Insider Memory:
- Pasqal launched its second hackathon “Blaise Pasqal Quantum Challenge”, inviting participants from around the world to develop quantum AI solutions that address sustainability challenges, with the first prize set at €15,000 (approximately $19,100) and winners announced in April 2025.
- The Hackathon supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging participants to create quantum AI use cases in areas such as energy systems, resource efficiency and healthcare innovation sustainable health.
- More than 500 participants will access a collaborative platform, mentorship from Pasqal and his partners, and virtual masterclasses to refine and submit their projects over the course of the eight-week competition.
- The top 15 teams will participate in a two-week virtual hackathon in February 2025, with winners selected by a panel of experts, including Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO of Pasqal, and other prominent leaders in the fields of quantum and of AI.
PRESS RELEASE — Pasqal, a global leader in neutral quantum computing, announced a call for ideas for its “Blaise Pasqal Quantum Challenge” hackathon. Pasqal invites students, startups, developers, researchers and industry partners around the world to develop quantum AI solutions that address the most pressing sustainability challenges. In April 2025, the winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony, with the first winner receiving €15,000 (approximately $19,100).
Continuing from last year’s first edition, the 2024-2025 Hackathon is part of a multi-year initiative to explore and showcase inspiring use cases that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing innovative ideas, candidates will not only compete, but also be part of a global effort to shape a sustainable future through applications of quantum AI.
“Quantum computing can process complex calculations at speeds far greater than traditional methods. Combined with the data processing and predictive capabilities of AI, we can discover insights and solutions on a transformative scale,” said Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO and co-founder of Pasqal. “Our goal with this Hackathon is to bring the power of quantum AI to life. By equipping the world’s brightest minds with our technology and mentors, we are confident that some of the most pressing sustainability challenges can be solved.
Over the next eight weeks, more than 500 Hackathon participants will have access to a dedicated platform where they can form teams and submit projects and ideas. Pasqal will host virtual masterclasses throughout the period to engage participants, inspire them on the topic and maximize ideas. Mentors from Pasqal’s team of technical experts – and Pasqal partners including Capgemini, Sumitomo, Genci and TCS – will provide guidance to support initiatives across all areas, including:
- Transforming energy systems: Quantum-enhanced AI algorithms can develop smarter, more resilient energy systems that better integrate renewable sources, optimize grid operation, and reduce overall energy waste. This change not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also promotes energy security and sustainability globally.
- Maximize resource efficiency: Quantum AI enables a deeper understanding of complex ecosystems, enabling more precise management of resources such as water, soil and raw materials.
- Accelerating sustainable innovation in healthcare: In areas such as drug discovery, quantum computing can significantly reduce the time it takes to identify effective compounds, making the development of treatments more efficient and environmentally friendly. This capability supports sustainable healthcare practices by reducing resources and emissions associated with traditional research methods.
The top 15 teams will be announced in February 2025, after which they will have the opportunity to participate in a two-week virtual hackathon. Depending on their progress during this phase, three winners will be selected by a jury including: Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO and Co-founder of Pasqal; Eun-Ah KIM, researcher at the National Assembly Futures Institute; Jayne Thompson, Institute for High Performance Computing and A*STAR; Etienne de Rocquigny, CEO and founder of Blaise Pascal Advisors; and Kristel Michielsen, of the Jülich Supercomputing Center and founder of EMBD.
To learn more and register to participate, visit – https://www.agorize.com/fr/challenges/blaisepascalquantumchallenge2025
About Pasqal
Pasqal is a leading quantum computing company that builds quantum processors from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D matrices to bring practical quantum advantage to its customers and solve real-world problems. Pasqal was founded in 2019, outside the Optical Institute, by Georges-Olivier Reymond, Christophe Jurczak, Professor Dr Alain Aspect – Nobel Prize in Physics 2022, Dr Antoine Browaeys and Dr Thierry Lahaye. Pasqal has obtained more than 140 million euros in funding to date. To learn more about us, visit www.pasqal.com.