UK Quantum Hackathon 2026: Use Case Submission Form

Overview

Call for use case submissions

The NQCC is seeking challenges for the 2026 UK Quantum Hackathon in the form of use case problems. We invite submissions from businesses, public sector organisations, third-sector entities, governmental bodies, and higher education institutions to submit their use cases.

The UK Quantum Hackathon will provide an exciting opportunity to explore your specific use case using a quantum computing platform, gain exposure to different problems and approaches, work with rising quantum talent, and network with others in the UK quantum ecosystem.

If you require guidance on formulating a use case, please complete the Guidance and Initial Feedback Form. If you are ready to submit your use case, please fill out the submission form by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.

A recording of the end-user webinar outlining the process for use case submission is available upon request. Please email nqcchackathon@stfc.ac.uk to request the recording.

Aims

The NQCC’s annual UK Quantum Hackathon aims to demonstrate how quantum computing can solve real-world problems by bringing together talented people from across the value chain, with the objectives to:

• Connect the UK quantum ecosystem through networking and collaboration throughout the event
• Understand the opportunities and limitations of quantum computing by demonstrating the current capabilities of the technology
• Explore a broad range of use cases for quantum computing
• Enable aspiring practitioners to develop their quantum computing programming and applications skills
• Showcase the breadth of technology available currently and enable a broad range of users to access these tools

Format

The NQCC’s annual UK Quantum Hackathon will take place on the 18th - 20th August 2026 at the University of Warwick. 

Teams of quantum computing hackers made up of research students and early career researchers, are assigned an industrial use case to solve on emulators and quantum hardware provided by one of a breadth of technology providers.

Teams are allocated by the NQCC based on skills and domain preferences. However, we welcome your views, and recommendations for pairing with a specific quantum provider for the use case provided.

Information on the use cases and training on accessing quantum computers will be provided to the teams ahead of time through a private repository and communication channel. During the hackathon, mentors from industry and the quantum providers will support the teams. The event will close with a judging panel scoring the proposed solutions.

More information about this year’s hackathon can be found on the landing page here: https://www.nqcc.ac.uk/uk-quantum-hackathon-2026/
 

Participation

We are delighted to invite you to submit your use case challenge to the NQCC’s 2026 UK Quantum Hackathon. 

End-user organisations are welcome to submit multiple use cases. In this case, please complete this form for each use case you submit. Depending on the level of engagement, a selection process may be used to determine which use cases to take forward (please see selection criteria below). However, the NQCC endeavours to include the majority of use cases. You will receive confirmation on whether your use case has been selected by 13th July. If your use case is not selected for this hackathon, it may be selected (with your permission) for future hackathon-style events. 

Successful organisations must provide one to two in-person mentors per use case for the event on 18th and 19th August and optionally 20th August. All costs associated with administration, meals and the venue hire will be covered by the NQCC. We also request that after the event, end-user mentors provide a short (200-300 words) technical summary of their team’s work to form part of the hackathon technical report, and complete the NQCC’s feedback form following the event. 

If you would like to participate, please provide the following information using this form by 30th June.

1. A confirmation of commitment to participate, including the ability for one mentor from your organisation to be present for at least the first two days of the event 
2. Agreement with terms and conditions
3. One (or more) use-case problem(s)

Use case selection criteria

Use cases will be assessed on the following criteria:  

Essential
Use cases must:

1. Be suitable for the hackathon format, including:
   • Relevance to quantum computing, 
   • Feasibility on the available quantum computing resource (access to emulation across hardware platforms and hardware on early quantum systems),
   • Suitability for making meaningful progress in the timeframe of two full days of technical work, and
   • Offering opportunity for advancing learning of participants and furthering QC understanding and knowledge 
2. Provide sufficient information for hackathon teams to approach the problem, including definition of the problem, background information, responsible innovation considerations, and supporting technical details.
3. Offers a route to practical applications and clear potential for societal and/or economic impact.

Desirable:
If more use cases are received than capacity allows, use cases will be prioritised that:

1. Represent an opportunity to advance societal benefit through alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 
2. Are of particular technical interest or represent novelty.  

Please note that use cases intended for defence applications are not eligible.

In addition, the NQCC aims to have a diverse range of sectors, problem domains, hardware implementation, and organisations represented at the hackathon. Fit with the overall portfolio of use cases may also be taken into consideration for the final selection process. 
 

Guidance and initial feedback requests

If you require guidance or early feedback to complete this form, please complete the Guidance and Initial Feedback Form to request:

• Feedback on the suitability of your proposed use case 
• Technical guidance in developing your use case
• Guidance in aligning your use case with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Please note that:

• We cannot guarantee that all support requests will be accommodated
• We cannot guarantee that use case outlines receiving positive feedback will be selected to proceed to the hackathon

Please contact nqcchackathon@stfc.ac.uk if you have any logistical questions about filling in the use case form.