Calling Companies to QEst Hack 2025
3–5 December | Tallinn, Estonia & Online
Be part of the first wave.
Quantum computing is moving from hype toward real applications. Despite developmental challenges of quantum computers the first companies have already gained business advantages. They can have optimized solutions to their business problems in hours or days instead of months or even years.
QEst Hack 2025 is Estonia’s first hackathon fully dedicated to learning about quantum computing and exploring its business potential.
We are inviting companies to join this quest — take the first steps toward understanding how quantum computing could give you a decisive competitive edge in 3-5 years.
🌟 Why should companies participate?
- Explore possibilities of quantum computing in optimization and strategy.
- Raise your competitive advantage by preparing early for the quantum era.
- Expand your talent network — connect with students, researchers, mentors, and other companies.
- Get a reality check — understand where quantum stands today (and where it doesn’t).
- Contribute your own case and see how it could be framed as a quantum-suited problem.
🧩 What kind of problems?
The hackathon has two parts. In first 24 hours your team will compete on solving an optimization problem we give to all participants. In the second 24 hours you will try to find solutions to your own business problem or challenge. We focus on optimization challenges that can be tested with small, anonymised data sets:
- Process optimization
- Route optimization
- Manufacturing supply chains
- Energy grid optimization
- Portfolio optimization
- Risk analysis
❓ Q&A for Companies
Do we need to have quantum expertise?
No. Only Phyton programming skills and business development skills are needed from your team members. Your role is to bring a real-world problem and curiosity. Mentors and students will begin the process of translating it into a simple, computational form.
Will our problem be solved during the hackathon?
Not fully. The aim is educational exploration: framing your challenge in a way that could one day be tackled by quantum algorithms. In practice, developing a full quantum solution takes 12-48 months, not 24 hours.
What kind of data do we need to share?
You can use a dataset from public online sources. Or you can use your own small, anonymised datasets. The hackathon is not about heavy data science, but about problem scoping and testing.
What is the time commitment?
Your company has to commit 2-3 representatives. Ideally one or two software engineers with Phyton programming skills + one business developer. Their time commitment is following:
- Word a business problem you would like to tackle,
- One hour with mentors before the hackathon to scope the business problem suitable for quantum computation
- Join the kick-off event online (20 Nov),
- Be present during the hackathon (3–5 Dec) in Tallinn.
What will we get out of it?
- A first experience using quantum computers. Focus is on framing your business challenges as mathematical problems solvable with quantum computers.
- Expanded networks with quantum talent in Estonia and beyond.
- Positioning as one of the pioneers in your industry exploring quantum.
- The winning company will receive special support to advance their quantum project further. They will also have the opportunity to compete at the SherHack hackathon in Canada (March 2025).
📅 Key Dates
- Kick-off Event (Online): 20 November 2025, 15:00–18:00
- Hackathon Weekend: 3–5 December 2025, Tehnopol Science and Business Park, Tallinn
- Registration Deadline: 3 November 2025
🌍 Supported by Leading Partners
QEst Hack is inspired and supported by the Quantum Institute of Sherbrooke (Canada), The city of Sherbrooke, IBM Finland, IQM, Hanken School of Economics and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia.
Quantum is the next big leap after AI. Be among the first in your industry to explore it.
📩 For further questions, write us at quantum@metrosert.ee