While experience with quantum is ideal, it is not required. Basic programming skills, namely with Python, are important. Domain expertise is a plus. You should come as a team, so at least 2 people, up to 5 people. There will be 6 teams selected in total.

Not necessarily! While some quantum computing knowledge is helpful, we’ll have workshops and mentors available throughout the event. If you’re eager to learn and have programming skills, you’re ready to participate.

No! The event is completely free to attend.

All projects must be started during the hackathon. However, you can use existing libraries, frameworks, and quantum computing platforms. The core innovation must happen during the event.

Participants will have access to leading quantum computing platforms including IBM Quantum, AWS Braket, and others. We’ll provide API credits and documentation during the event.

Projects are evaluated based on innovation, technical complexity, impact potential, presentation quality, and use of quantum computing principles. Each track has specific criteria detailed in the judging rubric.

With the Berlin Quantum initiative, the Berlin Senate is pursuing the goal of developing the capital into an internationally recognized hotspot for quantum technologies. The focus is on building a strong, networked ecosystem that equally promotes excellent basic research, innovation, and technology transfer.

In particular, it addresses photonics as a quantum-based technology, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum computing, with a focus on software and suppliers. At the same time, the initiative aims to establish international partnerships in order to strengthen international exchange and technology transfer in a targeted manner.

To achieve this goal, cooperation within the scientific community will be strengthened by the Berlin Quantum, which brings together expertise from universities and research institutions. At the same time, young research groups will be supported and close partnerships between science and industry will be further expanded.

Another key component is the Leap Berlin innovation hub in Adlershof, which already serves as the nucleus of a growing QT community and as a coworking and networking space for start-ups. The aim is to create a resilient quantum community there that promotes sustainable start-ups and translates research results into marketable applications more quickly.

There is a particular focus on training and international cooperation. Through targeted new appointments, the expansion of basic research, and the promotion of talent across all career levels, Berlin aims to secure skilled workers in the long term and provide new impetus for research. Key cornerstones are the financing of a cohort of postdocs and the provision of modern technical equipment, which not only increases the attractiveness for top talent but also facilitates the acquisition of additional third-party funding from public and private sources.

In terms of content, the focus will be on both quantum software – including the development of software and algorithms, quantum algorithms, quantum simulation and optimization, and machine learning – and quantum hardware, in particular quantum sensor technology, in order to cover the entire value chain and establish Berlin as a leading location for both areas.

Overall, the Senate is pursuing the goal of making Berlin a leading location for quantum research and industry in the coming years and establishing the city internationally as a center for quantum technologies.