MCIT Announces Qatar’s First Global Quantum Computing Hackathon with MOD, HBKU, BCG and QuantX

• Qatar Quantum Computing Hackathon 2025 is the first international competition of its kind in the country.
• The hackathon offers students, engineers, and researchers the opportunity to develop real-world solutions using advanced quantum computing platforms to address challenges in the energy, healthcare, financial, and logistics sectors.
• Organizing the hackathon reflects MCIT’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in Qatar.
• The hackathon aims to empower the national quantum computing ecosystem in line with the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is preparing to launch the first international hackathon of its kind in the State of Qatar, under the theme “The BIG Quantum Hackathon Qatar 2025,” which will take place from 15 to 18 November 2025 at taking place from 15 to 18 November 2025 at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) – Minaretein Center, Education City, Doha.

The hackathon is organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Defense (MOD), hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) as the strategic partner, and supported by knowledge partners QuantX and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

This groundbreaking event marks the first of its kind in the State of Qatar, bringing together leading experts in quantum computing to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges presented by partners from key sectors, including healthcare, energy, logistics, and financial services.

Over the course of four days, students, engineers, researchers, technology providers, and industry leaders will collaborate to design and develop quantum-based solutions using the latest computing platforms provided by global leaders in quantum technology and software.

The competition consists of two main phases designed to combine the technical and practical dimensions, ensuring that scientific innovation is integrated with the real-world feasibility of the developed solutions.

The first phase focuses on technical innovation and the development of solutions using advanced quantum computing platforms, while the second phase emphasizes transforming the results into viable business models through commercial evaluation and collaboration with investors, entrepreneurs, and experts in emerging technologies.

In this context, the hackathon will kick off under the leadership of QuantX with an opening ceremony, followed by the technical phase taking place on 15 and 16 November. During this phase, the selected teams will work on addressing real-world challenges in the fields of chemistry, machine learning, optimization, finance, and digital simulation, utilizing advanced quantum computing platforms to develop innovative and impactful solutions.

The qualified teams will then advance to the commercial application and market-fit phase, held on 17 and 18 November, where participants will collaborate with investors and consultants to assess the economic feasibility of their proposed solutions and develop innovative business models that help transform ideas into practical, implementable projects. The competition will conclude on 18 November with an official award ceremony honoring the winning teams, attended by a distinguished panel of international quantum computing experts.

In this context, Ms. Eman Al Kuwari, Director of the Digital Innovation Department at MCIT, said:

“The Quantum Computing Hackathon represents a unique platform that brings together talents and experts to explore the potential of one of the most advanced technologies in the world. Through this initiative, the Ministry aims to empower the next generation of researchers and engineers to harness quantum computing in developing practical solutions to national challenges, while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for emerging technologies and applied research, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030. Organizing this hackathon reflects the Ministry’s commitment to transforming emerging technologies into scalable, real-world solutions that contribute to building national capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth.”

Staff Major General Zayed Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Commander of Qatar Emiri Signal Corps affirmed that the Ministry’s support for the Quantum Computing Hackathon reflects its belief in Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for innovation in quantum computing. He noted that this initiative not only inspires students but also contributes to enhancing the national research and innovation system, which derives the country’s digital transformation.

Dr. Saif M. Al-Kuwari, Associate Professor, HBKU and Director, Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) stated, “The BIG Quantum Hackathon aligns with HBKU’s commitment to leveraging partnerships, promoting innovation and research that addresses national priorities. By developing quantum-powered applications across critical sectors, we are advancing our mission of translating scientific excellence into real-world outcomes, while strengthening Qatar’s position as a hub for impact-driven solutions.

Similarly, Dr. Elvira Shishenina, President of QuantX stated, “The Big Quantum Hackathon in Qatar is a historic milestone – extending the legacy of QuantX’s global Big Quantum Hackathons and bringing this transformative movement to the Gulf for the first time. We’re truly inspired by the energy and openness of Qatar’s innovation ecosystem, and deeply grateful to our partners at MCIT, MOD, HBKU, and BCG for their shared vision in advancing the quantum future together.”

Adding to this, Jean-Francois Bobier, Global Lead for Quantum Computing & Deeptech, Boston Consulting Group, said: “At BCG, we are pleased to serve as the Knowledge Partner for Qatar’s first Global Quantum Computing Hackathon, an initiative that reflects Qatar’s forward-looking commitment to innovation and aligns with the ambitions of the National Vision 2030. Based on experience in quantum computing and deep tech advisory, we believe that meaningful progress emerges from ecosystem collaboration, where advanced technology meets practical business challenges. Our partnership with Qatar’s ministries, academic and research institutions, and private sector underscores our dedication to supporting Qatar’s innovation ecosystem by connecting quantum research with real-world applications that foster sustainable economic growth. The hackathon also emphasizes the value of nurturing a quantum-ready workforce and entrepreneurial mindset to strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional hub for emerging technologies.”

The organization of this event comes within the framework of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s efforts to promote digital innovation and harness emerging technologies to advance Qatar’s digital transformation journey. The event highlights the importance of quantum computing as a promising field and a fundamental pillar for building an advanced, diversified digital economy driven by knowledge and scientific research.