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

The 2024 Teams

1st Place Audience Award
Team 20

“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

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 Junior, Universidad de Montevideo
Mehak Mehak Masters, Raman Research Institute
Federico Fuidio Senior, Universidad de Montevideo
Sarah Marya Mitiche Masters, University of Essex
Rustem Khassanov New York University Abu Dhabi
Tamara Hamad
Tamara Hamad Data Analyst at Dubai Police - Cooperative student, Ajman University, UAE

Mentors

Alberto Marchisio
Alberto Marchisio Postdoctoral researcher, New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE
Elias Xaver Huber Yenching Scholar, Peking University
Priya Aswani
Priya Aswani Chief Technology Officer & Faculty in Computer Science, University of Wollongong, UAE
2nd Place SDG Award
Team 17

"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 Senior, Universidad de Montevideo
Corey Ferrier MIT
Obada Abdallat Junior, Applied Science Private University
Sojood Jamoos Senior, An-Najah National University
Reem Abu Hasna Senior, Ajman University
Basil Ahmed New York University Abu Dhabi
Aknur Kassym New York University Abu Dhabi
Md Hasibur Rahman New York University Abu Dhabi

Mentors

Mohammed Alkhanafseh Assistant professor in Computer Science (Cyber Security), Birzeit University
Sama Kanbour
Sama Kanbour Senior Director, GE Aerospace, United States
Hayk Sargsyan Senior Software Engineer, TII
3rd Place
Team 15

"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
Yahia Abdeldjalil Benyahia Junior, Bouira University
Ameera Saeed Junior, Ajman University
Sama Abdou Sophomore, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University
Andrew Juang Junior, Boston University
Mohammad Aker Senior, An-Najah National University
Yassine Abbahaddou PhD Student, Ecole Polytechnique | Visiting scholar, New York University
Ines Manel Boumazouza
Ines Manel Boumazouza Senior, Higher national School of computer science ESI

Mentors

Mohammad Aamir Sohail
Mohammad Aamir Sohail Ph.D. Student, University of Michigan, United States
Mamoun Abu Helou Mamoun Abu Helou Dr./ Head of Data Science Department, Al-Istiqlal University
Omar Al – Khazali American University of Sharjah
Lalit Pradhan Applied Scientist - NLP, Core42, UAE
Team 1

“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

سمك / SamaQ Team 1

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

Students

Pavly Halim New York University Abu Dhabi
Mahmoud Darwish 5th year, Heliopolis University
Julien-Pierre Houle Junior, Université de Sherbrooke
Helin Mazi New York University Abu Dhabi
Rahaf Alhusari Senior, Ajman University
Nada Ayman Atia 5th year, Cairo University
Yaakulya Sabbani New York University Abu Dhabi

Mentors

Elena Acinapura ETH Zurich
Elham Kariri Faculty member, Prince Sattam bin AbdAziz
Oliver Knitter
Oliver Knitter PhD, SandboxAQ & University of Utah,
Team 2

“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

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 Senior, Birzeit University
Mufliha Dawood Sophomore, Heriot-Watt University
Megane Demgne Senior, African Leadership College
Loise Kinuthia Senior, African Leadership University
Jeanne Mukakalisa Senior, African Leadership University
Yamen Ghozlan Junior, Philadelphia University
Jovan Kašćelan New York University Abu Dhabi

Mentors

Ricky Young
Ricky Young COO, qBraid, United States
David Morcuende Cantador
David Morcuende Cantador Network Manager, European Quantum Industry Consortia (QuIC), Spain
Muhammad Kashif
Muhammad Kashif Postdoctoral researcher, New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE
Team 4

“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

نشترك / Nashtarik Team 4

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

Students

Adrian Harkness
Adrian Harkness PhD Student, Lehigh University, United States
Shannen Espinosa
Shannen Espinosa Fulbright Scholar, Northeastern University/ École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, United States
Shahed Mohamed Junior, Ajman University
Gianmarco Cafferata 6th year, University of Buenos Aires
Akansha Kumari Indian institute of technology
Abdallah Srayeldine Junior, Lebanese American University
Zeyad Abdelgawwad New York University Abu Dhabi

Mentors

Mousa Farajallah
Mousa Farajallah Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Engineering, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine
Yaffa Jaradat
Yaffa Jaradat Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine
Amro Imam Education Outreach Resident at SandboxAQ
Team 5

“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 Senior, Institute of Business Administration
Adjo Axoefa Irene Amedji
Adjo Axoefa Irene Amedji Project Manager, Institut Polytechnique Defitech, Togo
Yazeed Alhaddad Sophomore, Birzeit University
Omar Hamdan Junior, Applied Science Private University
Ilhem Bekkar
Ilhem Bekkar 5th year Data & Intelligent Systems student, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique
Temirlan Amanzhanov New York University Abu Dhabi
Jeong Lee New York University Abu Dhabi

Mentors

Ben Hall
Ben Hall Senior Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States
Kristina Kirova
Kristina Kirova PhD Student, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
Alaa Jalal Tamimi Lecture, Master degree in Intelligent Systems AI and data science, Palestine Polytechnic University
Team 6

“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 Zewail City of Science and Technology
Vincent Olagbemide Senior, University of Derby
Ekaterina Pankovets Masters, EPFL, Switzerland
Aysha AlNuaimi Junior, Ajman University
Rama Hasiba Senior, An-Najah National University
Imane Hamzaoui New York University Abu Dhabi
Jheel Thanki New York University Abu Dhabi

Mentors

Bakhao Dioum Global Quantum Computing Fellow, Womanium Quantum
Amine Kidane Graduate of Computer Engineering (Track in AI), Khalifa University
Sachin Valera
Sachin Valera Postdoctoral researcher, New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE
Team 7

“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 Yale University
Lyna Boukari 5th year, University of Paris 8
Mohamed Saif Yahia New York University Abu Dhabi
Abderrahmene Kasmi New York University Abu Dhabi
Makuochukwu Okeke
Makuochukwu Okeke Student, African Leadership University, Rwanda
Raghad Tarkhan
Raghad Tarkhan Ajman University, UAE

Mentors

Sahar Ben Rached PhD Candidate, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
Joshua Ajayi Technical Artist, Meta (Reality Labs)
Team 8

“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 Junior, Hong Kong Baptist University
Gagan Vats Senior, Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology
Siona Tagare Yale University
Mohammad Zaiter Senior, Ajman University
Nasser Alzaabi Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Rayan Emad Senior, Notre Dame University
Sara Walhan Al-Jebori Sophomore, Ajman University

Mentors

Shantanu Jha PhD student @ MIT EQuS | CEO, co-founder @ Boston Quantum
Dilyara Sharipova PhD @ MIT | CSO, co-founder @ Boston Quantum
A.Mahdy Abdelaziz
A.Mahdy Abdelaziz Technical Trainer, Google, France
Team 9

“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 5th year, Pontificia Universidad Católica
Brennan Lagasse Yale University
Sara Khader Junior, Birzeit University
Enomfon Akpanudo Senior, University of Uyo
Nadeen Nassif Freshman, Nile University
Dev Aswani Junior, University of Wollongong in Dubai
Yousef Alnajjar Masters, Applied Science Private University
Filip Milisov New York University Abu Dhabi

Mentors

Aziza Almanakly
Aziza Almanakly Graduate Research Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States
Pawel Gora
Pawel Gora CEO, Quantum AI Foundation, Poland
Eid Elagha Assistant Professor, University College of Applied Sciences-GAZA
Team 10

“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 Carnegie Mellon University
Aibar Talip New York University Abu Dhabi
Abdulkareem Alsaou Junior, Philadelphia University
Mohamad Sarmout Senior, ISSAE CNAM Liban
Ivane Kuljanishvili New York University Abu Dhabi
Ghofran Nateel Junior, Al-Quds University
Lamis Ahmed Elsayed American University Of Sharjah
Nour Boumediene
Nour Boumediene Senior, ESTIN

Mentors

Nouhaila Innan
Nouhaila Innan Post-Doctoral Associate, New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE
Rasib Nadeem Muhammad Senior, Institute of Business Administration
Kamila Zaman Senior QML Researcher - Ebrains Lab, CQTS, NYUAD, Pakistan
Team 11

“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 Yale University
Mohamed Attia Student
Janindu Nanayakkara New York University Abu Dhabi
Manvi Khurana
Manvi Khurana Software Research Engineer at Optum (United Health Group), India
Hiba Saleem American University Of Sharjah
Rana Ahmed Elfakharany American University Of Sharjah
Wubeshet Yimam Junior, African Leadership University

Mentors

Ioannis Theodonis
Ioannis Theodonis Quantum Educator, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
Lorraine Tsitsi Majiri
Lorraine Tsitsi Majiri Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe
Team 12

“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
Omar Farouk Zouak Junior, The National School of Artificial Intelligence
Salma Alsaghir New York University Abu Dhabi
Pablo Rodenas Ruiz Masters, EPFL
Emmanuel Amela 5th year, Institut Polytechnique Defitech
Ghada Alhajeri Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Mariam Elsharkawy 5th year, The American University in Cairo (AUC)
Savar Jain University of Connecticut
Ahmad Said Mansour American University Of Sharjah

Mentors

Nerrise Favour Njunkeng PhD, Stanford University
Akash Kant
Akash Kant Quantum Cloud Architect, qBraid, United States
Team 13

“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 Senior, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur
Ziad Hassan New York University Abu Dhabi
Mohammed Abd Al-Jamil Junior, Palestine Ahliya University
Yvan Izabayo Freshman, African Leadership University
Baraa Abed American University Of Sharjah
Ahmed Rayane Kebir
Ahmed Rayane Kebir 4th year Data & Intelligent Systems student, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique
Moldir Andirbekova Junior, Suleyman Demirel University
Hajara Sabnam Kareem Navaz
Hajara Sabnam Kareem Navaz Amity University, UAE

Mentors

Corey Lammie Postdoctoral Researcher, IBM Research - Zurich
Norhan Eassa PhD, Purdue University
Team 14

“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
Cláudio Gomes Dual-degree PhD Student, Carnegie Mellon University & University of Porto
Emmanuel Ofosu MPhil, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Nghia Nim New York University Abu Dhabi
Danial Haseeb Syed Senior, Institute of Business Administration
Amal Khaleel Junior, Applied Science Private University
Tasnim Dwikat Senior, An-Najah National University
Farhan Khan New York University Abu Dhabi
Abir Hammache 6th year, Gustave Eiffel
Shoog Salem Junior, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

Mentors

Salahedeen Issa Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion, United States
Lauren Winkler PhD, SandboxAQ & University of Utah
Team 16

“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

ماء حياة / Ma’a Hayat Team 16

Leveraging Quantum Computing for Sustainable Water Management.

Students

Mohammad Abualrub
Mohammad Abualrub Junior, Applied Science Private University, Jordan
Hidaya Taha Junior, Al-Quds Open University
Maryam Abdou Senior, Faculty of Engineering Alexandria University
Denis Waweru
Denis Waweru Junior, African Leadership University, Rwanda
Aimen Ryad Touazi Masters, Université Paris Cité
Mahmood Yaghi Senior, Ajman University
Astha Chauhan Senior, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai

Mentors

Amaria Javed
Amaria Javed Postdoctoral Associate, NYUAD, UAE
Alexander Rene Degner Technical Artist (Avatars), Meta Platforms Inc., Germany
Fred Soglohu PhD African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
Team 18

“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

سَيْل / Sayl Team 18

Using QML for enhanced extreme flood prediction.

Students

Julián Melmer Stiefkens
Julián Melmer Stiefkens Senior, University of Buenos Aires
Nico Plattner Sophomore, University of Vienna
Zain Kamal Raisan Alshareeda American University Of Sharjah
Abinaya Sankar Senior, Coimbatore institute of Technology
Shams Zayan Senior, Alexandria University
Sedra Ahmad Wattar Sophomore, Ajman University

Mentors

Mohammed Alghadeer
Mohammed Alghadeer PhD Candidate, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Palash Goiporia Quantum Software Engineer, Infleqtion Inc.
Ahmed Abdou Vice President for Planning and Development - Head of Engineering Department, Palestine Ahliya University

إنذار / Enzzar Team 19

Predicting when earthquakes are going to happen.

“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

“Working together with so many highly motivated students from all over the world is incredible and it is impressive what the students achieved in a such a short time frame.”

Nils Quetschlich

Students

Youssouf Moutaoukil Junior, Ajman University
Muhammad Mahamadeen Senior, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport
Maryam Almetnawy
Maryam Almetnawy Marketing Analyst, Amazon, UAE
Ana Morgado Masters, University of Coimbra
Kallol Sen PhD, Raman Research Institute
Asya Abdel-All Junior, Applied Science Private University
Aya Hmoud Junior, Ajman University

Mentors

Nils Quetschlich
Nils Quetschlich Researcher, Technical University of Munich, Germany
Natansh Mathur
Natansh Mathur PhD, Quantum Researcher, QC Ware, France & IRIF, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, France
Husayn Gokal Chairman, QUAE, UAE
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