This competition is part of the
Bradford Quantum Hackathon 2025. Please join the event on Aqora and ensure to follow the rules specified there.
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The Bradford Quantum Hackathon is a playground for ideas, a space where quantum scientists, engineers, and domain experts join forces to explore what’s possible. Participants are invited to bring their own challenge, to define a real-world problem and propose a solution that could benefit from quantum technologies. Whether through code-based algorithms or no-code conceptual designs, submissions should clearly explain how quantum computing adds value today or in the future. The judging panel will focus on clarity, rigor, feasibility, and creativity, as well as alignment with the six International Year of Quantum goals. Above all, the hackathon celebrates curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking. Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect but it has to move the conversation forward.
Participant Guide
Context and Objectives
Quantum hackathons have become an effective way to build knowledge, skills, and understanding of how quantum computers may address real‑world challenges. Some hackathons focus on quantum‑technical solutions, while others are designed to include participants who are not quantum experts but who can offer deep domain knowledge in fields such as healthcare, finance, logistics, or infrastructure.
The Bradford Quantum Hackathon will accept both types of participants and both code and no‑code approaches. This means that submissions can range from algorithmic implementations to conceptual or AI‑assisted solutions. All proposals, however, must be clearly articulated and demonstrate a realistic understanding of how quantum resources may be applied in a real‑world context.
For code‑based entries, participants are encouraged to use emulators or real quantum computers. These solutions are evaluated partly on the algorithmic results and partly on the clarity of the articulation of their potential impact.
For no‑code entries, teams may use AI tools to generate code or propose conceptual frameworks. They must explain, in a plausible and realistic way, how quantum computing would eventually benefit their proposed solution. Examples of suitable no‑code topics include fleet optimization, network design, fraud detection, data analysis, and software development.
Designing the Challenge
A good challenge proposal for the Bradford Quantum Hackathon should follow a structured format. Each section should be concise and precise, allowing judges to understand both the nature of the problem and the reasoning behind the proposed approach.
Problem Statement (around 150 words): Clearly state the context and the scale of the problem. The statement should link the problem to one or more of the six International Year of Quantum (as detailed below).
Setting (around 150 words): This section defines the framework of the challenge. For code‑based challenges, it describes the mathematical setup and the key variables. For no‑code challenges, it specifies the resources that will be used, such as datasets, digital tools, or real‑world systems like hospitals or transport networks.
Objective (around 150 words): The objective should align with the International Year of Quantum goals. Code‑based submissions should define a mathematical objective with clear success criteria and, where possible, an estimation of the quantum advantage. No‑code submissions should describe the goal in quantitative and qualitative terms and indicate how success will be evaluated, for example reducing cost, improving efficiency, or enhancing patient outcomes.
Constraints (around 150 words): Code‑based challenges should define constraints that clarify the technical boundaries of the task. No‑code challenges should propose realistic conditions that reflect real‑world deployment constraints.
Problem Formulation (around 150 words): For code‑based challenges, include a concise mathematical formulation that guides teams toward a successful solution.
The International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Goals
All challenges and solutions should align with one or more of the six International Year of Quantum goals defined by the International Year of Quantum initiative. These goals aim to advance quantum knowledge, promote responsible use of quantum technologies, and connect diverse stakeholders in the global ecosystem. They are as follows:
- Health & Wellbeing
Quantum photonics is advancing medical imaging and diagnosis.
Quantum chemistry is supporting the development of new vaccines and drugs.
- Reduced Inequalities
Open science and gender equity in education and research will ensure that quantum solutions are accessible to all.
- Industry & Infrastructure
Quantum science is essential for developing new materials that drive technological innovation.
- Economic Growth
Quantum science and technologies are integral to many industries; future economic and financial infrastructures will be secured by quantum information.
- Climate Action
Quantum physics will inform next-generation sensors for environmental monitoring; quantum computers will improve the accuracy of long-term climate models.
- Clean Energy
Quantum engineering is leading to more energy-efficient and affordable solar cells and low-emission LED light sources.
Participants are encouraged to identify explicitly which of these goals their problem and solution address and to explain how their project contributes to advancing these objectives.
Evaluation Criteria
The judging panel will consist of experts from both quantum and non‑quantum fields, including business, education, healthcare, the public sector, and broader society. They will evaluate challenges and solutions using the following criteria:
- Evaluation of current workflows and pain points.
- Quantification of the value added by quantum computing.
- Quantification of the likely commercial or societal impact.
- Rigor, clarity, and strength of findings, as well as potential for follow‑up.
- Feasibility matched by creativity and ingenuity.
- Strong alignment with the six International Year of Quantum goals.
- Ideas that may inspire a wider audience and the next generation.
Resources and Mentoring
Participants are invited to use emulators or real quantum computers, as available. No‑code teams may rely on AI‑based tools that translate natural language into code. All teams are encouraged to discuss their ideas and progress with mentors during the virtual phase of the hackathon.
Submission Guidelines
Each submission should follow the structure outlined in the challenge design section. The final deliverable should provide enough detail for judges to understand the problem, the setting, the objectives, and the reasoning behind the approach. Clear articulation is crucial to credibility. Submissions should also make explicit links to the relevant International Year of Quantum goals.
The document should be concise, well‑structured, and focused on clarity rather than technical depth. Code‑based teams should ensure that all variables, constraints, and success criteria are defined. No‑code teams should demonstrate realism in their proposed deployment context and clearly articulate how quantum computing could contribute to their approach.
