Frequently Asked Questions

The 13th annual NYUAD International Hackathon for Social Good is a three-day programming marathon focused on two of the most promising technologies of our time: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing (QC). Participants will form cross-disciplinary global teams to develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges using quantum computing technologies.

Hackathon participants will gain hands-on experience with quantum computing, applying quantum-based technologies to real-world problems while collaborating in diverse, interdisciplinary teams. This unique event is supported by top global experts in quantum computing from both industry and academia, including AstraZeneca, Google, IBM, Microsoft, NYU’s Center for Quantum Phenomena (CQP), NYUAD, Johannes Kepler University Linz, and many others. These experts will mentor teams and guide them in exploring quantum computing solutions across various fields, including machine learning, AI, physics (complex simulations), chemistry, computer science, healthcare, mathematics, online gaming, security, social sciences, and even the arts (quantum-generated artwork).

Participants will also have the opportunity to work with quantum computing software and run programs on real quantum hardware, making this an unparalleled learning experience at the forefront of technology.

Students
The NYUAD Hackathon is open to all excellent students (undergraduate, and graduate including PhD students) from top universities around the world with a 3.5 GPA or higher (excellent grades), and strong leadership, Hackathon, research, communication, and technical applied skills .

Student’s Nomination
In order to nominate students for the NYUAD Hackathon scholarship, a faculty member must fill out this student nomination form in its entirety (for a maximum of one student per university and one waiting list student). Please do NOT nominate students who have participated in previous NYUAD Hackathons (with the exception of NYUAD and UAE students who can attend again) in order to give this unique learning experience to new students.

*Please note that UAE Universities can nominate up to 8 students (ranked from 1 to 8) and NYUAD faculty can nominate several students including students who participated in prior hackathons.

Mentor’s Nomination
Mentors can nominate themselves using this mentor nomination form. The ideal mentor is someone with extensive experience in Quantum Computing and who also won or guided a team during Hackathons or research or competitions. Mentors MUST be proficient in Quantum Computing related to any field from the sciences to healthcare to the arts. We are also looking for CS mentors who are exceptional in any of these topics such as AI, machine learning, Healthtech, online gaming, NLP, security, crypto, web, mobile and hackathon skills. You could have guided a team in research, hackathons, or workshops/courses in any theme related to Quantum Computing or any of the topics mentioned above.

The NYUAD Hackathon is a 3-day event that will be held in person at NYUAD’s Conference Center from April 25, 2025 to April 27, 2025 (Arriving April 24, 2025 and leaving April 28, 2025).  Please note that we will hold required online intensive workshops and talks on Quantum Computing throughout April, prior to the hackathon. Kindly note that you will also be required to complete a full month virtual course curated by QWorld and tailored specifically to the NYUAD hackathon. The course will be self-paced and will take place in March.

For more details on the event’s program, please check our program.

No, NYUAD plans to arrange and cover the cost of visa, travel (economy ticket), food, hotel (2 people per room), and transportation.

The deadline to submit applications is February 1,st 2025 (11:59 PM EST). This is an absolute deadline to obtain tickets and visas for all of the Hackathon attendees. We expect to have the nomination results by mid-February.

We will offer online intensive workshops and talks throughout April to provide all participants with a basic introduction to quantum computing and how to use quantum software and hardware. We also require that you complete a self-paced online course during March, prior to the hackathon. Details of the course will be communicated to all participants. CS and Science students MUST have strong knowledge of Python. CS students must also have strong skills in web applications and developing mobile apps. You can begin to prepare by researching QC related themes and applications. You can also research ideas/applications from previous QC Hackathons.

We will focus on Python and Qiskit. But, we will allow the use of Ocean and others as well.

Teams must have 5 members (diversified members from different countries and genders). Official teams are formed prior to the event in March. We will provide information on team formation at the end of February.

We are now excited to grow the NYUAD Hackathon into a network spanning institutions of higher education from across the world, as well as industry partners.

We are interested in institutions that will be able to provide mentors with experience in Quantum Computing related to any field from the sciences to the Arts. We also look for these institutions/departments/companies to identify challenges that participants can work on during the hackathon. The challenges have to be solvable in three days suitable for a hackathon tech challenge. The mentors can manage and help lead a team during the hackathons.

If your company or academic institution is interested in community sponsorship or partnering with this event—whether by nominating students, identifying challenges for the hackathon, providing experienced QC mentors, or sponsoring in any way (such as covering travel for mentors or students, sponsoring food, receptions, accommodations, or other contributions)—please fill out the sponsor form. We will get back to you with more details and answer any questions you may have.

The NYUAD Hackathon is sponsored by NYUAD and organized by Professor Sana Odeh, an affiliated Faculty, NYU Abu Dhabi, Faculty Liaison for Global Programs of Computer Science, and Clinical Professor of Computer Science, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York.

The NYUAD Hackathon is supported by top global Quantum Computing experts from both industry and academia such as NYUAD Center for Quantum and Topological Systems, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), Xanadu, ETH Zurich in Quantum Information, Zurich EPFL Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE Center), University of Calgary’s Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), IBM, qBraid, QWorld,  NIEW, the MIT’s iQuHACK, QC Hack (Yale, Stanford, and Berkeley QC Hackathon), and many others to mentor teams and explore along with the students quantum computing solutions to a wide range of challenging projects from machine learning and AI, to physics (complex simulation problems), chemistry, computer science, Healthcare, Math, to climate change, healthcare, online gaming, security, social sciences and the arts (quantum-generated artwork).