Insider Brief:
- The Future Leaders in Quantum (FLIQ) Virtual Hackathon invites students, researchers, creatives, and early-career professionals to develop real-world quantum solutions across science, education, art, and innovation tracks.
- Participants can build skills through Pre-FLIQ Workshops covering quantum fundamentals, social good applications, creative storytelling, and technology development, culminating in a global hackathon and awards program in May 2025.
- The event emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, requiring no prior quantum experience and offering a $10,000 prize pool, mentorship opportunities, and travel grants to present winning projects at the AI for Good Global Summit.
- By blending technical challenges, education, and creativity, FLIQ is intended to democratize quantum technologies and encourage the next generation of quantum leaders from diverse backgrounds.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Quantum Coalition have announced the launch of the Future Leaders in Quantum (FLIQ) Virtual Hackathon, a global initiative intended to encourage and support the next generation of quantum innovators through hands-on experience. Organized as part of the UN International Year of Quantum, FLIQ invites students, researchers, creatives, and early-career professionals to collaborate, compete, and create real-world quantum solutions.
Designed to be accessible, inclusive, and impactful, FLIQ provides all participants the opportunity to engage directly with quantum technology regardless of their prior experience. According to the official website, the event brings together students, mentors, and industry leaders from around the world to build skills, form networks, and develop applications that reflect the growing real-world impact of quantum science.
A Platform for Diverse Talent in Quantum
FLIQ is structured across four distinct tracks, recognizing that the future of quantum technologies will require contributions from a broad range of skills and perspectives:
- Science Track: Participants solve technical quantum challenges using sponsor-provided hardware and software, focusing on areas such as quantum algorithms, error correction, and optimization.
- Education Track: Participants create learning materials—including tutorials, visualizations, and interactive tools—to make quantum concepts accessible to wider audiences.
- Art Track: Participants explore quantum ideas through visual design, music, storytelling, and other creative forms, highlighting the intersection of science and creativity.
- Innovation Track: Participants develop real-world quantum applications with a focus on business, social impact, and entrepreneurship across sectors such as medicine, finance, and sustainability.
As noted on the website, participants will compete for a total prize pool of $10,000, with awards for track winners, community impact leaders, and challenge champions. Select winners will also receive travel grants to present their projects during the Quantum for Good track at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.
Learning Opportunities Ahead of the Hackathon
Ahead of the hackathon itself, FLIQ organizers have scheduled a series of Pre-FLIQ Workshops running from March through May 2025. These online sessions cover foundational and applied topics in quantum computing, including:
- Quantum computing fundamentals (Quantum 101 and 102)
- Algorithms and applications for social good
- Strategies for teaching quantum concepts
- Creativity and storytelling in quantum education
- Practical pathways from theory to real-world quantum technology development
Workshops such as “Playing with Possibilities: Teaching Quantum Through Chess” and “Quantum Meets Creativity: Creating Quantum-Inspired Art” are designed to demonstrate new, accessible ways to engage with quantum concepts. As outlined on the website, these sessions aim to ensure that participants are well-prepared to engage fully during the main hackathon event.
Participants can also join the Quantum Insider’s “Demystifying Quantum: Speak the Language of Impact” session on 30 April 2025, which will explore how to translate complex quantum concepts into engaging and accessible narratives. This session will offer practical strategies for storytelling, visualization, and public engagement, helping participants communicate quantum innovation beyond the scientific community.
Timeline and Key Dates
The FLIQ Hackathon will come to life across several phases:
- March 14 – May 14: Pre-FLIQ Workshops and skills-building sessions
- May 7: Draft challenge descriptions released
- May 16: Official kickoff and challenge release
- May 17 – May 18: Main hacking days
- May 19 – May 20: Final presentations, judging, and award announcements
- July 8-11: Selected projects showcased at the AI for Good Global Summit
It Takes a Quantum Village
FLIQ is part of a broader effort to democratize access to quantum knowledge and tools at a time when the field is expanding rapidly. As noted by the organizers, no prior quantum experience is required—tracks and challenges are designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, from experienced quantum developers to newcomers interested in the intersection of science, art, and innovation.
By combining hands-on technical challenges, educational initiatives, and creative expression, FLIQ reflects a growing recognition that quantum technology is not only a scientific endeavor but a societal one, one requiring new narratives, broader understanding, and diverse leadership.
Registration is now open for interested participants around the world. For more information, updates, or sponsorship opportunities, visit the official website at aiforgood.itu.int/the-future-leaders-in-quantum-hackathon/.
