Quantum enthusiasts get a chance to co-create the future quantum internet by sharing their innovative application ideas

What is the Quantum Internet Application Challenge (QIAC)?

We are looking for a basic demonstration of a novel and innovative Quantum Internet Application, using the SquidASM platform to implement and simulate your application.

SquidASM is a framework built upon NetSquid, written in python. To get going with SquidASM, follow the installation instructions on the GitHub page and the tutorial.

Who is this challenge for?

All quantum enthusiasts interested in co-creating the future quantum internet. Since an integral part of the challenge is to implement your application in SquidASM, some familiarity with the Python programming language is a requirement.

Don’t feel like you’re up to speed with SquidASM yet? Have a look at our new series of video tutorials (videos 11-16) or join the Foundation Challenge, designed to guide you through the use of SquidASM and prepare you for QIAC 2024.

Make sure you register using the form below to receive additional tips and updates.

What is a Quantum Internet Application?

A quantum internet application is, in the simplest terms, any application or tool that makes use of the quantum internet. This can be, for instance, an encrypted chat client that uses quantum encryption. Another idea is a bulletin board that is truly anonymous. But there is a myriad of possibilities, and we are looking for your ideas!

In your quantum application, you will most likely have to implement a quantum network protocol, like quantum key distribution or quantum teleportation. See also our list of quantum protocols for ideas of other protocols!

To get you going along the way in developing your application, we have provided code snippets that implement basic functionality, like QKD and teleportation. You are welcome to incorporate these into the implementation of your application, but this is of course not necessary.

Go to tutorial

What your submission should look like?

Your submission should consist of two things: an idea for a novel or innovative quantum internet application, and a demonstration or simulation of your application, using the SquidASM platform.

More explicitly, a submission should consist of at least:

• Your idea for a QI application

• An explanation of your application. Examples, click ‘view details’

• Working SquidASM code that implements your application. Examples

• Some documentation and/or explanation of how to run your code

Feeling creative?

We invite you to come up with extra things to show off your application. Some ideas may include:

• Use the noise models in the simulation to show your application being resilient to noise

• Give the minimum hardware requirements, and backup your claims

• Perform more scientific rigour on how to improve your application

• Describe why your application, using a quantum network, is better or offers unique benefits relative to any classical application.

• Describe how these benefits translate to improvements to society or potential for commercialization.

• Providing or reference a proof of quantum advantage

How can you submit your entry?

Make sure that you are registered by using the form at the bottom of the page.

A submission should consist of a GitHub repository containing your contribution.

In this repository, we expect:

• A readme.MD file explaining your application, and how to run your code.

• All your code that implements your application.

• Other small necessities (e.g. a requirements.txt file for dependencies if need be)

The GitHub link should be sent to info@quantuminternetalliance.org before the submission deadline.

How will the submissions be judged?

Eligible entries should contain both a description of the use case idea and a software implementation of the use case.

The entries will be judged on the novelty and creativity of the proposed idea, as well as the level of sophistication in the prototype implementation. Clarity of the explanations and documentation is also vital.

What can you win?

As a main prize we offer an internship or research visit (depending on interest of winner) to one of our participating QIA partners (we will cover travel and accommodation cost of up to 5,000 EUR). You will have the choice to meet and work with one of the following partners:

• Quantum Communication and Cryptography group of Anna Pappa / TU Berlin

• Quantum Computer Science group of Stephanie Wehner / TU Delft

• Quantum Software Lab of Michele Amoretti / University of Parma

• LIP6 Quantum Information Team of Damian Markham / Sorbonne Université

Follow-up contributions:

The 10 follow-up contributions will receive a QIA goodie bag (QIA T-Shirt, pens, stickers, and more!) and international fame through a mention on our QIA website.

Timeline

Questions and support

To get in touch with the organizers, other participants or for technical questions please visit our forum. The forum also hosts the support for SquidASM.

For general questions you can also email us at info@quantuminternetalliance.org.