Quantum technology competition targets water management solutions

Young engineers and researchers are participating in a 24-hour marathon in Gebze, Kocaeli, to develop solutions for urban water resource management using quantum technologies. Organized by TÜBİTAK, Bilişim Vadisi, and ComPro, the Quantum Technologies Competition features two main categories: software (Quantum Hackathon) and hardware.

In the software category, 10 finalist teams are working on the dynamic allocation optimization of water resources and distribution networks. They are addressing complex variables such as energy costs in urban water distribution, network losses, reservoir balance, and continuous water supply using quantum annealing and hybrid classical-quantum methods. The software category saw 97 participating teams, while the hardware category, which focuses on testing and calibrating quantum processor chips, saw 45 applicants, with 8 teams reaching the finals.

The competition aims to increase quantum awareness and provide practical experience in applying these advanced technologies to real-world problems. Winners in both categories will receive significant cash prizes, with the first-place teams earning 200,000 TL. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place during the TEKNOFEST Şanlıurfa event between September 30 and October 4.