ISIT 2025 Quantum Hackathon - where quantum computing meets information theory
Registration Form: Link
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2025
Format: Hybrid Format (Online + In-Person)
Pre-Hackathon Events (June 16–18): A series of virtual tutorials to help participants get started with quantum tools and methods:
1. Quantum Computing 101
2. Variational Quantum Algorithms
3. Quantum Machine Learning
Hackathon Activities (June 22–25)
- June 22: Napkin Pitch Session – share initial ideas and project directions. Invited talks from experts at the intersection of quantum computing and information theory (Online + In-Person)
- June 23–24: Project development (virtually)
- June 25: Final project submissions & presentations (Online + In-Person)
Invited Speakers
Toshiaki Koike-Akino, Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL), Cambridge, MA, USA
Date: June 22, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT
Venue: Room-Michigan + Zoom
Title: Emerging Quantum AI Technology
Abstract: Quantum computers hold the promise of revolutionizing signal processing by exploiting quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. In recent years, several vendors have successfully manufactured commercial quantum processing units (QPUs), paving the way for the use of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices in various real-world applications. To address the challenges posed by quantum noise, researchers have proposed hybrid quantum-classical algorithms based on the variational principle. These algorithms enable the configuration of quantum neural networks (QNNs) on NISQ devices, potentially offering computational efficiency advantages over traditional deep neural networks (DNNs). In this seminar, we will introduce an emerging quantum artificial intelligence (QAI) framework that aims to tackle the limitations of conventional AI methods and envision the potential post-deep learning paradigm. While QNNs may not necessarily outperform DNNs in all scenarios, they can leverage the exponentially large quantum states to achieve computational efficiency with a small number of quantum gates. The talk will review the latest trends, fundamentals, applications, and future prospects of quantum AI, highlighting the exciting possibilities of harnessing the power of quantum mechanics for AI and beyond.
Bio: Toshiaki Koike-Akino received the B.S. degree in electrical and electronics engineering, the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in communications and computer engineering from Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, in 2002, 2003, and 2005, respectively. During 2006–2010, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher with Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA, and joined Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL), Cambridge, MA, USA, in 2010. His research interests include signal processing for artificial intelligence, data communications, and biosensing. He was the recipient of the YRP Encouragement Award 2005, the 21st TELECOM System Technology Award, the 2008 Ericsson Young Scientist Award, the IEEE GLOBECOM’08 Best Paper Award in Wireless Communications Symposium, the 24th TELECOM System Technology Encouragement Award, the IEEE GLOBECOM’09 Best Paper Award in Wireless Communications Symposium, and IEEE T-ASE 2024 Best Application Paper Award. He is a Fellow of Optica (formerly OSA).
Mostafizur Rahaman Laskar, IBM Research Lab (IRL)
Date: June 22, 2025 Time: 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM EDT
Venue: Room-Michigan + Zoom
Title: Quantum Signal Processing: Hardware Noise, Near-term Algorithms and Future Prospects
Abstract: Can quantum algorithms—built on the principles of superposition, interference, and entanglement—offer new ways to model and process signals and systems? At the core of quantum technology, quantum signal processing (QSP) plays a foundational role—from signal generation in superconducting qubits to amplification and filtering in physical hardware. Signal processing concepts also influence the design of quantum algorithms, especially in circuit-based signal flow models that enable efficient computation and error mitigation. In this talk, we will explore the emerging area of quantum signal processing. The discussion will focus on simulating systems on quantum hardware via a protocol called Hamiltonian simulation. We will be analyzing resource requirements in terms of gate complexity and evaluating algorithmic performance. As a practical demonstration, we will present some applications, including quantum filtering for denoising electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, and quantum Radar-communications (QRadCom) simulated on the IBM quantum platform.
Bio: Dr. Mostafizur Rahaman is a Research Scientist at IBM Research Lab (IRL), where he works in the area of Quantum Algorithms and Applications. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur. His recent work on quantum polynomial encoding, published in Nature Scientific Reports, was recognized with the 2024 Distinguished Research Paper Award at IRL. He is also an invited Visiting Scientist at RIKEN, Japan. His research interests include quantum algorithms, with a focus on quantum encoding, simulation techniques, and computational complexity.
Description
The ISIT 2025 Quantum Hackathon invites participants to explore the intersection of quantum computing and information theory. Participants will work with quantum simulators, available quantum hardware, and state-of-the-art development kits to create innovative solutions that connect quantum advancements with challenges in communication and signal processing. Drawing inspiration from contemporary research trends, the hackathon emphasizes the practical application of quantum algorithms to enhance classical system performance. Whether improving error correction schemes, optimizing resource allocation, or advancing quantum-assisted signal processing, participants are encouraged to innovate at the intersection of quantum computing and information theory.
General Objectives
- Promote Innovation: Create an open platform where participants can explore novel ideas and approaches that harness quantum computing principles to enhance traditional information systems.
- Encourage Collaborative Learning: Provide a forum for the exchange of project ideas and best practices, ensuring that every participant gains valuable insights through shared experiences and collective problem-solving.
- Develop Holistic Solutions: Inspire teams to build projects that not only advance technological boundaries but also address real-world challenges, benefiting the information theory society as a whole.
Eligibility and Participation
- Team Composition: Teams may consist of three to five members. Please include team members' names during registration.
- Membership Requirements: Each team must have at least two current students.
- For teams/individuals participating virtually, at least one member of the group must be a registered member of the IEEE Information Theory Society at the time of registration. Participation in ISIT 2025 is not required.
- Participation: Individual registrants may join existing teams or request to be paired by the organizers to ensure inclusive collaboration.
- Registration: Teams/individuals can register through the official ISIT 2025 website during the registration window.
Community and Support
- Slack Channel: Participants will be added to the Slack channel for updates, technical support, and team-matching opportunities.
- Workshops and Webinars: Pre-hackathon workshops and webinars will be organized to help participants get acquainted with quantum programming tools and the problem challenges.
Organizers
Hackathon Committee:
Mohammad Aamir Sohail — [email protected]
Stefano Rini — [email protected]
Student Coordinators:
Ruhi Yusuf — [email protected]
Erin Diran-Ojo — [email protected]
Contact Information
For general inquiries regarding the hackathon, please contact Stefano and Mohammad.
ISIT Website: https://2025.ieee-isit.org/ Join us in exploring how quantum computing can redefine and enhance the pillars of information theory at ISIT 2025!
Join our Slack channel and follow us on #quantum-hackathon-general