Pasqal Hackathon Targets Sustainability Solutions

French quantum computing company Pasqal is holding a hackathon to generate ideas for quantum-based solutions to accelerate the sustainable energy transition. The Blaise Pascal [re]Generative Quantum Challenge marks the 400th anniversary of French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal.

Held in partnership with Pascal Advisors, the hackathon is scheduled to take place from October to November and is open to students, researchers and early adopters, and offers $55,000 in prizes.

Participants must prove that scientific and technical innovation based on quantum technologies can provide large-scale energy solutions today. They will be asked to identify a use case related to environmental, social, human or economic issues, and find a sustainable solution using quantum computing to solve it.

Pasqal suggests that use cases could include anticipating epidemic spread or supporting drug discovery, designing a new aircraft or car chassis using the minimum amount of material needed for maximum strength and safety, or training AI with a lower energy cost.

“At a time when there is consensus that we need to reassess the status quo to preserve the environment and succeed in our sustainable energy transition, technology companies must lead the charge,” said Pasqal CEO Georges-Olivier Reymond.

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“At Pasqal we have been able to move quantum technology from the laboratory to the company by developing concrete applications in industry, finance, transport, logistics and health. If quantum will allow us to do everything faster, it is also a tool at the service of the energy transition. This competition is above all a desire to transmit our know-how and our conviction that quantum computing can be applied to real use cases today.”

The jury judging the hackathon includes representatives from Pasqal, Michelin Group, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and Blaise Pascal Advisors, who are partnering in the challenge.

The first prize offers $17,000, the second $11,000 and the third $5,500.