TEKNOFEST Quantum Hackathon Competition

TEKNOFEST Quantum The Quantum Hackathon is an innovative competition held within the framework of TEKNOFEST, Türkiye’s largest technology festival, and focuses on quantum technologies. Organized through a collaboration between Bilişim Vadisi, COMPRO Bilişim Teknolojileri and TÜBİTAK, this competition aims to increase awareness among young engineers and technology enthusiasts about quantum computing and to encourage the development of skilled individuals in this field.

Aim and Vision

The primary objective of the competition is to support the development of quantum technologies in Türkiye by building domestic and national capabilities in this domain. It seeks to ensure that young participants gain knowledge in quantum physics, quantum information processing and algorithm design like areas, and to empower them to become productive contributors in this critical technology. This forms the competition’s main vision. Additionally, the competition enables knowledgeable individuals in quantum technologies to connect, exchange ideas and contribute to the establishment of a strong quantum ecosystem in Türkiye. It also helps raise public awareness about quantum technologies.

Evaluation Process

The competition is assessed through a two-phase electronic examination process:

1. Electronic Examination: Participants are evaluated on their foundational knowledge of quantum physics, linear algebra, probability theory, fundamental concepts of quantum information processing and introductory quantum algorithms.

2. Electronic Examination: Advanced practical programming skills are tested, requiring scientific analysis, mathematical formulation, quantum algorithm design and proficiency in Python – Qiskit.

Final Stage

The Final stage is conducted in a hackathon format lasting 24 hour. Teams develop a quantum algorithm based on the data provided to them, code it in Python and strive to achieve the required outputs. Each team presents its solution’s output to the competition jury in a presentation format and submits a final report. These reports are scored according to various success criteria. At the end of the competition, the top three teams with the highest scores are declared first, second and third place respectively.

Contributions of the Competition

Participants gain the opportunity to run their developed algorithms on actual quantum computers. Thanks to this capability, complex computations that could take months on classical computers can be resolved in significantly short time using quantum computers. The competition also draws attention to the potential of quantum technologies to deliver societal benefit, with a particular focus on applications in the healthcare sector. Through quantum computing, innovative and fast solutions can be developed for complex problems such as lung donor-recipient matching optimization.

The TEKNOFEST Quantum Hackathon is an initiative organized within the framework of Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative vision, contributing to the development of skilled individuals in the field of quantum technologies.