Last Saturday we hosted the haQtoberfest 2024, a hackathon on Quantum Computing as part of the larger Hacktoberfest initiative. Over the course of 12 hours, 43 participants had the opportunity to learn, explore, and work on several quantum computing topics, supported by our dedicated mentors and volunteers.
In this post, we highlight the key activities and takeaways from the event, along with first-hand quotes from our team.
The haQtoberfest was organized by Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, and supported by HPCNow! – Do IT Now, Python Barcelona, and PyLadiesBCN.
The challenges
We started early 9 AM with a light breakfast, followed by a brief haQtoberfest introduction, an overview of each topic, and mentor introductions. Afterward, participants picked their favourite topics, and teams were quickly formed.
Note that all challenges are available at our haqtoberfest2024 github repository, mostly as notebooks, data, and supporting papers.
Quantum Finance and Quantum Reservoirs in Analog Computing
The participants where asked to solve the Portfolio Optimization problem, using either Variational Quantum Eigensolver on Digital Quantum Computing, or Quantum Reservoir Computing on Analog Quantum Computing
“They spent most of the time understanding, programming and discussing the Hamiltonian formulation of the problem. It was a blast to see all the participants so devoted and motivated with the challenges: most of the haQers managed to push their limits and get working solutions. It’s so exciting to see how the quantum community is getting bigger and bigger.”
Adrià Blanco
“The idea was that they would be able to compare both approaches and let us know what they learned from them. I saw that the participants were motivated to solve the challenge, although due to time constraints they were unable to fully complete everything.”
Ameer Azzam
Tensor Networks in Quantum Computing
They learned the fundamental concepts and the basic operations of Tensor Networks through exercises, by implementing two algorithms: Perfect Sampling and Canonical Truncation.
“It was exciting to see how the assistants, with no prior knowledge of tensor networks, used tensor networks for the first time to simulate quantum states. The teams that participated in the tensor networks challenge were able to understand the fundamental concepts to be able to implement the basics of an MPS.”
Andrés Navas
Qubit Mapping
This team had to work on transpilation of qubit mapping in real quantum hardware: transpilation stages, mapping “virtual” qubits into the actual “physical ” ones, and creating an algorithm for different chip topologies
“Some of the participants were new to the topic of quantum, but many had prior experience. However, all of them came up with interesting solutions.”
Mattias Werner
Optimization Algorithms
The challenge was to use Quantum Computing to solve optimization problems, from writing the mathematical formulation of the problem to coding the quantum algorithm to solve it.
They faced two types of algorithms: Variational Quantum Algorithms in Digital Quantum Computing, and Quantum Annealing in Analog Quantum Computing
“On the optimization challenge, the groups learned about the process of translating a real-world problem into a mathematical formulation that can be solved with a quantum computer. After that, they simulated different quantum algorithms to try to solve a given optimization problem with a formulation they have developed. The participants were very proactive, willing to face and understand every small detail required to reach the solution of the challenge.”
Josep Bosch
Hardware Challenge
The participants had to learn about Adiabatic Quantum Computing and cQED simulations.
Then, they were challenged to “Obtain several properties of a flux qubit through simulations of the physical system”, and to “Design a Quantum Analog algorithm to reproduce a specific Digital Quantum Computing Gate (a Hadamard gate)”
“It was nice to see so many people taking on the hardware channel, even after warning that it’d be very challenging. Both teams exceeded our expectations and performed wonderfully. It was very gratifying to see the participants being excited about learning and simulating flux qubits, and passionate about exploring physics in general.”
Victor Sánchez
“Seeing the groups working in such a collaborative and positive environment was inspiring. They managed to make a really difficult hardware problem seem easy; by working together, including the mentors and support in their discussions, learning from mistakes and more importantly having fun.”
María Hita
Quantum 101
There was an option for an easier “intro to Quantum Computing” exercise.
But, for the record: nobody opted for it… because everyone wanted a full challenge! 💪
Happy HaQing!
And… we spend the rest of the day “haQing” on our quantum problems:
“Seeing groups 11 hours deep in having near-philosophical discussions with the last steps of the challenges was impressive. What a tireless community!”
Javier Sabariego
“It was great seeing people from different backgrounds working together on the haQtoberfest. Some even flew to Barcelona that morning, now that’s dedication!”
Guillermo Abad
“The presentations at the end were a blast, we learned many things from each other!”
Adrián Navarro
The results
As the day came to a close, each team took the stage to present their solutions.
The presentations highlighted the diverse ways in which quantum computing concepts can be applied:
Q-Trust
Entanglement Team
QCumbers
Show us the Lab
QuLib
The Cat in a Box
Quantum Testerino
The prize
Finally, our committee selected a winner.
The prize? A guided visit to our brand new Quantum Lab, accompanied by our engineers.
The winners? A team called “SHOW US THE LAB“… what a coincidence! 🤣
Our final thoughts
When asking for feedback, the most common response: they want to repeat next year!
“Considering my experience organizing events at HPCNow! and PyLadiesBCN, I haven’t expected that this 12h event went smoothly as it came. We fill the room with 43 quantum enthusiasts from different backgrounds, and they had a good day understanding all the different things a quantum computer can do. I hope that soon we could focus on the future of Quantum Computers alongside HPC resources, to show the real power of what will be a reality in the upcoming years.”
Elisabeth Ortega
“Our goal with the haQtoberfest was to make Quantum Computing more accessible and widely understood, helping to democratize this emerging technology, and we’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm from participants. It’s always exciting to share our passion for Quantum Computing and to foster lasting relationships within the community.”
David Arcos
Thanks to all the attendants, mentor, volunteers and organizers!