Quantum Computing Hackathon, Lebanon

​In celebration of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the Center for Advanced Mathematical Sciences organised the first Lebanon’s Quantum Computing Hackathon at the American University of Beirut in collaboration with the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN.

This hackathon brought together talented students (at the undergraduate and graduate level) from local Lebanese Universities to develop quantum-powered solutions that address pressing real-world challenges in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Quantum Materials Hackathon

In celebration of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN and the University of Geneva are co-organizing the first Quantum Materials Hackathon, which will be hosted at CERN IdeaSquare from July 11 to 13, 2025.

This hackathon will explore how quantum computing could be utilised to design novel quantum materials and how these materials can contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with OQI’s overall mission. To achieve this, hackathon participants will be tasked with creating a practical application document, detailing how they would approach developing a quantum algorithm to design such a material. They will then begin to develop an algorithm with the potential to be refined further beyond the hackathon.

The event aims at 1) Upskilling/educating new talent in the field of quantum computing/materials. 2) Connecting academic and industrial quantum communities with each other and with new talent. 3) Elaborating on a roadmap for applications of quantum materials to inform future research projects across academia/industry.

Quantum Computing Hackathon

Participants of the hackathon will develop quantum solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This hands-on competition offers students practical experience, helps corporates explore first applications, and shows policymakers that quantum is already delivering real results—making it a key driver for Switzerland’s innovation agenda and future investment.

OQI Quantum Diplomacy Game at the International Quantum Forum

The Open Quantum Institute (OQI) participated in the International Quantum Forum 2025 held at TUM Think Tank, presenting the Quantum Diplomacy Game.

OQI’s Quantum Diplomacy Game is an interactive role-play game that brings the challenges and opportunities of quantum computing to life in a fictional future scenario. Designed to promote science diplomacy, the game aims to raise awareness of the geopolitical implications of quantum computing as an emerging technology.

Quantum computing course at EPFL

OQI partnered with the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) on a new course offered in the Quantum Science and Engineering Master’s programme — a three-part course introducing students to the potential of quantum computing to address global challenges aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

IYQ Launch at Swiss Embassy in Washington

On February 5, 2025, the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C., in partnership with Swissnex, celebrated the launch of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST) 2025. A group of around 30 participants—including diplomats, U.S. government officials, scientists, and industry representatives—had the opportunity to engage in the newest version of the Open Quantum Institute’s Quantum Diplomacy Game for the very first time.

The Quantum Diplomacy Game is an interactive role-play game that simulates the challenges and opportunities of quantum computing for the common good in a fictional future scenario. Designed to promote science diplomacy, the game aims to raise awareness and anticipation of the geopolitical implications of quantum computing as an emerging technology.

CERN Day @ Geneva Science and Diplomacy Week

From May 5 to 9, 2025, the Geneva Science Diplomacy Week—organised by the Geneva Science Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA)—brought together 36 global participants—including scientists, diplomats, policymakers, entrepreneurs, funders and citizens—to explore how science diplomacy can contribute to shaping a more inclusive future.

On day four of the programme, participants visited CERN to explore the Organization’s history and positioning at the intersection between science and diplomacy.

The event aims to explore how science diplomacy can contribute to shaping a more inclusive future and raise awareness and anticipation of the geopolitical implications of quantum computing, an emerging technology.

Entangle Moment – [Quantum | Earth | Universe] × Art

Overview

To commemorate the declaration of 2025 as the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,” this summer, we will hold a special exhibition titled “entangle Moment — [quantum, earth, universe] × art” at the Osaka–Kansai Expo in Japan.
This exhibition aims to allow a wide range of visitors to experience three key themes—the microscopic world of quantum, the oceans and Earth that nurture life, and the vast universe—through collaborations between science, technology, and art.

About the Exhibition

The year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of quantum mechanics.
In recognition of this milestone, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” under the auspices of UNESCO.


In celebration of this historic year, entangle moment – [quantum | earth | universe] × art will present an immersive experience of the quantum, ocean, and cosmic realms through interdisciplinary collaboration across science, technology, and the arts.
From the microcosmic world of quantum mechanics to the deep sea and global ecosystems and out into the mysteries of the cosmos, this exhibition offers “entangled” installations, where scientific knowledge and artistic imagination are interwoven.
Just as quantum research spans a century, scientists and artists alike have long explored the invisible, the uncertain, and the deeply mysterious aspects of nature.


Across eras, it is creative experimentation—rooted in imagination and technology—that has opened new paths of perception.
The venue will feature a circular space inspired by the legendary Ouroboros, symbolizing continuity between the micro and macro realms.


Visitors are invited to journey through a conceptual loop of past, present, and future


Within this space, cutting-edge research from Japanese universities, institutions, and companies—including quantum computing and sensing, quantum communication, Arctic exploration, deep-sea research tracing the origins of life, and astrophysical studies on black holes and dark matter—will coexist with artistic expressions to form a unique and immersive environment. Through these exhibitions, videos, XR installations, interactive artworks, and computer games, visitors may witness the moment when a new form of art emerges—born from the convergence of imagination and science.


As you explore the exhibition at your own pace, we invite you to reflect on how science and technology are becoming inseparable from our changing planet, and to consider the “moment” we live in—across past, present, and future.
A rich lineup of stage events will also be held, including talks, workshops, and musical programs featuring researchers, artists, and thinkers from diverse fields.


We hope this exhibition serves as a catalyst for new questions, ideas, and initiatives that will propel us into the next 100 years.

ITU Quantum Diplomacy Session

On May 12, 2025, the International Telecommunication Union hosted the Quantum Diplomacy Game, kicking off with a deep dive into the quantum realm: from the roots of quantum mechanics to the promise—and challenges—of quantum computing.

QUIDIQUA 3

This conference on quasiprobability distributions in quantum mechanics, optics, and information (QuiDiQua) will bring together physicists and mathematicians studying all aspects of the use of quasiprobabilities in quantum mechanics, as well as of their recent applications in quantum information theory and quantum metrology.