The International Hackathon on Quantum Computing for Social Good has officially opened at ICISE in Gia Lai Province. Photos courtesy of ICISE

GIA LAI - The International Hackathon on Quantum Computing for Social Good (QC4SG 2026) has officially opened at the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) in Quy Nhơn, Gia Lai Province.

As a key activity within the technology component of the Gia Lai Quantum Year 2026, the event brings together nearly 100 contestants across 26 teams, including students, PhD candidates, young researchers, startups, and tech talents, alongside 50 domestic and international experts, mentors, and judges.

Launched over six months ago, QC4SG 2026 received more than 500 applications from 30 countries and territories, reflecting the growing interest of the international scientific and innovation community in the field of quantum computing.

Following a rigorous selection process, 26 outstanding teams were chosen for the final round, held from July 24–28. During this period, teams will continue to develop, refine, and present quantum technology solutions aimed at solving practical socio-economic challenges.

QC4SG 2026 is organised by the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, the National Innovation Center (NIC), and the Vietnam Quantum Technology Network (VNQuantum) in collaboration with the Open Quantum Institute (OQI/CERN), ICISE, and other relevant departments and agencies.

Through a series of training sessions, mentoring, and networking activities connecting teams with experts, businesses, and investors, QC4SG 2026 aims to bolster the quantum technology ecosystem. The programme supports high-potential projects in refining their technology, developing business models, and moving toward commercialisation. Ultimately, it seeks to build a robust quantum technology community in Gia Lai, Việt Nam, and the Southeast Asian region.

This marks the first time Việt Nam has hosted an international hackathon specialised in quantum computing, and it is only the second event of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Delivering his remarks, former Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng emphasised that “This is a profoundly significant event as we witness scientists, experts, and young talents from many nations gathering in Việt Nam to solve challenges in quantum technology, a global strategic trend in the current era.”

“I believe this is more than just a competition; it is a testament to Việt Nam’s aspiration to proactively engage in the world’s pioneering technological frontiers and to actively cultivate a new technological ecosystem right here in our own country.”

Former Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng (left) shakes hands with Professor Trần Thanh Vân, and his wife, Professor Lê Kim Ngọc.

The event takes place as Việt Nam intensifies the development of strategic technologies in accordance with the Politburo’s Resolution No 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Furthermore, the Prime Minister's Decision No 21/2026/QD-TTg has identified "cybersecurity and quantum" as one of the ten strategic technology groups prioritised for development in the coming period.

In his remarks at the event, Professor Trần Thanh Vân, President of Rencontres du Vietnam and Director of ICISE emphasised that in science, collaboration is only sustainable when "we possess high-quality research results, innovative ideas, and strong research groups."

"To be recognised by the world as an equal partner, we must establish our own scientific foundation. That foundation is built upon basic research and, most importantly, the next generation of young scientists," said Prof. Vân.

"I hope the State will continue to prioritise investment in young researchers, creating conditions that allow them to study and work in optimal environments, participate in international scientific networks, and realise their full potential."

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony on Friday, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Lâm Hải Giang said "Quantum Hackathon 2026 is not only a kickoff event for the province’s key science and technology initiatives but also serves to nurture the spirit of innovation."

"It provides an interdisciplinary environment where young talents can research and solve practical challenges using advanced technologies."

Furthermore, he added, it aims to establish a collaborative ecosystem connecting scientists, youth, businesses, and investors to translate quantum ideas into solutions for humanity and sustainable development.

Samuel Horsch, Quantum Applications Architect at Quandela, France speaks at the event.

Unlike many tech competitions that focus solely on technical demonstrations, QC4SG 2026 directs teams toward developing practical applications. These solutions combine quantum computing with AI, machine learning, and modern optimisation methods to address real-world challenges.

The projects reaching the final round reflect a diverse landscape of quantum technology's potential across various sectors.

In economy and technology: teams are developing solutions for post-quantum cryptography, adaptive quantum key distribution (QKD), fraud and financial risk detection, investment portfolio analysis and optimisation, supply chain and logistics optimisation, 5G network optimisation, distributed quantum computing, quantum error correction, and digital infrastructure platforms ready for the post-quantum era.

In agriculture and logistics, many teams are focusing on optimising coffee and agricultural supply chains, transport routing, and the application of Quantum Causal AI to support aquaculture in the Mekong Delta.

In environment, energy, and sustainability: solutions are aimed at energy management and distribution, water resource allocation, enhancing groundwater extraction efficiency, analysing quantum-ready power systems, and applying Quantum Reservoir Computing to data problems for sustainable development.

In society and human development: projects include quantum-supported learning platforms, emergency relief optimisation, dengue fever forecasting, supporting the "Zero Hunger" goal, and community development solutions.

Throughout the competition, teams will work alongside international experts to refine their products, participate in intensive mentoring sessions, and present their solutions at "Demo Day." Additionally, the VNQuantum Dealroom programme provides opportunities for teams to connect with businesses and venture capital funds to facilitate fundraising and technology commercialisation. Outstanding projects will continue to receive incubation support from NIC and VNQuantum through the end of 2026.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Lương Quang, Director of Research and Development at VNQuantum.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Lương Quang, Director of Research and Development at VNQuantum, said: “The greatest success of QC4SG 2026 is that we have gathered nearly 100 young talents and 50 international experts to work together on Vietnamese soil, including many Vietnamese engineers who are at the global forefront of quantum technology.”

“This competition does more than just find effective solutions; it is sowing the first seeds for a quantum ecosystem in Việt Nam and the region. We have the commitment of partner organisations to accompany potential projects so that these ‘seeds’ can truly grow into enterprises.

“We are striving to pioneer a new model linking four key stakeholders to develop an innovation-driven economy: the Government provides direction and support mechanisms; scientists provide fundamental knowledge and solutions; tech startups transform scientific knowledge into inventions and commercialisation; and investors provide the necessary capital,” said Quang. VNS