Calling Students & Graduates 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. QEst Hack 2025 is Estonia’s first hackathon fully dedicated to learning about quantum computing and exploring its business potential.
We are inviting students and recent graduates with programming skills to join this journey — not to solve the world’s hardest problems, but to learn, experiment, and discover how quantum can be applied to optimization challenges.
🌟 Why should students participate?
- Learn by doing: work side by side with companies and mentors on real optimization cases.
- Boost your skills: gain hands-on experience in framing problems for quantum computing.
- Expand your network: connect with companies, researchers, and international mentors.
- Stand out: be part of the first-ever quantum hackathon in Estonia.
- Get inspired: explore where quantum and business meet.
🧑💻 Who are we looking for?
- Students and graduates in IT, physics, mathematics, data science, or related fields.
- Prior experience with Python programming is required.
- Having taken courses in quantum programming (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, QuTiP) is a plus.
- Enthusiastic learners curious about the future of quantum computing.
🧩 What kind of problems?
You’ll work in teams with company representatives and mentors on optimization challenges, such as:
- Route optimization
- Manufacturing supply chains
- Energy grid optimization
- Portfolio optimization
- Risk analysis
The focus is not on solving fully, but on framing and exploring how such problems could be approached with quantum tools.
❓ Q&A for Students
Do I need to be a quantum expert?
No. You need strong programming skills (Python), and ideally some exposure to quantum programming basics. The hackathon will provide expert guidance.
Will I be coding quantum algorithms?
Yes — but within a guided learning environment. You’ll experiment with existing tools and approaches, not invent new algorithms from scratch.
How will teams be formed?
Each team will include students, company representatives, and mentors, so you’ll get the chance to apply your skills while learning from others.
What do I gain from this?
- Experience in a real hackathon format with quantum applications.
- Knowledge about where quantum is today — and where it’s headed.
- New contacts in academia, industry, and international quantum networks.
- A chance to be among the first generation of quantum hackathon participants in Estonia.
📅 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.
✨ Take Your First Step Into Quantum
AI is already here. Quantum is next. Don’t just read about it — be part of the team that explores it first.
📩 For further questions, write us at quantum@metrosert.ee