OQI workshop at University of Bahrain explores quantum computing for sustainable development

On Wednesday 4th December, over 70 students and faculty at the University of Bahrain took part in a workshop run by OQI, exploring the applications of quantum computing for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Martin Gastal, OQI’s Partnership and Engagement Lead, opened with an introduction to the work we are doing at OQI towards developing quantum algorithms with a focus on sustainability. Through our multistakeholder approach—collaborating with quantum scientists, subject-matter experts, SDG stakeholders, UN organisations, NGOs and the diplomatic community—we are working to broaden access to quantum computers through industry partnerships and by advancing capacity building to anticipate the impact of the developing technology.

Participants in the workshop spanned a range of disciplines, from engineering to physical sciences, and were given a comprehensive overview of quantum computing—covering quantum hardware, optimisation and practical implementation of the technology.

A brainstorming session facilitated by OQI provided groups with the opportunity to generate use case ideas focused on real-world applications in Bahrain, centered around several SDGs, in particular:

SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Ideas created during the workshop will be further refined with the help of lecturers at the University of Bahrain, with the potential to be evaluated by OQI to assess their feasibility for inclusion in our growing portfolio of use cases.

Explore our portfolio of quantum computing use cases.

Photos by the University of Bahrain.

2024 | Open Quantum Institute

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Description:

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).

Mission:

• Accelerating applications for humanity: Realising the full potential of quantum computing to have the widest possible societal impact by accelerating the development of use cases geared towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and succeeding framework , thanks to the combined forces of researchers, developers and entrepreneurs from academia and private sector as well as the United Nations, and large NGOs
• Access for all: Providing global, inclusive and equitable access to a pool of public and private quantum computers and simulators available via the cloud
• Advancing capacity building: Developing educational tools to enable everyone around the world to contribute to the development of quantum computing and make the most of the technology
• Activating multilateral governance for the SDGs: Providing a neutral forum to help shape multilateral governance of quantum computing for the SDGs

Values:

• Inclusivity, global scope
• Enable people from all countries, regardless of whether they have any quantum computing capability of their own, to benefit from and to participate in the development of (i) quantum computing applications that address global challenges, in particular those that are closely related to their own specific challenges, and (ii) the multilateral governance of quantum computing for the SDGs
• Openness
• Share experiences, knowledge, and methods for the benefit of all, following Open Science best practice
• Make openly available the results – outcomes of joint activities related to the OQI mission conducted by the OQI community – to society via open repositories and/or through the use of open licences
• Focus on impact
• Ensure that applications are developed for their quantum computing potential to tackle real-world problems that will benefit humanity
• Consider and balance their ethical, legal, and societal implications
• Independence
• Enable everyone to participate free from individual, national, corporate or any other agendas
• Develop applications with a technology neutral approach.
• Collaboration
• Foster a community of diverse expertise, backgrounds and geographies, enabled by international cooperation and diplomacy