnerships across academic institutions, industry, and government.

“Innovative solutions developed through collaboration advance the field of quantum,” said Kanav Setia, CEO of qBraid. “We’re excited to partner once again with SC Quantum and other industry leaders through the International Quantum Challenge.”

IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, emphasized the initiative’s potential to enhance the Southeast’s role in the global quantum landscape. “This effort builds upon our successful 2024 Quantathon partnership and aligns with our plans to expand into a larger event in 2025,” said Philip Farah, VP of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships at IonQ.

Kicking off at MIT with a Year of Global Participation

The challenge kicks off with MIT’s iQuHACK (Interdisciplinary Quantum Hackathon) on January 29, 2025. This event series will then sweep across the U.S., offering virtual access for global participants. The journey culminates in South Carolina with a championship event in Fall 2025, spotlighting the year’s most impactful solutions.

“MIT’s iQuHACK brings together diverse students to explore quantum device improvements and applications,” said Cora N. Barrett, an organizer of iQuHACK. “It’s the perfect event to launch the IQC series.”

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide, with free registration to encourage widespread participation.

Powering a Resilient, People-Driven Quantum Ecosystem

The IQC organizers emphasize the initiative’s broader mission: building a quantum ecosystem that prioritizes talent development and encourages international collaboration. By involving students, researchers, and professionals, the challenge seeks to spark breakthroughs with enduring economic and societal effects.

SC Quantum, the nonprofit spearheading the event, has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2022. After receiving a $15 million grant from the state of South Carolina in 2023, the organization has attracted global technology partners keen to collaborate with the state’s academic and industrial communities.

Get Involved

Registration for the International Quantum Challenge is forthcoming, and will be free for eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Technology and industry partners interested in contributing challenge prompts, offering travel scholarships, or exploring sponsorship opportunities can contact SC Quantum at klevkoff@scquantum.org.