Participant Information

As a participant, you can network, gain practical experience, and potentially further your project in a supportive environment.

Are you motivated to explore Quantum in an interactive Hackathon and meet people with complementary skills in coding, product development, management, and entrepreneurship? Then, fill out the application form and join us.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Participants: Open to internationally talented and motivated individuals, primarily quantum and technology experts, creatives, and students.

  • Background: No specific professional background is required, but participants should have an interest in quantum technology and its applications.

  • Application Deadline: Interested participants must apply by September 10, 2024.

  • Confirmation: Selected participants will be notified by September 15, 2024.

Rules:

  • Duration: The hackathon is a 48-hour event from October 4 to October 6, 2024.

  • Team Formation: Participants are welcome to join the hackathon with their own team, and if they join by themselves, they will form teams on the first day, ideally consisting of diverse skills.

  • Focus Areas: Projects should address challenges related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing social change.

  • Conduct: All participants must adhere to the code of conduct, ensuring respectful collaboration and fair competition.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Innovation: Novelty and creativity in the approach to solving the given challenge.

  2. Impact: Potential of the project to effect social change, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

  3. Feasibility: Practicality and potential for real-world implementation of the prototype.

  4. Technical Merit: Level of technical skill demonstrated in the solution.

  5. Presentation: Clarity and effectiveness of the final presentation to the judging panel.

Prizes:

1. Awards: Various gadgets (such as iPhones, laptops, and drones.)

2. Golden Ticket: An opportunity to participate in the QAI Ventures Canada Accelerator Speed Dating with the potential for a $200k investment.

FAQs

  • The Gen Q Calgary Quantum Hackathon is a 48-hour event focused on developing innovative solutions using quantum technology to address social challenges aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • The event is open to internationally talented quantum and technology experts, creatives, and students.

    Participants of all ages and with various levels of expertise are warmly welcome. There are specific categories for students, professionals, and quantum enthusiasts. We firmly believe that this diversity brings out the best teams.

  • The event will include brainstorming sessions, prototyping, workshops, and presentations. A detailed agenda will be shared closer to the event date.

  • The hackathon runs throughout the weekend, from Friday at 4:00 PM to Sunday at 7:00 PM.

  • Various prizes will be awarded, including gadgets and a Golden Ticket for Accelerator Speed Dating with a potential $200k investment.

  • We have created challenges with our sponsors based on the five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
    SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
    SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    SDG 13: Climate Action.

  • We believe that quantum technology can solve significant global problems in the future and have chosen these SDGs in collaboration with our partners.

  • Participants are not required to develop a solution around one of the SDGs. However, teams that do not focus on the respective SDGs may not qualify for prizes for the best ideas.

  • Basic knowledge of programming and quantum computing is helpful but optional. Workshops and tutorials will be available to help you get started.

  • Python and IBM's Qiskit frameworks are the primary tools used during the hackathon. Additional supported tools and languages will be announced before the event.

  • Resources and recommended readings will be provided before the event. Additionally, webinars and workshops will be offered in the weeks leading up to the hackathon. We will present these on our channels in the coming weeks.

  • Bring your own laptop, chargers, and any other materials you need. Internet access and food will be provided on-site. We also offer sleeping arrangements, so feel free to bring a sleeping bag if you wish.

  • Yes, there will be opportunities to network and join a team at the beginning of the hackathon.

  • You can register as a team or join a team on-site. There will be opportunities to network with other participants at the beginning of the hackathon.

  • You can choose this yourself. We recommend interdisciplinary teams of between 3 and 5 people.

  • After the hackathon, your team will retain full ownership of the solution developed and can choose to further develop, market, or seek investment for it.
    Winners of the Gold Ticket and teams selected by QAI have the opportunity to further develop their idea in a QAI boot camp.

  • Interested individuals must apply by August 25, 2024. Selected participants will be notified by August 30, 2024.

  • No, participation in the hackathon is free. Thanks to our sponsors, we can offer the event free to participants.

  • Participants from outside Canada may require a visa. Please check the requirements for your country and apply well in advance to ensure timely processing. The hackathon organizers are not responsible for your visa eligibility.

  • Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to Calgary. Upon presenting their receipts at the end of the hackathon, participants will be reimbursed for travel expenses up to CAD 300.

  • We have a room where participants can sleep. It is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag. We can also share recommendations for nearby hotels and accommodations with participants.

  • Taking place right before the Hackathon on October 2-3, qConnect 2024 is a unique summit in Calgary that connects quantum creators with prospective technology users. The programming includes inspiring presenters and panels that will explore potential applications of quantum technologies in health, energy, and sustainable cities.

    qConnect 2024 offers a dynamic platform for industry leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders from around the world to converge and explore the transformative potential of quantum applications while engaging with quantum creators whose technologies will disrupt - and improve - industries in the years ahead.