Quantum Innovation Summit 2026 Algorithm Design Competition
- Delivered through the VerneX quantum platform
- Applications managed via the VerneX Competition App
- Part of Global Quantum Week 2026 and delivered during the Quantum Innovation Summit 2026
Overview
The Quantum Innovation Summit 2026 Algorithm Design Competition is a curated, industrial-grade competition focused on translating real industrial challenges into structured, quantum-ready algorithmic designs.
The Competition uses two digital layers:
- VerneX Competition App for applications, team registration, communications, and submissions administration.
- VerneX quantum platform, powered by Classiq as the technical working environment where teams develop and document their Algorithm Design Dossiers using standardised templates
The Competition culminates in the selection of three finalists who present live during the Summit, followed by jury dialogue and formal recognition.
Strategic value
As quantum technologies move closer to implementation, the decisive bottleneck is often formulation: translating high-value industrial challenges into clear algorithmic problem statements with defined objectives, constraints, assumptions, and feasibility logic that can be reviewed and compared.
This Competition strengthens that translation layer through disciplined design workflows on the VerneX quantum platform, producing standardised Algorithm Design Dossiers that support credible technical assessment and practical follow-up discussion, without relying on performance claims.
What this delivers
Clear problem translation from industrial intent to quantum-ready formulation
Constraints and assumptions captured in a structured, reviewable format
Feasibility and scalability reasoning that supports decision quality
Execution pathway mapping expressed in hardware-agnostic terms
A shared foundation for technical dialogue and next-step planning
How it works
Step 1: Apply and register through the VerneX Competition App
Teams submit applications, confirm team composition, and receive programme communications through the Competition App.
Step 2: Work and document inside the VerneX quantum platform
Approved teams receive access to the VerneX quantum platform, powered by Classiq, where they build the Algorithm Design Dossier using templates and checkpoints.
Step 2: Work and document inside the VerneX quantum platform
Approved teams receive access to the VerneX quantum platform, powered by Classiq, where they build the Algorithm Design Dossier using templates and checkpoints.
What participants will produce
Each team submits one complete Algorithm Design Dossier through the VerneX quantum platform. The dossier includes, at minimum:
- Industrial framing and decision context
- Objective function and variable definitions
- Constraints register with priorities and boundary conditions
- Assumptions register with feasibility and scalability implications
- Candidate formulation set with rationale
- Quantum suitability and approach selection
- Feasibility reasoning and scalability logic
- Execution pathway mapping expressed in hardware-agnostic terms
- System integration touchpoints at design level
- Next step roadmap for technical follow-up discussion
Use cases
Thales provides one to three industrial problem statements framed at an algorithmic level, supported by a constraints pack and success criteria. Problem statements are defined at an abstraction level suitable for expert formulation and engineering reasoning.
Working environment and validation
All algorithm design work products are created and documented through the VerneX quantum platform, powered by Classiq, using structured templates and uniform checkpoints.
Consistency checks are performed through simulators and approved software frameworks. Formulations are expressed in hardware-agnostic terms suitable for multiple execution pathways.
Who should apply
Participation is curated to ensure industrial relevance and high-quality outputs.
Recommended participant profiles include:
- Quantum algorithm engineers
- Optimisation and operations research specialists
- Applied mathematicians and computational scientists
- Optimisation and operations research specialists
- Quantum software engineers and hybrid quantum–classical practitioners
- University labs and spin-outs with algorithm design capability
- Multidisciplinary teams combining domain expertise and algorithm formulation strength
Recommended team size: 3–6 participants.
Summit delivery format
The Competition is delivered during the Quantum Innovation Summit 2026 programme.
Day 1 | 28 September 2026
Kickoff briefing, use case clarifications, platform onboarding checkpoint, dossier build begins, mentoring clinics open.
Day 2 | 29 September 2026
Build continues, structured validation checks, dossier submission and lock, jury pre-scoring and consolidation.
Day 3 | 30 September 2026
Finalist walkthroughs and jury dialogue, outcomes announcement and recognition moment, next step framing.
Judging criteria
Scoring uses a 1 to 5 scale per criterion and a weighted total of 100 points.
- Industrial framing and translation quality (10)
- Formulation rigour and objective function quality (15)
- Constraints engineering and assumptions discipline (15)
- Quantum suitability and approach selection rationale (15)
- Feasibility reasoning and scalability logic (10)
- Execution pathway mapping coherence (15)
- System integration and operational touchpoints (10)
- Assurance and governance readiness inputs (5)
- Documentation quality and presentation clarity (5)
Tie-breaker priority: constraints discipline, feasibility reasoning, execution pathway coherence.
Jury and mentors
The jury and review panel include senior industrial system architects, applied research leads, and assurance specialists. Mentors and technical commentators support teams through structured clinics on formulation, constraints engineering, and feasibility mapping.
Recognition and outcomes
- Three finalists selected through the scoring rubric and jury consolidation
- Live finalist walkthroughs during the Summit
- Formal recognition moment for finalists and winner
- Controlled outcomes brief focused on design maturity insights
- Optional follow-up technical discussions, subject to separate alignment and written instruments
Finalists, winner, and Awards moment
The Competition is delivered as a three step arc across the Summit programme, designed to give teams visibility, rigorous review, and a clear recognition moment.
Finalists
Three finalist teams are selected through the jury rubric and consolidation dialogue. Finalists will:
Three finalist teams are selected through the jury rubric and consolidation dialogue. Finalists will:
- Showcase their Algorithm Design Dossiers through structured walkthroughs on the EXPO Stage during 7 and 8 April
- Participate in a moderated jury dialogue focused on formulation quality, constraints discipline, and feasibility logic
- Receive official recognition as Competition finalists within the Summit programme
Winning team
One winning team is selected from the finalists based on the highest consolidated jury score and tie-break priorities. The winning team will:
One winning team is selected from the finalists based on the highest consolidated jury score and tie-break priorities. The winning team will:
- Deliver an extended presentation during the Quantum Futures Forum on 9 April, positioned as a focused walkthrough of the winning dossier and its deployment pathway logic
- Receive formal winner recognition during the Gala Dinner Awards on 9 April as part of the Summit’s closing ceremony
- Feature in the official Competition highlights and controlled outcomes brief, aligned with the Summit communications workflow
Intellectual property and safeguards
- IP rights follow the Terms of Use of Vernex Quantum Platform
- Submissions do not imply exploitation rights for any party.
- Any continuation such as proof of concept, pilot, or collaboration requires separate written instruments and approvals.
- No sensitive operational data shall be shared.
- The Competition is not a hardware benchmark and does not include performance claims.
Apply to participate
Applications are managed via the
VerneX Competition App.
For participation enquiries
info@vernewellgroup.com
More information
quantuminnovationsummit.com
