Our Mission

Since our launch in 2011, the NYUAD International Hackathon for Social Good aims to demonstrate the transformative power of innovation, computer science, technology, and engineering, focusing on AI and Quantum Computing, in driving positive societal impact across the Arab world and beyond. Our goals align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we aim to empower the next generation of innovators to shape a more sustainable and equitable future through technology.

The NYUAD Hackathon is honored to be supported by top global Quantum Computing institutions including our partner CERN’s Open Quantum Institute (OQI), ETHZ, EPFL, the NYUAD Center for Quantum and Topological Systems, Google, Sandbox, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), TII, Micorosft, SandboxAQ, qBraid, QWorld, Womanium Quantum, ETH Zurich’s Quantum Information and Computation, Zurich EPFL Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE Center), MIT’s iQuHACK, QC Hack (Yale, Stanford, and Berkeley QC Hackathon) Quantum Coalition, International Quantum Circuit Hackathon, SC Quantum, QUAE, NiEW, The Beyond Lab and many others. Top global experts will mentor teams and explore along with the students quantum computing solutions to solve a wide range of challenging projects from machine learning and AI, to physics (complex simulation problems), chemistry, computer science, Math, climate change, healthcare, online gaming, security, social sciences and the arts (quantum-generated artwork).

The goal of the NYUAD Hackathon is to promote innovation in computer science and engineering, focusing on one of the most exciting topics of our time, Quantum Computing, while also emphasizing the UN SDGs. In addition, we explore Data Science, machine learning, security, privacy, tech startups, entrepreneurship, and the development of innovative technology aligned with the UN SDGs.

This event provides students with a unique opportunity to experience the full cycle of creating a tech startup: sharing and generating ideas, pitching concepts, learning new platforms and programming languages, designing and developing applications, and collaborating within a team.

As we face growing social and environmental challenges, this hackathon serves as a tool for sustainable change. With the support from world-leading institutions and renowned international computer science and engineering professors, founders of successful startups, technology professionals, and venture capitalists, our participants benefit from mentorship and global collaboration to create Quantum Computing applications relevant to diverse fields such as health, education, sustainability, refugees, music, and science for the benefit of social good.

One of our main goals for this Hackathon is to promote diversity and representation and to ensure an environment for learning and growth. We encourage the nomination of outstanding female students and students of color who are strong candidates for the NYUAD Hackathon. Their unique perspectives and talents are crucial in shaping innovative solutions for social good.

We are deeply grateful to our students, mentors, judges, partners, and sponsors, whose dedication and expertise continue to make this initiative a success.