NYUAD 2023 Hackathon

Watch the 2023 wrap up video

The 11th annual NYUAD International Hackathon for Social Good which focused on one of the most promising technologies of our time, Quantum Computing (QC) and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event was organised by NYUAD Engineering and Tamkeen held from April 28 – April 30, 2023.

NYUAD is also excited about the establishment of the NYUAD Center for Quantum and Topological Systems. We are hopeful that this Hackathon will provide opportunities for Quantum Computing networking, and future research and project collaborations with the NYUAD Center for Quantum and Topological Systems.

Teams   Sponsors   Gallery   Students   Mentors   Judges

The 2023 Teams

1st Place Audience Choice Award Special Award: GESDA Open Quantum Institute (OQI)
Team 5

It’s allowed me to learn things that I would not normally do. Before this, I worked on quantum hardware but I didn’t know the applications. It’s fun!

Candice Kang

This hackathon has been an amazing opportunity to work with international teams and learn from one another

Sohum Thakkar

"The inspirational innovation from diverse cultures and perspectives around the world continues to fuel creativity and push boundaries to use the present for a better future."

Yaffa Jaradat

التيار الذكي / Smart Current Team 5

Focus on Affordable & Clean Energy

Quantum topology and neural networks for blackout response

Students

Elias Xaver Huber Yenching Scholar, Peking University, Switzerland
Omar Reyad Al-Khazali Student, American University of Sharjah, UAE
Candice Kang Student, UC Berkeley, United States
Haya Fuad Student, Ajman University, UAE
Allen Baranov Student, MIT, United States
Yaffa Jaradat
Yaffa Jaradat Student, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine
Henok Daniel Kahsay Student, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE

Mentors

Stephen Lang Co-Founder/CDO, Uni Creative Inc, Japan, United States
Sohum Thakkar Quantum Software Engineer, QC Ware Corp, United States
Kannan Vijayadharan PhD Student, University of Padova, Italy
2nd Place
Team 8

This hackathon was a learning roller-coaster where we worked for long hours and interacted with multiple people from around the world. It was a great experience working with three awesome mentors while learning from them and their experiences.

Lakshika Rathi

The NYUAD hackathon gives me an opportunity to say that i’m very lucky to learn with such a diverse group of intellectually curious students.

Victory Omole

قطرة / Qatrah (Droplet) Team 8

Focus on Clean Water & Sanitation and Industry innovation & infrastructure

Using quantum computing to design a more precise, environmental friendly and robust water distribution network.

Students

Mst Airin Haque Anika Student, NYUAD, UAE
Mohamed Amine Garrach Student, ENET'Com (National School of Electronics and Telecommunications of Sfax), Tunis
Ghadeer Sawalha Student, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE
Anas Mohammad Student, Applied Science Private University, Jordan
Selin Doğa Orhan Student, Izmir University Of Economics, Turkey
Yaser Alesh Student, University of Sharjah, UAE
Sanjana Nambiar Student, NYUAD, UAE
Lakshika Rathi Student, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India
Basant Abdelaal Student, The American University in Cairo, Egypt

Mentors

Fouad Afiouni CQTS, NYUAD, UAE
Victory Omole Senior Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States
Akash Kant
Akash Kant Quantum Cloud Architect, qBraid, United States
El Amine Cherrat Quantum Scientist, QC Ware, France
3rd Place
Team 1

Quantum computing: the future is now.

Abbas Hassasfar

The quantum future is all about the friends and memories we make along the way.

Utkarsh Azad

فكرة / feeQra Team 1

Focus on Good Health & Wellbeing

We helps medical professionals with early detection of malignant tumors in patients using quantum machine learning.

Students

Elena Acinapura Student, ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich), Switzerland
Adjo Axoefa Irene Amedji
Adjo Axoefa Irene Amedji Project Manager, Institut Polytechnique Defitech, Togo
Meriem Aoudia Student, University of Sharjah, UAE
Ashok Timsina Student, NYUAD, UAE
Djilali Dernane Student, National School of Information & Communication Technologies, Algeria
Reem Hazim Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Abbas (Omid) Hassasfar
Abbas (Omid) Hassasfar PhD Student, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Utkarsh Azad Quantum Scientist, Xanadu Quantum Technologies, Canada
Robert Basmadjian Interim Professor, Clausthal University of Technology, Finland
Zixiao Xu Student, Carnegie Mellon University, United States
Audience Choice Award
Team 12

We’re like qubits. Each of us can’t do much alone. But when we come together and be in superposition, we have the potential to revolutionize the society

Yugoo Lu

Quantum computing is not just a technology, it’s a mindset. Let’s embrace the power of diversity and global collaboration to unleash the true potential of quantum, and create a world that was once unimaginable.

Vardaan Sahgal

فُقدان / FuQdan Team 12

Focus on Good Health & Well-Being

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using Quantum-Enhanced Machine Learning helps patients to slow the progression of the disease and helps insurers lower healthcare costs.

Students

Alessandro Sinibaldi Student, EPFL Lausanne École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
Yugoo Lu Student, NYUAD, UAE
Shahd Lubada Student, An-Najah National University, Palestine
Nadeen Nassif Student, Nile University, Egypt
Dea Likaj Student, NYUAD, UAE
Firas Darwish Student, NYUAD, UAE
Prince Joseph Javier Student, Asian Institute of Management, Philippines

Mentors

Stefan Hillmich PhD Candidate, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria
Amro Imam Education Outreach Resident, SandboxAQ, UAE
Pingal Pratyush Nath PhD Student, Indian Institute of Science, India
Vardaan Sahgal Quantum Software and Solutions Head, Womanium Quantum, United States
Team 2

The NYUAD hackathon is such a unique opportunity to collaborate with people from around the world and grow as a learner. I have had such an amazing time!

Jade LeSchack

The 11th NYUAD Hackathon has been a colorful melange of people from every imaginable culture having impressively diverse expertise driven by their passion to solve problems for social good. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this amazing event!

Priya Aswani

عـــون / AUN Team 2

Focus on Good Health & Wellbeing

AUN (عون) / AUN helps governments, citizens, and NGOs provide an efficient emergency evacuation response to those affected by natural disasters using graph optimization.

Students

Tamer Krizim Student, Philadelphia University, Jordan
Saaketh Rayaprolu Student, University of Southern California, United States
Jade LeSchack Student, University of Maryland - College Park, United States
Ajla Sacic
Ajla Sacic Student, NYUAD, UAE
Mohamed Islem Kara Bernou Student, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique, Algeria
Keya Shah Student, NYUAD, UAE
Aziz Amro Student, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine

Mentors

Priya Aswani
Priya Aswani Chief Technology Officer & Faculty in Computer Science, University of Wollongong, UAE
Nada Ikken
Nada Ikken PhD Student in Quantum information, University Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco
Mousa Farajallah
Mousa Farajallah Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Engineering, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine
Team 3

As the great Sheikh Zayed once said “A country’s greatest investment lies in building generations of knowledgeable and educated youth”

Hamdan Zoghbor

It is vital to make science as accessible as possible to the youth in a language they understand.

Aliza Siddiqui

شيخ سكر / Sheikh Sukar Team 3

Focus on Quality Education, Gender Equality and Industry Innovation & Infrastructure

Spooky or Genius? Learn about the fundamentals of quantum through Sheikh Sukar!

Students

Hamdan Zoghbor Student, NYUAD, UAE
Youmna Hamdan Student, Al-Quds University, Palestine
Mah Noor Anwar Student, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
Billel Benoudjit Student, University Paris 8, Saint Denis, Algeria, France
Yahya Haj Ali Student, Al-Quds University, Palestine
Rahaf Qanas Student, Ajman University, UAE

Mentors

Rushdi Hamamreh Head of Computer Engineering Department, Al-Quds University, Jordan
Jibran Rashid
Jibran Rashid Assistant Professor, Institute of Business Administration, Pakistan
Saumya Ranjan Behera Student, Fakir Mohan University / Raman Research Institute, India
Aliza Siddiqui Student, Louisiana State University, United States
Team 4

The NYUAD hackathon has been an outstanding experience, getting to work on things I didn’t know I can actually do was the best part about it. I really like how it allows me to learn from people with different backgrounds and levels coming from all around the world.

Maryam Almetnawy

The Quantum NYUAD hackathon provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals worldwide to explore the fascinating intersection of quantum computing and our passions.

Nouhaila Innan

"Participating in a Quantum-focused hackathon felt like entering a realm of innovation, where it takes you to a different world while also having fun. Had a blast getting to work with my teammates!"

Maryam Almetnawy

"Joining this incredible event for the third time fills me with excitement and enthusiasm. Each occasion is a fresh inspiration chapter, filled with unforgettable moments and vibrant connections. Once again, I’m truly honored to be part of this fantastic hackathon!"

Nouhaila Innan

تَنبيه / Tanbeeh Team 4

Focus on Decent Work & Economic Growth
and Peace & Justice, and Strong Institutions

With Tanbeeh | تَنْبِيه, Say Goodbye to Fraudsters and Hello to Fraud Busters!

Students

Kelly Harrison Student, University of Wisconsin Madison, United States
Alaa Breim Student, University College of Applied Sciences - Gaza, Palestine
Sairupa Thota Student, Gurunanak Institutions, India
Maryam Almetnawy
Maryam Almetnawy Marketing Analyst, Amazon, UAE
Mohammad Husaini Student, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine
Mohamed Ahmed ElMohandes Student, American University of Sharjah, UAE
Husayn Gokal Student, Algorithmics, UAE

Mentors

Jamika Roque Student, University of the Philippines, Philippines
Ioannis Theodonis
Ioannis Theodonis Quantum Educator, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
Nouhaila Innan
Nouhaila Innan Post-Doctoral Associate, NYUAD, Morocco, UAE
Team 6

Participating in this hackathon has been an incredible experience that I will never forget. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet amazing people and to have had the chance to connect with Sama, whose insights and guidance were truly eye-opening. This event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that challenged me to work under pressure and push my limits to create something truly amazing. Winning is no longer the goal for me because the real victory is in the journey, the connections made, and the knowledge gained. I feel like I have already won just by being a part of this amazing event.

Syrine Sbaa

The Quantum Computing Hackathon is a thrilling fusion of diversity and camaraderie. It’s a global meeting point, where incredible minds thrive in a positive, collaborative atmosphere. It’s not just great, it’s quantum!

David Morcuende

"The NYUAD Hackathon is a vibrant celebration of diversity, innovation, and the amazing connections that drive us forward in technology and friendship."

David Morcuende Cantador

تنبّؤ / TANABU Team 6

Focus on Affordable & Clean Energy

TANABU|تنبّؤ is a quantum machine learning project that predicts energy grid failures and suggests maintenance based on climate, consumption trends, and energy generation data.

Students

Kevin Rapp Student, Brown University, United States
Yousef Bashar Alnashef Student, Khalifa University, UAE
Ahmed Kamal Rashid Student, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE
Syrine Sbaa Student, ESI – Ecole nationale Supérieure d'Informatique, Tunis
Gabriel Missael Barco Student, University of Guanajuato, Mexico
Omar Rayyan Student, NYUAD, UAE
Rahaf Alhusari Student, Ajman University, UAE
Abdallah El Sayed Ahmad Student, Arab Open University, Lebanon

Mentors

Mohammed Alghadeer
Mohammed Alghadeer PhD Candidate, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
David Morcuende Cantador
David Morcuende Cantador Network Manager, European Quantum Industry Consortia (QuIC), Spain
Team 7

This has been a life changing experience for me, and I learned so much about quantum computers and their potential impact

Nada Boutaoui

I really am proud and excited that the UAE and the Arab World are taking an initiative into utilizing this technology for good. This is only the beginning.

Salahedeen Issa

"Bringing together brilliant, driven students to develop highly pertinent projects using a super promising technology. What a remarkable event."

Salahedeen Issa

نقاء / NaQaa’ Team 7

Focus on Industry innovation & infrastructure

Optimization of crop rotation techniques in order to improve sustainability of agriculture.

Students

Nada Elsharkawy Student, NYUAD, UAE
Mojtaba Khavaninzadeh Student, University of Toronto, Canada
Violeta Kabadzhova Student, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria
Nada Boutaoui Student, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique, Algeria
Mira Saleh Student, NYUAD, UAE
Amine Kidane Student, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE

Mentors

Sophie Li Student, Harvard University, United States
Ahmad Alsadeh Professor, Birzeit University, Jordan
Swaraj Purohit Student, MIT World Peace University, India
Salahedeen Issa Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States
Team 10

Working on this project has been an incredible experience. I never thought I would be able to apply quantum computing to a real-world problem like fertilizer design. It’s exciting to see how these cutting-edge technologies can be used to make a positive impact on the world.

Walid Al-Eisawi

Nature is a remarkable chemist, and quantum computing provides an opportunity to better understand and harness its secrets for designing more efficient and sustainable fertilizer molecules.

Pawel Gora

كيو كروب / QCrop Team 10

Focus on Industry innovation & infrastructure

Using Quantum Computing for Simulating Molecular Engineering for Fertilizer Design.

Students

Padmapriya Mohan Student, RNS Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India
Hamza Korhan Student, METU - Middle East Technical University, Turkey
Ashmit Gupta Student, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, India
Ahmed Jaafari Student, Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Morocco
Meriam Mkadmi Student, American University Of Sharjah, UAE
Rohan Mitra Student, American University Of Sharjah, UAE
Walid Al-Eisawi Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Amir Karamlou PhD, MIT, United States
Pawel Gora
Pawel Gora CEO, Quantum AI Foundation, Poland
Kamila Zaman Senior QML Researcher, NYUAD, Ebrains Lab, CQTS, Pakistan
Team 11

Really enjoyed meeting others from around the world to discuss not only quantum computing but personal interests and projects

Mahira Pathan

I really enjoyed coming back for a second year, and one that is the same as last year — the best part of the Hackathon is the PEOPLE!

Sahar Ben Rached

"This experience is truly the fusion of creativity, collaboration, and building transformative solutions. I am happy to be back again!"

Lyna Boukari

"The team is brilliant! It is so exciting to work with smart and engaged students"

Sahar Ben Rached

فائق / FaaiQ Team 11

Focus on Industry innovation & infrastructure

Applying quantum optimization algorithms to efficiently implement quantum networks using existing infrastructure.

Students

João Henrique Oliveira Fontes Student, University of Chicago, United States
Fatma-Zohra Rezkellah
Fatma-Zohra Rezkellah Student, PSL University, Algeria, France
Jeffrey Tejada Student, Brown University, United States
Bimarsha Adhikari Student, NYUAD, UAE
Gonzalo de la Cruz Student, NYUAD, UAE
Lyna Boukari Student, University of Paris 8, France
Abdullah Taqiedin Student, Applied Science Private University, Jordan
Mahira Moen Pathan Student, American University Of Sharjah, UAE

Mentors

Teague Tomesh Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States
Sahar Ben Rached PhD Candidate, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
Walid El Maouaki
Walid El Maouaki PhD Student, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco
Team 13

We’re like qubits. Each of us can’t do much alone. But when we come together and be in superposition, we have the potential to revolutionize the society.

Deepesh Garg

Our team’s passion for our hackathon project quickly strengthened as we leveraged our diverse academic backgrounds to solve the widely applicable UN SDGs. Moreover, it was a pleasure deep diving into the fascinating underlying technology and exploring the versatility of our solution with an incredibly talented team assembled from all corners of the world.

Dilyara Sharipova

"As a returning mentor, the rich diversity of talent, interests and backgrounds of the students on our team make this hackathon a highlight of my year. Perhaps most importantly, my teammates are just wonderful people to work with and I look forward to seeing them grow far beyond this event."

Shantanu Jha

كثير / Qathir Team 13

Focus on Sustainable cities and communities

By leveraging our quantum-enhanced end-to-end solution for cost-efficient sensor placement and rapid fault and vulnerability localization, Qathir enables the robust and efficient use of the increasingly complex water distribution networks of tomorrow.

Students

Dhruv Srinivasan Student, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
Khader Khudair Student, University College of Applied Sciences - Gaza, Palestine
Samhitha Bharthulwar Student, Indian Institute of Information Technology Kottayam, India
Anubhav Shrestha Student, NYUAD, UAE
Deepesh Garg Student, Manipal Institute of Technology, India
Yeji Han Student, NYUAD, UAE
Tasnim Ahmed
Tasnim Ahmed Research Assistant, NYUAD Center for Quantum & Topological Systems, UAE
Oyungerel Amarsanaa Student, NYUAD, UAE
Sasha Malik Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Dilyara Sharipova PhD Student, CSO, Co-founder of Boston Quantum, MIT, Boston Quantum, United States
Shantanu Jha PhD Student, CEO, Co-founder of Boston Quantum, MIT EQuS, Boston Quantum, United States
Team 14

It was interesting to work with a diverse team and apply our range of talents!

Batool Wa’El Alsalieby

I’ve been genuinely impressed by the intuition and agility of my group when they’ve been faced with a time-pressured, challenging problem. It’s this style of teamwork that brings hackathon-level ideas into the real world.

Adam Alderton

وَميض / Wameed (Flash) Team 14

Focus on Climate Action

Proven quantum advantage in large-scale routing with applications in constrained resource distribution.

Students

Pau Escofet Student, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain
Harshit Gupta Student, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, India
Amgad Abdallah Student, Cairo University, Egypt
Patricia Bermudez Buenaventura
Patricia Bermudez Buenaventura Student, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE
Mariah Smith-Jones Student, Boston University, United States
Batool Alsalieby Student, Birzeit University, Palestine
Symbat Bekzhigit Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Ricky Young
Ricky Young COO, qBraid, United States
Baker Abdalhaq Assistant Professor, An Najah National University, Palestine
Adam Alderton PhD, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Team 15

I was truly impressed by the hackathon! Despite only being there for two days, I had the pleasure of meeting a diverse group of people who quickly felt like family to me. It was amazing to see the cultural differences between us disappear as we formed instant connections.I’m already looking forward to the next one and hope to attend again!

Salmi Mohammed Nadjib

“Technology is best when it brings people together.”~ Matt Mullenweg .This hackathon has demonstrated that by bringing together a diverse group of people and attempting to make the world a better place, one solution at a time! The future is bright!

Lorraine Tsitsi Majiri

أمان / Safety Team 15

Good Health and Well-Being

During catastrophes and emergencies, our quantum algorithm, based on QAOA, optimizes the placement of scarce resources by minimizing the time for citizens to reach them.

Students

Huthayfa Mutan Student, Birzeit University, Palestine
Aniruddha Sen Student, University of Massachusetts Amherst, United States
Naziha Firas Student, Ajman University, UAE
Mahmood Yaghi Student, Ajman University, UAE
Menna Elbatran Student, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Egypt
Abdul Rhman Kakhia Student, Philadelphia University, Jordan
Mohammed Nadjib Salmi
Mohammed Nadjib Salmi Student, University Abu Bekr Belkaid, Algeria
Saamia Shafqat Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Ben Hall
Ben Hall Senior Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States
Lorraine Tsitsi Majiri
Lorraine Tsitsi Majiri President, Bachelor's of Science, OneQuantum, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe
Alexander Rene Degner Technical Artist (Avatars), Meta Platforms Inc., Germany
Lukas Burgholzer Researcher, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria
People Directory

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