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Tackling global challenges in Africa’s first quantum hackathon

17th July 2025

Photo by AIMS Ghana

 

How could quantum computing be used to address real-world global challenges?

 

From 8-11 July 2025, students from across Africa came together to answer this question during Africa’s first quantum computing hackathon hosted at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Ghana

 

The AIMS Ghana Quantathon – a portmanteau of quantum and hackathon – was part of the AIMS Ghana Quantum Technology and Education (QTEdu)Global Event, a week-long celebration of innovation, collaboration and education, centered on the theme of accelerating global capacity building to advance quantum science and technology. 

 

Exploring quantum computing for the SDGs

 

The AIMS Ghana Quantathon was designed to create opportunities for young people in Africa to get involved in quantum education and contribute to the development of quantum computing applications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The hackathon used the methodology of OQI’s Hackathon in a Box, a toolkit developed by the OQI Educational Consortium, which combines hands-on learning with theory for developing quantum computing algorithms that could accelerate progress of the SDGs.

 

Over three days, seven teams of students worked together to explore ideas of how quantum computing could be used to address global challenges, with ideas ranging from healthcare to clean water.

 

The winning team, Qualaria (Quantum Leap Against Malaria), developed a quantum simulation approach to fast-track drug development for malaria – a disease that continues to impact millions of people across the continent.  The team was also presented with the sustainability award, recognising their focus on real-world impact.

 

Qualaria is made up of the following students:

 

OQI’s participation at AIMS Ghana

 

At OQI, hackathons are part of our broader mission to make quantum education accessible globally and to ensure that the technology is developed equitably and inclusively. Our team was excited to contribute to the events taking place throughout the week, whether through supporting students, sharing expertise and promoting the development of real-world quantum computing applications:

  • Philipp Kammerlander (Applications Advisor at OQI) participated as a judge, and gave an introductory talk on how OQI is working to develop quantum computing use cases aligning with the SDGs. He outlined OQI’s process of connecting real-world problems to computational challenges that could be addressed using quantum.
  • At a workshop hosted by Google AI Lab during the week, Philipp also joined discussions exploring how to advance global quantum education.
  • Martin Gastal  (Capacity Building and Partnerships Lead) participated in a keynote panel on quantum technologies and AI, highlighting the need for global collaboration and discussing ways of how to bridge the digital divide.
  • David Dosu (Research Associate at OQI) also took part in the workshop discussions on how to advance quantum education in underserved regions.

The AIMS Quantathon represents an important milestone for advancing quantum education in Africa. For OQI, the events during the week reinforced the importance of collaboration and building global capacity towards ensuring the technology is developed for the benefit of society.

 

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with AIMS and supporting future events and initiatives!

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The Open Quantum Institute (OQI) is a multilateral governance initiative that promotes global and inclusive access to quantum computing and the development of applications for the benefit of humanity. As a novel science diplomacy instrument, it brings together research, diplomacy, private sector and philanthropy stakeholders. OQI is hosted by CERN during its pilot phase (2024-2026).

 

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