Insider Brief
- QAI Ventures has launched its 2025 Global Hackathon Series across Calgary, Geneva, and Singapore to prototype QuantumAI solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Each event focuses on a high-impact sector—energy, life sciences, or finance—and culminates in a pitch round, with winning teams advancing to the global finals at Singapore’s SWITCH event.
- Supported by ecosystem partners like CERN’s Open Quantum Institute, Quantum City, and Enterprise Singapore, the hackathons offer participants mentorship, access to quantum hardware, and a platform to develop real-world applications.
PRESS RELEASE — QAI Ventures, a global VC firm and ecosystem builder in Quantum Tech and Advanced Computing, announces the launch of its Global Hackathon Series 2025: a three-continent initiative to empower the next generation of quantum innovators – GenQ – to prototype real-world applications of QuantumAI aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Taking place in Calgary, Geneva, and Singapore, the series brings together students, researchers, industry experts, and quantum hardware partners to explore high-impact use cases in Energy, Life Sciences, and Finance.
After a successful kickoff in Calgary in 2024, QAI Ventures is scaling the program globally. The 2025 edition will see hackathons held:
- October 3–5 in Calgary, co-hosted with Quantum City and supported by OCIF
- October 17–19 in Geneva, during Swiss Quantum Week, supported by The Open Quantum Institute at CERN
- October 24–26 in Singapore, during SWITCH by Enterprise Singapore
Each event focuses on one industry vertical – energy, life sciences, or finance – in which QuantumAI is positioned to drive transformative breakthroughs. “Every hub contributes its own edge shaped by the local ecosystem,” says Thomas Landis, Chief Product Officer at QAI Ventures. “Switzerland with its leadership in both life sciences and finance, Canada pushing forward in clean energy technologies, and Singapore as a strategic player in global markets. Yet the goal remains the same across all locations: to address real-world challenges with QuantumAI.”
Participants will apply the combined power of QuantumAI to develop solutions to SDG-aligned challenges in interdisciplinary teams. Supported by expert mentors – including researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders – they will work toward functional prototypes to be tested on real quantum hardware. Each event concludes with a final pitch round; winning teams will advance to the global finals at Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) on October 29.
The initiative is supported by leading academic institutions and local ecosystem builders committed to turning scientific excellence into applied innovation.
Martin Gastal, Capacity Building and Partnerships Lead at the Open Quantum Institute: “OQI is proud to collaborate with QAI Ventures to organise a quantum computing hackathon at CERN. Events like this are instrumental in showcasing the transformative potential of quantum computing for society, while creating opportunities for emerging talent. We are also committed to the responsible development of the technology, which is why our focus is on prototyping applications targeting the SDGs.”
Megan Lee, Managing Director, Quantum City: “Quantum City joins the QAI Ventures GenQ Hackathon to support emerging innovators and contribute to the momentum of Alberta’s quantum ecosystem. The event is set to be an inspiring display of collaboration, creativity, and cross-disciplinary talent. More than a competition, GenQ showcases the kind of teamwork and innovation that will drive the development of globally competitive quantum solutions.”
Brad Parry, CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund & President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development: “QAI Ventures is supporting what Calgary does best: helping bright minds turn big ideas into real-world impact. QAI Ventures, with support from OCIF, is launching the next generation of globally competitive ventures right here in the Blue Sky City. The GenQ Hackathon is a prime example of how Calgary’s talent, tech, and tenacity are positioning us at the forefront of the quantum economy.”
Participation is free and includes meals, travel support, and free on-site sleeping options for participants coming from outside the host cities. Applications are open now and close on September 10, 2025.
