NYUAD 2024 Hackathon

Watch the 2024 wrap up video

The 12th annual NYUAD International Hackathon for Social Good which focused on one of the most promising technologies of our time, Quantum Computing (QC). The event was organised by NYUAD Engineering and Tamkeen held from April 26, 2024, to April 28, 2024.

Teams Sponsors Gallery Students Mentors Judges

“Brilliant minds joining forces to solve problems and shape the future of quantum computing is an invaluable experience.”
Alberto Marchisio

"Hackathons: where teamwork fuels innovation toward achieving SDG goals."
Tamara M. T Hamad

"Hackathons: where teamwork fuels innovation toward achieving SDG goals"
Tamara Hamad

"Brilliant minds joining forces to solve problems and shape the future of quantum computing is an invaluable experience"
Alberto Marchisio

كاشف الغاز / QGasBusters Team 20

QGasBusters protects critical infrastructure by instantly detecting pipeline anomalies, and optimally allocating emergency resources using Quantum Sensing & Machine Learning.

Students

Mateo Stipanicic Student, Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay

Mehak Mehak Master's Student, Raman Research Institute, India

Federico Fuidio Student, Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay

Sarah Marya Mitiche Master's Student, University of Essex, United Kingdom

Rustem Khassanov Student, NYUAD, UAE

Tamara Hamad Data Analyst, Dubai Police, UAE

Mentors

Alberto Marchisio Postdoctoral Researcher, NYUAD, UAE

Elias Xaver Huber Yenching Scholar, Peking University, Switzerland

Priya Aswani Chief Technology Officer & Faculty in Computer Science, University of Wollongong, UAE

"It was an enlightening experience! I loved working with ambitious like-minded people from around the world to contribute to the solution of global problems."
Aknur Kassym

"In 3 days, the team worked together to identify a problem worth solving they felt personally passionate about, and had a chance to learn, apply and teach one another new tools and frameworks, from Quantum, ML, data visualization, storytelling, and business strategy, allowing them to build and practice new skills."
Sama Kanbour

"It was an enlightening experience! I loved working with ambitious like-minded people from around the world to contribute to the solution of global problems."
Aknur Kassym

"In 3 days, the team worked together to identify a problem worth solving they felt personally passionate about, and had a chance to learn, apply and teach one another new tools and frameworks, from Quantum, ML, data visualization, storytelling, and business strategy, allowing them to build and practice new skills."
Sama Kanbour

كمرجان / QMarjan Team 17

QMarjan helps identify optimal spots to achieve the highest coral restoration with limited resources.

Students

Agustín Panizza Student, Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay

Corey Ferrier Student, MIT, United States

Obada Abdallat Student, Applied Science Private University, Jordan

Sojood Jamoos Student, An-Najah National University, Palestine

Reem Abu Hasna Student, Ajman University, UAE

Basil Ahmed Student, NYUAD, UAE

Aknur Kassym Student, NYUAD, UAE

Md Hasibur Rahman Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Mohammed Alkhanafseh Assistant Professor in Computer Science (Cyber Security), Birzeit University, Palestine

Sama Kanbour Executive Director, GE Aerospace, United States

Hayk Sargsyan Senior Software Engineer, TII, UAE

"An international collaboration between brilliant young minds that want to help people in the most impactful way."
Omar Al Khazali

"An international collaboration between brilliant young minds that want to help people in the most impactful way."
Omar Al-Khazali

نقاء / aQua Team 15

Using Quantum Simulations to Identify how to remove harmful PFAS molecules from water supplies to make them drinkable.

Students

Yahia Abdeldjalil Benyahia Student, Bouira University, Algeria

Ameera Saeed Student, Ajman University, UAE

Sama Abdou Student, Alexandria University, Egypt

Andrew Juang Student, Boston University, United States

Mohammad Aker Student, An-Najah National University, Palestine

Yassine Abbahaddou PhD Student, Visiting Scholar, Ecole Polytechnique, NYU, United States

Ines Manel Boumazouza Student, Higher National School of Computer Science ESI, Algeria

Mentors

Mohammad Aamir Sohail PhD Student, University of Michigan, United States

Mamoun Abu Helou Head of Data Science Department, Al-Istiqlal University, Palestine

Omar Al-Khazali Student, American University of Sharjah, UAE

Lalit Pradhan Applied Scientist, Core42, UAE

“Sharing passion, Learning from others and connecting with people from different backgrounds, thoughts is really a transformative experience”
Nada Atia

“It is truly inspiring to work with students who are this passionate about using AI and Quantum technologies to build a more sustainable future.”
Oliver Knitter

"Sharing passion, Learning from others and connecting with people from different backgrounds, thoughts is really a transformative experience."
Nada Ayman Atia

"It is truly inspiring to work with students who are this passionate about using AI and Quantum technologies to build a more sustainable future."
Oliver Knitter

سمك / SamaQ Team 1

Optimization of sustainable fishing for a better environment and better health conditions.

Students

Pavly Halim Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mahmoud Darwish Student, Heliopolis University, Egypt

Julien-Pierre Houle Student, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada

Helin Mazi Student, NYUAD, UAE

Rahaf Alhusari Student, Ajman University, UAE

Nada Ayman Atia Student, Cairo University, Egypt

Yaakulya Sabbani Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Elena Acinapura PhD Student, EPFL, Switzerland

Elham Kariri Faculty Member, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia

Oliver Knitter PhD, SandboxAQ & University of Utah, United States

“Participating in the NYUAD hackathon has been an enriching experience, allowing me to connect with peers and mentors worldwide. This global environment has nurtured my growth, expanding my skills beyond quantum computing.”
Loise Kinuthia

“The NYUAD Hackathon is a vibrant celebration of diversity, innovation, and the amazing connections that drive us forward in technology and friendship”
David Morcuende

"Participating in the NYUAD hackathon has been an enriching experience, allowing me to connect with peers and mentors worldwide. This global environment has nurtured my growth, expanding my skills beyond quantum computing."
Loise Kinuthia

"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

Q-أرض / Q-Ardh Team 2

We are developing a quantum computing framework to optimize job scheduling for comprehensive, country-wide desertification analysis, improving the effectiveness of ML and statistical methods in remote sensing.

Students

Sarah Dweik Student, Birzeit University, Palestine

Mufliha Dawood Senior, Heriot-Watt University, UAE

Megane Demgne Student, African Leadership College, Mauritius

Loise Kinuthia Student, African Leadership University, Mauritius

Jeanne Mukakalisa Student, African Leadership University, Rwanda

Yamen Ghozlan Student, Philadelphia University, Jordan

Jovan Kašćelan Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Ricky Young COO, qBraid, United States

David Morcuende Cantador Network Manager, European Quantum Industry Consortia (QuIC), Spain

Muhammad Kashif Postdoctoral Researcher, NYUAD, UAE

“It’s a terrible day to be a hidden Nash equilibrium.”
Adrian Harkness

"From a student in last year’s hackathon to a speaker at the GESDA Summit, and now a mentor in this year’s hackathon, even though I couldn’t attend in person, my determination to participate allows me to work with my team remotely. Mentoring in quantum computing and AI, and focusing on showcasing the skills of team members, is a rewarding experience for me. Inspirational innovation from around the world and from different cultures fuels creativity. LET’S USE THE PRESENT TO BUILD THE FUTURE.”
Yaffa Jaradat

"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

نشترك / Nashtarik Team 4

Using quantum computing and game theory to help conflicts and negotiations come to an agreement

Students

Adrian Harkness PhD Student, Lehigh University, United States

Shannen Espinosa Womanium QSL Fellow, Womanium Foundation, United States

Shahed Mohamed Student, Ajman University, UAE

Gianmarco Cafferata Student, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Akansha Kumari Student, Indian Institute of Technology, India

Abdallah Srayeldine Student, Lebanese American University, Lebanon

Zeyad Abdelgawwad Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Mousa Farajallah Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Engineering, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine

Yaffa Jaradat Student, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine

Amro Imam Education Outreach Resident, SandboxAQ, UAE

“Engaging with brilliant minds who share my passion is an absolute pleasure. Together, we explore diverse perspectives, learning not only from each other but also from the expertise of seasoned professionals. From technology to business strategies, from presentation skills to innovative solutions, we embark on a journey of growth and discovery. Here’s to embracing the invaluable wisdom of experts and shaping the future together!”
Ilhem Bekkar

“This is the most diverse team I have mentored! Everyone’s unique background and a set of skills enables creative solutions to pressing problems.”
Kristina Kirova

"Engaging with brilliant minds who share my passion is an absolute pleasure. Together, we explore diverse perspectives, learning not only from each other but also from the expertise of seasoned professionals. From technology to business strategies, from presentation skills to innovative solutions, we embark on a journey of growth and discovery. Here’s to embracing the invaluable wisdom of experts and shaping the future together!"
Ilhem Bekkar

"This is the most diverse team I have mentored! Everyone’s unique background and a set of skills enables creative solutions to pressing problems."
Kristina Kirova

بصيرة / Bassira Team 5

Using quantum optimization to help visually impared pedestrians navigate the extreme heat of cities across the world.

Students

Ashnah Khalid Khan Student, Institute of Business Administration, Pakistan

Adjo Axoefa Irene Amedji Project Manager, Institut Polytechnique Defitech, Togo

Yazeed Alhaddad Student, Birzeit University, Palestine

Omar Hamdan Student, Applied Science Private University, Jordan

Ilhem Bekkar Student, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique, Algeria

Temirlan Amanzhanov Student, NYUAD, UAE

Jeong Lee Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Ben Hall Senior Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States

Kristina Kirova PhD Student, Johannes Kepler University, Austria

Alaa Jalal Tamimi Lecturer, Master's Degree in Intelligent Systems AI and Data Science, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine

“For my first year in this event, it’s been an honor to work with a team as talented, motivated, and diverse as this one. It’s been a fun ride, and I can’t wait to see how their teamwork and varied backgrounds will shine through during the showcase.”
Bakhao Dioum

"For my first year in this event, it’s been an honor to work with a team as talented, motivated, and diverse as this one. It’s been a fun ride, and I can’t wait to see how their teamwork and varied backgrounds will shine through during the showcase."
Bakhao Dioum

صحة بلا حدود / Siha Sans Frontières Team 6

Quantum-assisted medical solutions to alleviate the workload of doctors in under-resourced regions, and to help relaunch the health sector during post-war recovery.

Students

Ibrahim Elmetwalli Student, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt

Vincent Olagbemide Student, University of Derby, United Kingdom

Ekaterina Pankovets Master's Student, EPFL, Switzerland

Aysha AlNuaimi Student, Ajman University, UAE

Rama Hasiba Senior, An-Najah National University,

Imane Hamzaoui Student, NYUAD, UAE

Jheel Thanki Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Bakhao Dioum Global Quantum Computing Fellow, Womanium Quantum, United States

Amine Kidane Graduate of Computer Engineering (Track in AI), Khalifa University, UAE

Sachin Valera Postdoctoral Researcher, NYUAD, UAE

“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

"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

الفينيق / AlfiniQ Team 7

Predicting genetic and infectious diseases that emerge in populations that survived catastrophes.

Students

Pranet Sharma Student, Yale University, United States

Lyna Boukari Student, University of Paris 8, France

Mohamed Saif Yahia Student, NYUAD, UAE

Abderrahmene Kasmi Student, NYUAD, UAE

Makuochukwu Okeke Student, African Leadership University, Rwanda

Raghad Tarkhan Student, Ajman University, UAE

Mentors

Sahar Ben Rached PhD Candidate, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain

Joshua Ajayi Technical Artist, Meta (Reality Labs), United Kingdom

“Hackathon helped me learn steps required to utilize quantum computing for solving real-world problems from my teammates and mentors.”
Ayazhan Kadessova

“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

"Hackathon helped me learn steps required to utilize quantum computing for solving real-world problems from my teammates and mentors."
Ayazhan Kadessova

"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

طريق / TareeQ Team 8

Forecasting and optimally routing distributed supply chains for food security and climate sustainability.

Students

Ayazhan Kadessova Student, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong

Gagan Vats Student, Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, India

Siona Tagare Student, Yale University, United States

Mohammad Zaiter Student, Ajman University, UAE

Nasser Alzaabi Student, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE

Rayan Emad Senior, Notre Dame University,

Sara Walhan Al-Jebori Student, Ajman University, UAE

Mentors

Shantanu Jha PhD Student, CEO, Co-founder of Boston Quantum, MIT EQuS, Boston Quantum, United States

Dilyara Sharipova PhD Student, CSO, Co-founder of Boston Quantum, MIT, Boston Quantum, United States

A.Mahdy Abdelaziz Technical Trainer, Google, France

“From working with refugee entrepreneurs to diving deep into space exploration, I see the power of technology to empower and uplift. Now, let’s unlock its potential with quantum leaps!”
Sara Khader

“Working with this group of students has been so energizing and endearing. They came to Abu Dhabi motivated, excited, and ready to learn!”
Aziza Almanakly

"From working with refugee entrepreneurs to diving deep into space exploration, I see the power of technology to empower and uplift. Now, let’s unlock its potential with quantum leaps!"
Sara Khader

"Working with this group of students has been so energizing and endearing. They came to Abu Dhabi motivated, excited, and ready to learn!"
Aziza Almanakly

تبَادُل / Tabadol | Exchange/Trade Team 9

Tabadol helps people who are unable to access medications near them by connecting them with travelers who can access these medications in different countries using a quantum computing optimized platforms.

Students

Herbert Díaz Student, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Chile

Brennan Lagasse Student, Yale University, United States

Sara Khader Student, Birzeit University, Palestine

Enomfon Akpanudo Student, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Nadeen Nassif Student, Nile University, Egypt

Dev Aswani Student, University of Wollongong in Dubai, UAE

Yousef Alnajjar Master's Student, Applied Science Private University, Jordan

Filip Milisov Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mentors

Aziza Almanakly Graduate Research Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States

Pawel Gora CEO, Quantum AI Foundation, Poland

Eid Elagha Assistant Professor, University College of Applied Sciences-GAZA, Palestine

“I think everyone has a NYUAD part in them.”
Nour Boumediene

“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

"I think everyone has a NYUAD part in them."
Nour Boumediene

"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

الحامي / Al Hami (Protector) Team 10

Leveraging potential against “harvest now, decrypt later”; Al-Hammi (Protector) aims to enable and empower accessibility to post-quantum cryptography with our centralised diagnostic software in an ever-evolving quantum landscape.

Students

Basha Namomsa Student, Carnegie Mellon University, Rwanda

Aibar Talip Student, NYUAD, UAE

Abdulkareem Alsaou Student, Philadelphia University, Jordan

Mohamad Sarmout Student, ISSAE CNAM Liban, Lebanon

Ivane Kuljanishvili Student, NYUAD, UAE

Ghofran Nateel Student, Al-Quds University, Palestine

Lamis Ahmed Elsayed Student, American University Of Sharjah, UAE

Nour Boumediene Student, ESTIN, Algeria

Mentors

Nouhaila Innan Post-Doctoral Associate, NYUAD, Morocco, UAE

Rasib Nadeem Muhammad Student, Institute of Business Administration, Pakistan

Kamila Zaman Senior QML Researcher, NYUAD, Ebrains Lab, CQTS, Pakistan

“From debugging code to exploring cultural differences, every moment was an opportunity to gain new insights and perspectives from one another”
Hiba Saleem

“Embarking on a journey of mentoring at NYU Abu Dhabi, where knowledge meets adventure, has been an exhilarating joyride that I’ll cherish forever.”
Lorraine Tsitsi Majiri

إحسان / Ihsan Team 11

Quantum enhanced resource allocation for humanitarian aid distribution to help people lacking basic necessities’ using QAOA.

Students

Alma Alex Student, Yale University, United States

Mohamed Attia Student,

Janindu Nanayakkara Student, NYUAD, UAE

Manvi Khurana Software Research Engineer, Optum (United Health Group), India

Hiba Saleem Student, American University Of Sharjah, UAE

Rana Ahmed Elfakharany American University Of Sharjah,

Wubeshet Yimam Student, African Leadership University, Rwanda

Mentors

Ioannis Theodonis Quantum Educator, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

Lorraine Tsitsi Majiri President, Bachelor's of Science, OneQuantum, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe

“Every time someone uses AlHaq, a little bit of the internet gets cleaner, clearer, and a lot more honest. That’s not just good news for us—it’s good news for the world.”

الحَقِّ / ALHAQ Team 12

A cross-platform solution utilizing quantum computing to counter the rapid misinformation of fake news, customizing social media feeds to prioritize trusted sources and filter out disinformation within users’ networks.

Students

Omar Farouk Zouak Student, The National School of Artificial Intelligence, Algeria

Salma Alsaghir Student, NYUAD, UAE

Pablo Rodenas Ruiz Master's Student, EPFL, Switzerland

Emmanuel Amela Student, Institut Polytechnique Defitech, Togo

Ghada Alhajeri Student, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, UAE

Mariam Elsharkawy Student, The American University in Cairo (AUC), Egypt

Savar Jain Student, University of Connecticut, United States

Ahmad Said Mansour Student, American University Of Sharjah, UAE

Mentors

Nerrise Favour Njunkeng PhD Student, Stanford University, United States

Akash Kant Quantum Cloud Architect, qBraid, United States

“It has been a pleasure working with some very bright minds who all have different backgrounds.”

سكر / SuQar Team 13

A prediction tool for diabetes using quantum neural networks.

Students

Yash Upadhyay Student, National Institute of Technology, India

Ziad Hassan Student, NYUAD, UAE

Mohammed Abd Al-Jamil Student, Palestine Ahliya University, Palestine

Yvan Izabayo Student, African Leadership University, Rwanda

Baraa Abed Student, American University Of Sharjah, UAE

Ahmed Rayane Kebir Student, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique, Algeria

Moldir Andirbekova Student, Suleyman Demirel University, Kazakhstan

Hajara Sabnam Kareem Navaz Student, Amity University, UAE

Mentors

Corey Lammie Postdoctoral Researcher, IBM Research, Switzerland

Norhan Eassa PhD, Purdue University,

“It’s great to meet so many smart and motivated people around the world. It’s even greater that we are coming together to work on something that matters.”
Nghia Nim

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

"It’s great to meet so many smart and motivated people around the world. It’s even greater that we are coming together to work on something that matters."
Nghia Nim

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

براق / BuraQ Team 14

BuraQ creates and optimizes evacuation routes using quantum annealing for cities and towns as natural disasters become increasingly common with global climate change.

Students

Cláudio Gomes PhD Student, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Porto, Portugal

Emmanuel Ofosu Master's Student, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Nghia Nim Student, NYUAD, UAE

Danial Haseeb Syed Student, Institute of Business Administration, Pakistan

Amal Khaleel Student, Applied Science Private University, Jordan

Tasnim Dwikat Student, An-Najah National University, Palestine

Farhan Khan Student, NYUAD, UAE

Abir Hammache Student, Gustave Eiffel, France

Shoog Salem Student, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia

Mentors

Salahedeen Issa Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States

Lauren Winkler PhD Student, SandboxAQ, University of Utah, United States

“This Hackathon has been a real adventure! Every challenge felt like cracking open a treasure chest of knowledge, and having a blast while doing it made it even better!”
Fred Soglohu

“As a mentor, I’m thrilled to guide a team that excels in collaboration and shares a passion for quantum computing and AI. Together, we’re using these powerful technologies to innovate and tackle global challenges at this hackathon. Let’s innovate for impact and make this experience count!”
Amaria Javed

"As a mentor, I’m thrilled to guide a team that excels in collaboration and shares a passion for quantum computing and AI. Together, we’re using these powerful technologies to innovate and tackle global challenges at this hackathon. Let’s innovate for impact and make this experience count!"
Amaria Javed

"This Hackathon has been a real adventure! Every challenge felt like cracking open a treasure chest of knowledge, and having a blast while doing it made it even better!"
Fred Soglohu

ماء حياة / Ma’a Hayat Team 16

Leveraging Quantum Computing for Sustainable Water Management.

Students

Mohammad Abualrub Student, Applied Science Private University, Jordan

Hidaya Taha Student, Al-Quds Open University, Palestine

Maryam Abdou Student, Alexandria University, Egypt

Denis Waweru Student, African Leadership University, Rwanda

Aimen Ryad Touazi Master's Student, Université Paris Cité, France

Mahmood Yaghi Student, Ajman University, UAE

Astha Chauhan Student, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, UAE

Mentors

Amaria Javed Postdoctoral Associate, NYUAD, UAE

Alexander Rene Degner Technical Artist (Avatars), Meta Platforms Inc., Germany

Fred Soglohu PhD Student, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Ghana

“Very valuable to work together on topics we aren’t familiar with. Learning how to use new tools from my peers have been very enjoyable.”
Julian Stiefkens

“It has been amazing getting to know people from all around the world and creating something meaningful together.”
Palash Goiporia

"Very valuable to work together on topics we aren’t familiar with. Learning how to use new tools from my peers have been very enjoyable."
Julián Melmer Stiefkens