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
Register Now ISIT 2026 Website
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About the Hackathon

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

General Objectives

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.

June 28 · 9:00–12:30 UTC+8 · Room 604B at ISIT 2026 & Zoom

Opening Keynotes

Two invited keynote talks from leading experts at the intersection of quantum computing and information theory.

Keynote 1
Dr. DongDong Li
QuantumCTek Co., Ltd.
Industrial advancement of quantum information technology
Abstract: Quantum information technology is transitioning from laboratory demonstrations to industrial deployment across computing, communication, and metrology. Drawing on QuantumCTek's portfolio, we introduce foundational principles including superposition and entanglement. We then present a suite of deployable products, including QKD systems, superconducting quantum computers, cold-atom gravimeters, and single-photon detectors, which are already deployed in networks, cloud platforms, and the field. This talk offers an industry perspective on how these technologies are achieving real-world impact.
Prof. Xin Wang
Keynote 2
Prof. Xin Wang
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Programming, learning, and protecting quantum data
Abstract: Quantum data differ fundamentally from their classical counterparts, leading to new insights and properties in information transmission and computation. In this talk, I will present frameworks for programming, learning, and protecting quantum data, together with information-theoretic limits on their performance. This talk will discuss several examples, including quantum phase processing for transforming eigenphases of unitary operators, quantum neural networks for quantum process transformation using parameterized quantum combs, sample-efficient algorithms for implementing polynomial functions of quantum states, purification algorithms for protecting quantum data, and Hamiltonian recognition for identifying unknown quantum dynamics. These results demonstrate how algorithmic and information-theoretic tools can jointly advance quantum information processing.

Pre-Hackathon Events

Tutorials
June 22–26

A series of virtual tutorials covering quantum computing foundations, algorithms, platforms, and error correction. All sessions are open to registered participants.

  • Xingjian Zhang
    University of Technology Sydney
    From Bits to Bloch Spheres: A Linear-Algebraic Primer for Quantum Computation 101
  • Ye Wang
    University of Science and Technology of China
    Quantum computing platform: trapped ions
  • Tongyang Li
    Peking University
    Fundamentals of Quantum Algorithms
  • Pei Zeng
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Fundamentals of Quantum Error Correction
  • Ming Gong
    University of Science and Technology of China
    Introduction to superconducting quantum computing
  • Yuhao Deng
    University of Science and Technology of China
    Quantum computing with tweezer atom array
  • Fei Shi
    Sun Yat-sen University, China
    Quantum entanglement theory

Key Dates

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 · 9:00–12:30 UTC+8
Opening: 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.
Room 604B at ISIT 2026 & Zoom
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
Selected teams present their solutions to a live audience and judges, followed by the prize announcement ceremony.
Room 604B at ISIT 2026 & Zoom

Participation

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.

Awards

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

Our Supporters

Sponsored by

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

Organizing Team

Meet the
Organizers

Mohammad Aamir Sohail
University of Michigan, USA
mdaamir@umich.edu
Khac-Hoang Ngo
Linköping University, Sweden
khac-hoang.ngo@liu.se
Fei Shi
Sun Yat-Sen University, China
shif26@mail.sysu.edu.cn
Ye Wang
University of Science and Technology of China
yewang2022@ustc.edu.cn
Xiongfeng Ma
Tsinghua University, China
xma@tsinghua.edu.cn

Get Involved

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.