Hackathon
The QAI Ventures Hackathon is a fast-paced 48h sprint where students, coders, and early-stage innovators team up to tackle real-world challenges in Quantum AI and Advanced Computing. It’s a unique opportunity to build, test, and pitch early-stage concepts with expert support and industry exposure.
What to expect
Over 48h, participants form a team, choose a challenge, and work intensively to develop a prototype or concept. Short mentor-led sessions cover product thinking, technical design, and storytelling. The hackathon culminates in a pitch to a jury of researchers, investors, and industry partners. All teams receive access to Quantum AI Sandbox.
Next Up: QAI Ventures’ GenQ Hackathon - Solving SDG challenges through Quantum AI Innovation
QAI Ventures is inviting Quantum AI Talent across Europe, North America and Asia to tackle real-world challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year, we are calling for new ideas in the verticals of Finance, Energy and Life Science to generate direct impact on industry ventures and activate industry to unlock innovation.
Who should join the QAI Ventures Hackathon
The Hackathon is open to:
Students in the final stages of their studies (towards the end of their Master’s or during their PhD), as well as early-career talent in Quantum, AI, Physics, or related fields
Developers, engineers, designers, innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs
Anyone curious about building something with Quantum AI – and doing this very fast
No prior startup experience is required - just a proactive mindset and a collaborative spirit.
Hear from our participants how they experienced the QAI Ventures Hackathon
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GenQ was the best experience "What stood out to me was how GenQ encourages ideas that could grow into future startups, that kind of opportunity is rare, especially for students. This was my first hackathon, and I was genuinely excited to be part of it. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone curious about where quantum tech is headed."
Mahkame Salimi Moghadam, Ph.D. student at University of Calgary
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It felt a lot like how things actually work in the industry "GenQ really stands out with its in-person setup that made it easy to dive into real-world problems and quickly prototype solutions with the team. It felt a lot like how things actually work in the industry: fast-paced, collaborative, and hands-on. The mentors were amazing, the vibe was great, and the food definitely didn’t disappoint."
Francisco Granda, Software Integration Specialist @StarSpec Technologies
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The GenQ Hackathon was a nice mix of technical challenges and real-world thinking. It’s great for people just getting started in quantum with no prior experience but also a perfect place for more experienced folks to dig into implementing quantum solutions that could have a real-world impact one day!
Julien-Pierre Houle, Physics Université de Sherbrooke | Loran Scholar '21
For Corporates & Ecosystem Partners: Become a sponsor!
Corporates and institutions are invited to submit real-world challenge statements for teams to solve. The Hackathon offers a practical, low-barrier way to test new ideas, connect with talent, and explore applied use cases in a startup-driven environment.
A unique space for teams to explore and understand this emerging technology
Latest Collaborations: Explore highlights from GenQ Hackathon 2024
In 2024, QAI Ventures hosted the GenQ Hackathon, activating the next generation of quantum innovators to tackle real-world challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Over 90 participants collaborated on solutions in quantum computing. 17 teams pitched their prototypes to a cross-functional jury of researchers, investors, and industry leaders.
Several teams advanced into QAI’s Bootcamp, where they further developed their first prototypes with their team while others secured follow-up opportunities with corporate and public sector partners.
If you’re a student, researcher, or aspiring founder: This is your first step. If you’re a corporate or public partner: Bring your challenge, and we’ll help you test and build a solution.
Next hackathon
coming up!
Got questions about the Hackathon?
Reach out to hackathon@qai-ventures.com