Carolina Quantum Hacks 2025 – Challenge Set

Quantum Computing @ UNC
April 12–13, 2025 

Each team will submit their code as a Github Link (Your readme should have a detailed overview of the project) and a video. The video should be up to 3-5 minutes long and describing your project and code!

 

 

Beginner Challenge: Quantum Art Gallery

Goal:
Create abstract visual art using measurement results from quantum circuits.

Instructions:

• Design circuits that produce interesting bitstrings using quantum randomness (Hadamard gates, entanglement).
  
  

• Map measurement outcomes to artistic elements (color, shape, position) in a plotted image or pattern.
  
  

• Submit your final artwork and an explanation of how the quantum circuit influenced the design.

Workshops/Tutorials:

• Introduction to Quantum Computing and Qiskit: Writing and Running Quantum Circuits with Qiskit

• Quantum Circuit Design for Art: Designing circuits that produce interesting patterns

Submission:
Submit your circuit implementation and a brief explanation of your approach/patterns. Record a 3-5 minute video explaining your project. Share team responsibilities (team size 2-4 people).

 

 

 

Advanced Challenge: Variational Circuits on NISQ Devices

Goal:
Explore the potential of near-term quantum computers by designing creative, parameterized quantum circuits to tackle optimization or simulation tasks.

Instructions:

• Choose a problem suited to variational algorithms (optimization, quantum machine learning, quantum chemistry, etc.).
  
  

• Design and implement a parameterized (variational) quantum circuit.
  
  

• Experiment with circuit structures, gate arrangements, and classical optimization strategies to enhance performance.

Submission:
Submit your circuit implementation, a brief explanation of your approach, and key insights. Record a 3-5 minute video explaining your projects. Share team responsibilities (team size 2-4 people)

Evaluation Criteria:

• Creativity in problem selection and circuit design
  
  

• Effective handling of NISQ constraints (noise, limited qubits)
  
  

• Clear presentation of results and design rationale

Showcase your quantum creativity and innovation!

 

 

Free Form Challenge

Goal:

Creating an innovative project that is related to quantum computing in some way. The aim is to showcase understanding of quantum principles and proficiency in implementing them creatively.

Instructions:

• Educational tools explaining quantum concepts

 

• Demonstrate quantum algorithms

 

• Create practical applications utilizing frameworks like Qiskit

 

• Design quantum games or puzzles

 

• Build user-friendly quantum simulators.

 

Requirements:

Create your project using a programming language

Involve quantum computing in some way

Record a 3-5 minute video explaining your project

Share team responsibilities (team size 2-4 people)