The closing ceremony of Pakistan’s first Quantum Computing Hackathon was held here on Sunday at the National Centre for Physics (NCP), marking the successful conclusion of a landmark three-day national initiative aimed at advancing emerging technologies and nurturing the next generation of scientific innovators.
Addressing the participants as the Chief Guest, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar praised the energy, intellectual depth, and collaborative spirit demonstrated by young researchers and innovators from across the country. Recalling global discussions on the future of quantum science, Dr. Anwar noted that quantum technology—once considered distant and abstract—is rapidly becoming a transformative force shaping tomorrow’s world. He highlighted the historical evolution of quantum science and emphasized its emergence as one of the most promising frontiers of modern research.
The Chairman underscored that quantum computing is designed to complement conventional computing systems rather than replace them, enabling breakthroughs in areas requiring massive computational power. He stressed that sustained institutional support, investment in research, and the nurturing of human intellect are essential to fully harness emerging technologies. Highlighting human capacity as both the greatest challenge and strength of scientific advancement, Dr. Anwar expressed satisfaction at the strong participation of youth and the encouraging gender balance witnessed at the hackathon, calling it a positive sign for Pakistan’s scientific future. He urged participants to remain connected beyond the competition, build a national community of quantum innovators, and continue collaborative research across institutions. He also encouraged academic and research organizations to regularly host similar innovation-driven events to maintain momentum in advanced sciences.
Before the Chairman’s address, Director General, National Institute of Lasers and Optronics (NILOP), Dr. Manzoor Ikram welcomed the participants and dignitaries. He outlined the journey of the hackathon, which began in May last year following engagements with Pakistan’s Mission to the United Nations in Geneva and international science diplomacy organizations promoting quantum innovation worldwide. He explained that the event was organized in collaboration with the Open Quantum Institute, CERN, and international partners, with the dual objectives of raising public awareness about quantum technologies and developing practical quantum algorithms addressing real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Ikram noted that the hackathon was deliberately scheduled in February during the United Nations-designated International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking 100 years of quantum mechanics and symbolizing Pakistan’s participation in a global scientific milestone. He highlighted the overwhelming response to the initiative, with nearly 950 applications received nationwide, from which 42 finalists were selected to compete in seven teams after a rigorous screening process.
He further shared that over the past two days, participants engaged in intensive technical sessions, policy dialogues, and hands-on innovation, featuring experts from national institutions, ministries, universities, and international research organizations. Distinguished speakers delivered lectures on quantum science, emerging technologies, and Pakistan’s growing scientific partnerships, while a high-level panel discussion addressed public and academic perspectives on quantum advancements. Dr. Ikram emphasized that the competing teams worked almost continuously over the three-day period, developing quantum-based solutions focused on critical national and global challenges, including flood prediction and response systems, healthcare diagnostics such as early detection tuberculosis, secure quantum encryption for sensitive data, logistics and route optimization, and disease detection technologies aimed at reaching underserved communities.
Dr. Anwar and Dr. Ikram both commended the international and national partners, mentors, sponsors, and technical teams for their dedication, including the Open Quantum Institute, CERN, academic institutions, cloud infrastructure providers, and supporting organizations that ensured the smooth execution of the event.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, medals and cash prizes were awarded to the top-performing teams for their innovative quantum computing solutions. The team that received the Gold Medal and a cash prize of Rs 800,000 used quantum algorithms for the early detection of tuberculosis in lungs by converting X-ray images into matrix form and applying quantum algorithms to recognize and diagnose the disease. The Silver Medalist team, which won a cash prize of Rs 600,000, designed a quantum-enhanced flood response system for flood prediction, mapping, and shelter placement. The Bronze Medal and a cash prize of Rs 400,000 went to the team that used variational quantum circuits to optimize sensor placement and network design for early warning in cases of cloudbursts or flash flooding.
The Quantum Computing Hackathon brought together students and researchers from across Pakistan, providing hands-on exposure to one of the world’s most advanced technological frontiers and reinforcing the country’s commitment to innovation, research, and advanced technology education. The event concluded with a renewed resolve by participating institutions to continue promoting scientific excellence in emerging technologies.
