Pasqal and Swiss Quantum Initiative sponsor CERN’s quantum skills training

Thirty-four students from over 30 nationalities recently converged at CERN for the Quantum Materials Hackathon, applying quantum computing to challenges similar to those faced by large-scale scientific infrastructure. The event, hosted by CERN and the Open Quantum Institute, tasked participants with solving real-world problems using quantum hardware and simulators, guided by experts from both industry and research. Quantum materials were the focus, given their critical role in technologies like the superconducting magnets and sensors essential to CERN’s particle accelerators. “Quantum hackathons allow students to apply quantum computing to solve real-world problems,” said Julia Thiele, an Open Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee member, emphasizing the need for a skilled workforce to utilize increasingly accessible quantum resources. Participants moved beyond theoretical exercises, directly applying quantum computing resources to challenges proposed by industry and research partners; this hands-on approach distinguishes the event from more conventional academic training. Each team tackled a specific problem, receiving mentorship throughout the process from experts at organizations like Pasqal and the University of Geneva, fostering a direct link between emerging talent and established quantum technology developers. Funding for the hackathon came from both Pasqal and the Swiss Quantum Initiative, demonstrating investment in practical quantum education beyond basic research. The selection of quantum materials as the central focus reflects CERN’s own reliance on these technologies; superconducting magnets and advanced sensors integral to the laboratory’s particle accelerators depend on their unique properties, suggesting a strategic alignment between skills development and infrastructure improvement. This focus extends beyond fundamental physics, with challenges also addressing applications in areas like clean energy, pharmaceutical development, and responsible sourcing of critical materials. The event, held at CERN’s IdeaSquare, provided many participants with their first experience running algorithms on actual quantum hardware, a crucial step in bridging the gap between simulation and real-world implementation. Elliot Amponsah, a student from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, described the value of this access, stating, “We were trying to predict how well certain drugs dissolve using a very small dataset. Running our models on real quantum machines allowed us to see how the algorithms handle real-world noise.” This exposure to the complexities of quantum systems, including the impact of noise, is a key component of preparing the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. The hackathon’s design deliberately integrated students from CERN’s established summer student program with peers from Swiss universities, leveraging the region’s concentration of materials science expertise and building a network of collaborative relationships. Organizers from the CERN Stakeholder Engagement Group, CERN Quantum Technology Initiative, and CERN openlab, alongside Quantum4Purpose and Sparkboard, structured the event to maximize both learning and networking opportunities. Mentorship was also provided by experts from BasQ and the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council, broadening the range of perspectives and expertise available to the students. The judging panel, comprised of representatives from CERN, QAI Ventures, Amazon Web Services, IBM Quantum, and Pasqal, evaluated the teams’ solutions, further solidifying the connection between academic innovation and industry needs. Intensive events like this one equip participants with skills and relationships that will benefit their careers long after the hackathon concludes. Quantum hackathons allow the next generation of leaders to apply quantum computing to solve real-world problems. Julia Thiele, Open Quantum Initiative (OQI) Advisory Committee member Source: https://home.cern/training-the-worlds-future-quantum-experts/ Stay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: Dr. Donovan Dr. Donovan is a futurist and technology writer covering the quantum revolution. Where classical computers manipulate bits that are either on or off, quantum machines exploit superposition and entanglement to process information in ways that classical physics cannot. Dr. Donovan tracks the full quantum landscape: fault-tolerant computing, photonic and superconducting architectures, post-quantum cryptography, and the geopolitical race between nations and corporations to achieve quantum advantage. The decisions being made now, in research labs and government offices around the world, will determine who controls the most powerful computers ever built. Latest Posts by Dr. Donovan: Sui co-founder builds $10 quantum wallet after Coldcard hack August 12, 2026 A crystal’s natural shape focuses light like a waveguide August 12, 2026 Aquark links radars with quantum timing for clearer picture August 12, 2026