The Ultimate SDG Hack is on!
QAI Ventures invites GenQ to the Global Hackathon Series 2025
Powered by Quantum. Driven by GenQ.
Designed to solve what matters most.
THE HACKATHON
Tackling Global Challenges - One Vertical at a Time. We're Calling on GenQ to Lead the Way.
Through the Global Hackathon Series, QAI Ventures rallying the brightest minds in quantum technology, AI, and deep tech to focus their talents on solving some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today: from climate urgency and energy inequality to health crises and financial instability, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demand bold, systemic innovation.
That’s why, together with our partners worldwide, QAI Ventures is launching the Global Hackathon Series 2025 — an international call to action for the next generation of quantum innovators, GenQ, to tackle our biggest global challenges using the power of Quantum AI.
This Year, We’re Scaling Up and Focusing Deep.
After a successful 2024 launch, we’re taking the next step. In 2025, participants can join from three global hubs, each with a dedicated industry focus:
🇨🇭 Switzerland (Life Sciences) | 🇨🇦 Canada (Energy) | 🇸🇬 Singapore (Finance)
We're channeling efforts into industry verticals where Quantum AI can drive meaningful breakthroughs: from accelerating drug discovery, to optimizing clean energy systems, to reshaping sustainable finance. Because real impact happens where advanced technology meets real-world application. No matter where you join, you're invited to tackle cross-cutting SDG challenges.
Because climate resilience depends on smart energy systems.
The transition to clean energy must be fast, scalable, and intelligent. QuantumAI can accelerate this shift by simulating new materials for batteries and hydrogen, optimizing real-time grid dynamics, and improving forecasting models. These advances support smarter, more sustainable energy systems, laying the foundation not just for climate action but also for food security in energy-scarce regions.
Related SDGs:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13: Climate Action
Because health is the foundation of human progress.
Quantum AI has the power to transform biomedical research and healthcare delivery. From simulating protein interactions and molecular structures to improving diagnostics and rare disease modeling, quantum is set to accelerate breakthroughs in personalized, preventive medicine. In the context of SDG 2: Zero Hunger, these capabilities also support innovations in nutrition science, metabolic health, and food-based therapeutics, bringing us closer to a world where health and food security go hand in hand.
Related SDGs:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Because capital drives change.
Finance has the power to shift global priorities: from ESG investing to inclusive growth. Quantum technologies can enhance risk modeling, fraud detection, and portfolio optimization, enabling financial institutions to make smarter, faster, and more sustainable decisions. In line with SDG 2, innovative financing can unlock capital for food systems, agri-tech, and nutrition-focused solutions, making finance a critical lever for both economic resilience and food security.
Related SDGs:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13: Climate Action (via climate-aligned investing)
LOCATIONS
Three dates. Three locations.
Each hackathon is rooted in its local ecosystem and connects to global goals.
Each of our global hackathon hubs is uniquely positioned to dive deep into a specific industry vertical — Switzerland with its world-class life sciences ecosystem, Canada as a leader in clean energy innovation, and Singapore as a global financial powerhouse.
While each location brings a natural focus, all sites welcome solutions across the SDGs — because no matter where you join, the mission is the same: harness the power of Quantum AI to solve real-world challenges.
October 3-5, 2025
Quantum for Energy
The energy capital of Canada is a natural hub for energy-focused innovation. In partnership with Quantum City, we are launching this hackathon to drive quantum breakthroughs where energy challenges meet next-generation technology.
October 17-19, 2025
Quantum for Life Sciences
Close to QAI Ventures' headquarters and held in partnership with The Open Quantum Institute and CERN, this edition will take place in close collaboration with Swiss Quantum Week, connecting startups, researchers, and policymakers in one of the world’s science capitals.
October 24-26, 2025
Quantum for Finance
Singapore is the financial hub of APAC and a natural base for QuantumAI solutions in fintech. As a partner event of SWITCH by Enterprise Singapore, the hackathon will spotlight cutting-edge applications at the intersection of finance and quantum technology.
process
Registration open
June 23rd to September 10th
• June 23 - Sept 10: Registration open
• August 14: Announcement of Challenges
• August 21: Jury Announcement
• August 30: Platform Access Opens
Choose your location and get ready:
• October 3: Calgary, Canada
• October 17: Geneva, Switzerland
• October 24: Singapore
Winners from each location will be selected by our international Jury. They are therefore qualified to the final pitch at SWITCH conference in Singapore, Oct 29
AWARDS
Get access to the QAI network and pitch at SWITCH 2025
The QAI Ventures Global Hackathon Awards are made possible by our generous sponsors. All of our participants gain visibility and access to the QAI Ventures network. The three winners will also win a Golden Ticket to the QAI Ventures Accelerator Program and the opportunity to pitch live in the Final Jury Round on stage at SWITCH — Singapore’s leading deeptech innovation festival, uniting global leaders in technology, investment, and entrepreneurship to shape the future of innovation.
Connect with peers, experts, and industry partners from the QAI Ventures ecosystem. Every hackathon is a gateway to our global network: collaborate, learn, and grow with fellow innovators shaping the future of Quantum AI.
Winners receive a Golden Ticket to the final selection for our Accelerator Program in Basel, Calgary, or Singapore - your chance to take your project to the next level with world-class support.
The biggest prize? Being part of this journey: meeting peers, pushing boundaries, and building something meaningful. But we all love a little sparkle! Thanks to our generous sponsors, we’ll have prizes and awards to make your win even sweeter - and your smile a bit wider.
Why You Should Join: Impressions from 2024
Hear from our participants and mentors what makes the experience so powerful and what happens when GenQ - the next generation of quantum innovators - comes together to solve real-world challenges.
It felt a lot like how things actually work in the industry
"GenQ really stands out with its in-person setup that made it easy to dive into real-world problems and quickly prototype solutions with the team. It felt a lot like how things actually work in the industry: fast-paced, collaborative, and hands-on. The mentors were amazing, the vibe was great, and the food definitely didn’t disappoint."
The GenQ Hackathon pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way.
"Our team came from diverse backgrounds and we tackled a real-world
challenge: optimizing the snow plough routes for the city of Calgary. The
support from organizers and coaches was invaluable, and collaborating with
people I had just met made the experience even more dynamic. I’d highly
recommend it to anyone who enjoys tackling real world problems with like-
minded peers under tight timelines."
GenQ was the best experience
"What stood out to me was how GenQ encourages ideas that could grow into
future startups, that kind of opportunity is rare, especially for students. This
was my first hackathon, and I was genuinely excited to be part of it. I’d
definitely recommend it to anyone curious about where quantum tech is headed."
Become a Sponsor
We invite industry partners, quantum tech providers, and academia to join us in shaping the future of Quantum AI for global impact.
We also welcome in-kind contributions — such as access to quantum hardware or providing food & beverages during the event. If you're interested, let’s connect and explore what kind of partnership would be the best fit for you.
APPLY NOW
Choose your location and apply to join the hackathon!
October 3-5, 2025
Quantum for Energy
The energy capital of Canada is a natural hub for energy-focused innovation. In partnership with Quantum City, this hackathon is embedded in the GCEC 2025 Conference at the Hunter Hub, University
of Calgary.
October 17-19, 2025
Quantum for Life Sciences
Close to our headquarters and during Swiss Quantum Week, this edition will take place at CERN, connecting startups, researchers, and policymakers in one of the world’s science capitals.
October 24-26, 2025
Quantum for Finance
Singapore is the financial epicenter of APAC and a natural home for QAI in fintech. Held in the context of the SWITCH Festival, the hackathon will take place at our brand-new APAC hub.
FAQs
Welcome to the FAQ section for our upcoming hackathon series! Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions about the event. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
The QAI Ventures Global Hackathon Series is an initiative consisting of three 48-hour hackathons held across three continents. Each event brings together talent from academia, industry, and startups to develop innovative, quantum-based solutions to societal challenges, aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each location focuses on a specific application domain: 1) Calgary: Quantum for Energy, 2) Geneva: Quantum for Life Sciences 3) Singapore: Quantum for Finance.
The event is open to internationally talented quantum and technology experts, creatives, and students. Participants of all ages and with various levels of expertise are warmly welcome. There are specific categories for students, professionals, and quantum enthusiasts. We firmly believe that this diversity brings out the best in teams.
It includes brainstorming sessions, prototyping, workshops, and presentations. A detailed agenda will be shared closer to the event.
The hackathon runs throughout the weekend, from Friday at 4:00 PM to Sunday at 7:00 PM.
Various prizes will be awarded, including gadgets, a Golden Ticket for Accelerator Speed Dating with a potential $200k investment and the winning team of all hackathons will have the opportunity to present their project on stage at SWITCH in Singapore on October 29.
Participants will tackle challenges co-designed with our sponsors, each aligned with one of the three core focus areas: Quantum for Finance, Quantum for Energy, and Quantum for Life Sciences. All challenges are geared toward developing practical solutions that contribute to five selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 13: Climate Action.
We believe that quantum technology can solve significant global problems in the future and have chosen these SDGs in collaboration with our partners.
Participants are not required to develop a solution around one of the SDGs. However, teams that do not focus on the respective SDGs may not qualify for prizes for the best ideas.
Basic knowledge of programming and quantum computing is helpful but optional. Workshops and tutorials will be available to help you get started.
Python and IBM's Qiskit frameworks are the primary tools used during the hackathon. Additional supported tools and languages will be announced before the event.
Resources and recommended readings will be provided before the event. Additionally, webinars and workshops will be offered in the weeks leading up to the hackathon. We will present these on our channels in the coming weeks.
Bring your own laptop, chargers, and any other materials you need. Internet access and food will be provided on-site. We also offer sleeping arrangements, so feel free to bring a sleeping bag if you wish.
Yes, there will be opportunities to network and join a team at the beginning of the hackathon.
You can register as a team or join a team on-site. There will be opportunities to network with other participants at the beginning of the hackathon.
You can choose this yourself. We recommend interdisciplinary teams of between 3 and 5 people.
After the hackathon, your team will retain full ownership of the solution developed and can choose to further develop, market, or seek investment for it. Winners of the Gold Ticket and teams selected by QAI have the opportunity to further develop their idea in a QAI boot camp.
Interested individuals must apply by September 10, 2025. Selected participants will be notified by September 17, 2025.
No, participation in the hackathon is free. Thanks to our sponsors, we can offer the event free to participants.
Depending on your nationality and the hackathon location, you may require a visa to enter Canada, Switzerland, or Singapore. Please check the specific entry requirements for your country well in advance and initiate any necessary visa applications early. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel documents. The hackathon organizers cannot guarantee visa approval and are not liable for any delays or rejections.
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to Calgary, Singapore or Geneva. Upon presenting their receipts at the end of the hackathon, participants will be reimbursed for travel expenses up to CAD 300 / SGD 300 / CHF 200.
We have a room where participants can sleep. It is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag. We can also share recommendations for nearby hotels and accommodations with participants.