ISIT 2026 Quantum Hackathon

IEEE Information Theory Society · Student & Outreach Subcommittee

ISIT 2026
Quantum Hackathon

Guangzhou, China · Hybrid Format

“Quantum Algorithms for Signal Processing, Communication, and Learning”

Apply quantum computing to impactful problems in communication, signal processing, information theory, and machine learning. Explore the quantum frontier alongside researchers and practitioners from around the world.

June 28 – July 1, 2026 Online + In-Person Teams of 3–5 Registration Deadline: June 11
🏆 Prize Pool $1,000 USD
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Quantum meets
Information Theory

The ISIT 2026 Quantum Hackathon invites participants to explore the intersection of quantum computing and information theory. Work with quantum simulators, available quantum hardware, and state-of-the-art development kits to create innovative solutions.

Organized by the Student & Outreach Subcommittee of the IEEE Information Theory Society, held in conjunction with the 2026 IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory in Guangzhou, China. See also the ISIT 2025 edition.
3–5
Members per Team
8
Pre-Hackathon Tutorials
4
Hackathon Days
Quantum Possibilities
01
Promote Innovation

Create an open platform where participants can explore novel ideas harnessing quantum computing principles to enhance traditional information systems.

02
Encourage Collaborative Learning

Provide a forum for the exchange of project ideas and best practices, ensuring every participant gains insights through shared experiences and collective problem-solving.

03
Develop Holistic Solutions

Inspire teams to build projects that not only advance technological boundaries but also address real-world challenges, benefiting the information theory society as a whole.

Tutorials
June 22–26

A series of virtual tutorials to help participants get started with quantum tools and methods — no prior experience required. Details on speakers and schedules will be provided closer to the event.

I
Quantum Computing 101
II
Quantum Platforms
III
Quantum Error Correction
IV
Quantum Algorithms
V
Quantum Machine Learning

Full
Timeline

May 11
Registration Opens
Registration opens for individuals and teams. Individual registrants are welcome — organizers will help match you with a team.
Online
June 11
Registration Deadline
Last day to register for the hackathon. Make sure your team information is complete before the deadline.
Online
June 19
Team Formation Confirmed
All team pairings are confirmed. Individual registrants will have been matched with teams by the organizers.
Online
June 22–26
Pre-Hackathon Tutorials
A series of virtual tutorials covering quantum computing foundations, platforms, error correction, algorithms, and machine learning. Details on speakers and schedules will be provided closer to the event.
Virtual
June 28 · 9:00–12:00 UTC+8
Keynotes & Napkin Pitch Session
Invited keynote talks from experts at the intersection of quantum computing and information theory, followed by a napkin pitch session where teams share initial ideas and project directions.
Online + In-Person
June 28–30
Project Development
Three intensive days of building, experimenting, and iterating on your quantum project with your team.
Virtual
July 1 · 9:50–14:00 UTC+8
Final Presentations & Prize Announcement
Submit your project and present to judges. Selected teams demonstrate their solutions to a live audience, followed by the prize announcement ceremony.
Online + In-Person

Eligibility &
How to Join

Open to students, researchers, and practitioners worldwide. Whether you're a quantum veteran or just curious — everyone is welcome to apply.

Prize Pool

A total prize pool of $1,000 USD will be awarded across four categories.

🥇
Gold Award
$350
🥈
Silver Award
$250
🥉
Bronze Award
$200
👁
Observer's Choice Awards
$100 × 2

Sponsored by

We are grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible and supporting the next generation of quantum researchers.

Meet the
Organizers

Mohammad Aamir Sohail
University of Michigan, USA
mdaamir@umich.edu
Khac-Hoang Ngo
Linköping University, Sweden
khac-hoang.ngo@liu.se
Ye Wang
University of Science and Technology of China
yewang2022@ustc.edu.cn
Xiongfeng Ma
Tsinghua University, China
xma@tsinghua.edu.cn

Ready to explore the quantum frontier?

Registration is open through the official ISIT 2026 website. Secure your spot before the deadline.

📅  Registration Deadline: June 11, 2026

Register Now Join Slack Channel

For general inquiries, please contact the organizing team directly.