IonQ and Classiq, leading figures in quantum computing, have announced that their technologies were instrumental in this year’s UK Quantum Hackathon, hosted by the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). Winning teams utilized IonQ quantum computers and Classiq’s software alongside other quantum systems to develop cutting-edge quantum applications. This marks the second consecutive year that IonQ and Classiq have collaborated to empower hackathon participants in designing, optimizing, and executing quantum algorithms on IonQ’s hardware. Classiq’s software streamlines the circuit design process, allowing users to define quantum circuit parameters, which the software then converts into optimized quantum circuits.
Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled that IonQ’s quantum computers were chosen by the top quantum talent in the UK. Being part of such a transformative event that nurtures the next generation of quantum leaders is truly inspiring. It’s an honor that all three winning teams utilized IonQ for their projects.”
Nir Minerbi, CEO and co-founder of Classiq, added: “The caliber of the projects from these skilled students and researchers is impressive. We’re proud that Classiq’s software and our collaboration with IonQ contributed to their success. The NQCC has once again hosted an exceptional hackathon, significantly advancing the development of future quantum talent.”
The winning projects demonstrated quantum applications in diverse fields, including risk aggregation, insurance loss evaluation, network design, and NHS forecasting. Each project was assessed for its scalability and its potential to address challenges in healthcare, energy, and engineering.
Dr. Michael Cuthbert, Director of the NQCC, highlighted the hackathon’s goals: “One of the key objectives of our annual UK Quantum Hackathon is to advance practical use cases, helping transition quantum computing from academia to industry. IonQ’s quantum processing units (QPUs) have supported Hackathon winners for the past two years. Congratulations to all involved in making this event a success.”
The UK Quantum Hackathon, a flagship event of the NQCC’s SparQ user engagement program, brought together teams of students and early career researchers with industry mentors. Over three days, 13 teams comprising more than 70 coders showcased their innovative ideas and creativity in tackling practical challenges with quantum computing.
