Quantum for Good Challenge Launches Ahead of the UN International Year of Quantum

November 27, 2024 - The Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS), in collaboration with Quantum Delta NL, proudly announces the launch of the Quantum for Good Challenges, accelerating the development of societally beneficial quantum applications ahead of the UN International Year of Quantum.   

For the next 4 years CQS will host annual multiple competitions to drive the advancement of quantum applications aimed at addressing major societal challenges.  

The first Challenge invites students across The Netherlands to explore and research the possibilities of leveraging quantum sensing to address microplastics pollution—a pressing global issue that nations are discussing as part of the UN environmental agenda.  Microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—may pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Current detection methods lack sensitivity and struggle with complex or polluted samples, making effective monitoring and mitigation challenging. 

The Challenge begins with a Hackathon at the end of January, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the Centre for Quantum & Society and leading up to the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, launching in Paris on February 4th.   

Students across The Netherlands will come together for a series of interactive workshops, coaching sessions, site visits, and networking with academics and industry professionals, leading up to a grand finale in May 2025. Teams will compete for prizes of €3,000 for the first-place team, €2,000 for second place, and €1,000 for third place, serving as recognition and potential seed funding for their projects. 

 “The Quantum for Good Challenge is a call to action for students to explore how quantum technology can be used to address societal challenges, but most of all it will be fun to work on important problems together” said Diederick Croese, director of the Centre for Quantum and Society. “In this challenge we invite them to look into the feasibility and impact of quantum sensing in detecting microplastics, while considering current limitations and potential breakthroughs.” 

In line with its mission to raise awareness about quantum technologies and their societal impact, the Quantum for Good Challenge will integrate a thorough exploration of the ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA) of quantum innovation into the challenge.  

Future challenges will extend beyond students to include all kinds of organizations, including startups, fostering continuous growth, research collaboration, and the development of quantum applications for societal good. 

Registration 

Students interested in participating can register here until January 24, 2025. 

Frequently asked questions: 

Read and download the FAQ here. 

About the Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS) 

Launched in 2022 by Quantum Delta NL, the Centre for Quantum and Society is a knowledge and co-creation centre to maximize the potential positive impact of quantum technologies in society and minimize their potential negative impact. With a focus on ethical, legal and societal aspects, it seeks to harness the power of quantum for good. CQS facilitates ground-breaking research, engages in tailored made awareness activities for citizens, policy makers, teams and organizations and develops tools to help them seize quantum opportunities while navigating potential challenges for their sectors, customers, and society. Furthermore, it focuses on foresight projects, to build upon a shared stakeholder vision that shapes governance choices to preserve our core societal values.