Hiba Sinno, Office of Communications, communications@aub.edu.lb
In celebration of Global Quantum Year 2025, Lebanon's first-ever Quantum Computing Hackathon brought together students, researchers, and quantum computing experts over two days to explore real-world applications of quantum technologies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized by the Center for Advanced Mathematical Sciences (CAMS) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), in collaboration with the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN, and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), the hackathon marked a significant step in positioning Lebanon as an emerging player in global quantum innovation
“This event is memorable not just because it's our first," said CAMS director, Dr. Jihad Touma, “but because it reflects a shared commitment to work on something so futuristic at a time when the world can feel brutally uncertain." Co-led by Dr. Mahdi Chehimi (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) and Dr. Amer Mouawad (Department of Computer Science), the initiative aimed to foster awareness, capacity building, and innovation in quantum computing across Lebanese universities.
A Two-Day Dive into Quantum Innovation
The event began with “Quantum Day" on Friday, April 4, designed to immerse participants in the fundamentals and frontiers of quantum computing. Through keynote talks, introductory sessions, and hands-on workshops, participants explored the growing need for hybrid quantum-classical solutions in fields such as healthcare, clean energy, and water treatment.
Dr. Joanna Doummar, associate professor of groundwater hydrology at AUB, delivered a keynote linking scientific modeling and sustainability challenges with quantum technologies, urging students to think creatively and critically about how computation can support real-world SDG outcomes. Professor Walid Saad from Virginia Tech followed with a keynote on the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence and how this intersection is expected to grow over the upcoming years. “Technology is not about belief," he said. “Quantum machine learning has strong theoretical foundations, and with proper design, it can lead to better algorithms and better learning, although its current state is still not satisfying."
Hackathon Day: Quantum Solutions for Real-World Challenges
On Saturday, around 30 students from local universities in Lebanon gathered at AUB's computing labs to put theory into practice. Divided into five teams, participants tackled SDG-related problems ranging from early disease detection to medical triage during disasters—each project showcasing how quantum technologies can advance social impact.
Dr. Martin Gastal, project manager at CERN and representative of the OQI, helped open the hackathon with welcoming remarks. “Part of our mission is to disseminate knowledge on quantum computing," said Gastal. “When the opportunity to come to Lebanon arose, I immediately said yes. Despite the uphill challenges in the region, you've managed to organize this incredible event."
Student Projects: Innovation with Impact
Team Q-Tes, the winning team, applied quantum algorithms to optimize traffic flow in urban areas. Their model simulates small-scale traffic systems to reduce fuel waste and lower carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to multiple SDGs.
Team Q-Med developed a triage tool designed for use during emergencies. Their app, which leverages tools from quantum machine learning (QML), allows users to upload photos of injuries—such as burns or wounds—and receive guidance on whether immediate hospital care is needed. The solution aims to reduce pressure on hospitals and ease traffic congestion during crises by prioritizing urgent cases.
Team Qure proposed a QML-based solution for early cancer detection using wearable technologies. By combining signals from a smartwatch and a home scale, the system helps monitor body composition and identify abnormalities, making early diagnosis more accessible and reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.
Team Q-Beats focused on predicting heart disease using data from Apple watch data. Their platform processes heart rate and other metrics through quantum algorithms and sends real-time alerts to physicians when irregularities are detected.
Team Rescue-Q explored how quantum optimization could enhance emergency response in underserved urban areas. Their project modeled these environments as networks and applied custom quantum algorithms to redesign layouts, aiming to improve access for ambulances and first responders in densely built, hard-to-navigate spaces.
Building Lebanon's Quantum Future
Beyond the competition, teamwork and awards, the hackathon served as a launchpad for Lebanon's quantum future, marking a step forward towards building Lebanon's quantum workforce. As one of the student participants noted, “Quantum computing is still a new and rapidly evolving field, and we believe it's important for engineers, physicists, and computer scientists to start exploring it and building their knowledge."
CAMS and its partners hope this initiative will inspire ongoing collaboration, research, and public engagement in quantum science. From launching student-led quantum clubs to developing future courses and labs, AUB is taking the first steps toward preparing Lebanon's quantum-ready generation.