Doha: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is preparing to launch the first international hackathon of its kind in the Qatar, under the theme ‘The BIG Quantum Hackathon Qatar 2025,’ which will take place from November 15 to 18 at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) – Minaretein Center, Education City, Doha.
The hackathon is organised 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).
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.
The qualified teams will then advance to the commercial application and market-fit phase, held on November 17 and 18, 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 November 18 with an official award ceremony honoring the winning teams, attended by a distinguished panel of international quantum computing experts.
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.
"Organising 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."
