Round Three: Help Build the Future of the Quantum Internet
Join the Quantum Internet Application Challenge 2025
Take Part in the Third Quantum Internet Application Challenge
The third edition of the Quantum Internet Application Challenge (QIAC) is once again open, giving quantum enthusiasts a chance to be part of our mission to build a global quantum internet.
The challenge is open to students, developers and researchers worldwide to pitch and prototype new applications for the quantum internet using our open-source simulation platform SquidASM.
Whether your idea strengthens communication security, enables new forms of distributed computing, or explores entirely new frontiers — this is your opportunity to help shape the way the quantum internet will be used.
Who can participate?
Anyone with an interest in quantum networks and Python programming is welcome to join.
We accept individual and group participation (but registration must be done individually). If you are participating as a team, we will offer a joint internship/visit for the team at one of the partners.
If you are new to SquidASM, don’t worry! We offer tutorials and a “Foundation Challenge” to help you get started before diving into your main project. See below!
Want to get a head start?
Take advantage of the resources we curated for you!
DelftX: Quantum Communication and the Quantum Network Explorer
This course aims to provide participants with an introduction to quantum networks, focusing on protocol development, application design and network simulation.
The course offers:
- Quantum network overview
- Hands-on simulation with QuTech’s Quantum Network Explorer (QNE)
- Quantum network applications like quantum key distribution (QKD), teleportation, and blind quantum computation (BQC)
- Comprehensive tutorial on SquidASM
This course was created by TU Delft experts in quantum networking and simulation, leveraging the extensive expertise of QuTech’s quantum technology specialists.
SquidASM Tutorial
SquidASM Tutorial is a hands-on resource designed to help you get ready for our upcoming challenge. This guide introduces you to the key ideas and tools behind SquidASM, a powerful framework for simulating quantum network applications. You will learn how the system works, explore example code, and gain the foundational knowledge needed to start building and testing your own simulations.
Whether you are new to SquidASM or brushing up before the challenge, this tutorial will walk you through everything step by step. It offers practical examples and explanations to help you understand how different parts of a quantum simulation fit together. By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to experiment, create, and tackle the challenge with confidence.
SquidASM Tutorial Videos
QuTech Academy, with the support of the European-funded project QTIndu (Quantum Technologies courses for Industry), developed a series of videos that offers a clear and approachable introduction to quantum communication and networking concepts. The series walks through key ideas at a steady pace, explaining how quantum networks function and how they can be modeled and explored using available tools.
The videos 11-16 are designed to complement the SquidASM tutorial and help you prepare for the challenge by building a solid understanding of the underlying principles. By following along, you’ll gain the context and familiarity needed to engage with the tasks more effectively.
About the Challenge
The Quantum Internet Application Challenge is an annual competition that invites innovators to design, build, and demonstrate potential uses of the future quantum internet.
Using SquidASM, a Python-based simulator built on NetSquid, participants can model quantum networks and create working demonstrations of novel quantum applications.
This third round builds on the success of our 2023 and 2024 editions, continuing to grow a global community exploring how quantum connectivity can transform the digital world.
What Is a Quantum Internet Application?
A quantum internet application uses quantum connections to do something impossible or more powerful than classical communication.
Examples include:
- Quantum-secure chat or key-exchange systems
- Distributed quantum sensing or synchronization
- Quantum-assisted consensus or computing
- Experimental platforms for learning and demonstration
Your project can be practical or exploratory, the goal is to imagine how we will use the quantum internet once it’s here.
Submission Guidelines
Each submission should include:
- A clear and original idea for a quantum internet application.
- A working simulation or prototype built in SquidASM.
You will need to provide:
- A project description and concept overview.
- The SquidASM code implementing your idea.
- A README.md or short documentation on setup, execution, and results.
Optional enhancements include:
- Noise/error modeling for realism.
- Feasibility analysis or scalability discussion.
- Comparison to classical alternatives.
- Notes on potential impact or quantum advantage.
How to Submit
- Register via the online form.
- Upload your code and documentation to a public GitHub repository.
- Email your repository link to info@quantuminternetalliance.org before the deadline (21 December 2025).
Include your name and (if applicable) team members in the message.
Judging Criteria
All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts from QIA and partner institutions based on:
- Originality and creativity
- Technical quality and completeness
- Clarity of explanation and documentation
- Potential relevance or impact
Prizes
First Prize:
A research visit or internship grant of up to €5,000 EUR (to cover travel and accommodation costs) at one of QIA’s partner institutions, such as:
- 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
Runners-up:
Recognition on the QIA website and exclusive QIA goodie bags.
How about a little warm up?
Try the Quantum Internet Foundation Challenge
The QIA Foundation Challenge is a hands-on warm-up for the Quantum Internet Application Challenge 2025. Using SquidASM (version 0.13 or higher), participants will implement a protocol to transmit a byte anonymously across a four-node network, explore error tolerance, and add basic error correction.
The challenge provides starter resources:
-
application.py– template for the anonymous transmission protocol -
config.yaml– basic network setup -
run_simulation.py– script to run and test your application
Your task is to implement the protocol, extend it to send a byte, measure performance, and apply simple error correction. Submit your solution via GitHub to info@quantuminternetalliance.org.
Participants who submit a correct solution will also receive a goodie bag from QIA. This challenge is designed to help you practice key concepts and prepare for the full Quantum Internet Application Challenge.
Want to take your Quantum Internet application ideas further?
Join our upcoming hackathon in person!
Secure your spot in QIA’s Pan-European Quantum Internet Hackathon 2025 on 28 November, happening across Amsterdam, Dresden, Paris and Poznań.
It is a great way to explore your ideas, collaborate with peers, and get feedback while working with SquidASM on quantum network applications.
Participating can help you refine solutions for the Challenge, gain inspiration, and connect with the community.
Join Our Mission
This third round is another opportunity to contribute to QIA’s mission of building a global quantum internet — one that will redefine how information is shared, secured, and processed.
By joining the challenge, you are not just competing… you are helping shape the foundations of a new technological era.
Check out last year's winner
Graph State Generation by Roberto Navarro
Quantum Internet Application Challenge 2024 declared “Graph State Generation” as the most impressive submission for this round.
The winning submission was from Roberto Navarro, Bachelor’s student in Licenciatura en Física y Matemáticas at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico.