OptiQ Summer School & Educational Game Hackathon
Registration starts: 10/08/2026
Registration ends: 01/09/2026 (until the slots are filled)
Event start: 09/15/2026
Event Ends: 09/19/2026
Event Location: Zygmunta Krasińskiego 13, 40-272 Katowice, Poland. Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics, and Computer Science
Introduction
The Summer School is an intensive five-day educational program designed to introduce university students to the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and emerging quantum technologies. Through an engaging combination of expert-led lectures, hands-on workshops, group discussions, and interactive activities, participants will deepen their theoretical understanding while developing valuable practical, analytical, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.
The program will include extensive workshops covering quantum computing, quantum entanglement, data analysis, and related topics. Participants will also take part in an exciting 24-hour hackathon, working in teams to apply their knowledge to practical challenges and develop innovative solutions. A structured debate will provide an opportunity to explore the possibilities, limitations, ethical considerations, and future impact of quantum computing.
To ensure a highly interactive and supportive learning experience, participation is limited to just 25 slots. This small-group format allows for close engagement with lecturers, active participation, effective teamwork, and meaningful exchanges of ideas.
Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is therefore strongly encouraged to secure your place.
By prioritizing quality over quantity, the Summer School aims to inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, while giving participants a strong foundation for further study and involvement in the rapidly evolving field of quantum technolog
Who can participate
The competition is open to individuals aged 18 and above, including university students, young scientists, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the competition’s subject area
University students must be studying in a European Union Member State or in a country associated with Horizon Europe, including countries such as Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Participants may apply and compete individually or with the support of a formal or informal group, such as a student association, university society, group of classmates, research team, or group of colleagues.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be made available to registered participants who live outside the host area, as indicated during registration.
What is expected of participants?
Participants are expected to take an active, responsible, and collaborative role throughout the five-day Summer School. This includes following the program schedule, attending lectures and workshops, contributing to discussions and the structured debate, and engaging fully in practical activities such as quantum programming and experiments using real quantum computers. Participants must also follow the rules and organizational guidance presented at the beginning of the program.
A key part of the Summer School is the 24-hour hackathon. Participants will work individually or in teams of up to four people on the topic connected with quantum informatics and OptiQ project. Further information will be provided at the start of the hackathon
Benefits
Participants will benefit from:
- direct involvement in OptiQ, an innovative international research project focused on quantum technologies;
- opportunities to connect with researchers, lecturers, and students from different countries;
- greater insight into academic, research, and career opportunities in the rapidly developing quantum technology sector;
- international exposure and the opportunity to become part of a wider community interested in quantum science; and
- an official Certificate of Participation awarded upon completion of the summer school.
