December 04, 2024 -- The Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS), in collaboration with Quantum Delta NL, has announced the launch of the Quantum for Good Challenges, accelerating the development of societally beneficial quantum applications ahead of the UN International Year of Quantum. For the next four years CQS will host annual multiple competitions to drive the advancement of quantum applications aimed at addressing major societal challenges.

The first Challenge invites students across The Netherlands to explore and research the possibilities of leveraging quantum sensing to address microplastics pollution—a pressing global issue that nations are discussing as part of the UN environmental agenda. Microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—may pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Current detection methods lack sensitivity and struggle with complex or polluted samples, making effective monitoring and mitigation challenging.

The Challenge begins with a Hackathon at the end of January, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the Centre for Quantum & Society and leading up to the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, launching in Paris on February 4th.

Students across The Netherlands will come together for a series of interactive workshops, coaching sessions, site visits, and networking with academics and industry professionals, leading up to a grand finale in May 2025. Teams will compete for prizes of €3,000 for the first-place team, €2,000 for second place, and €1,000 for third place, serving as recognition and potential seed funding for their projects.

“The Quantum for Good Challenge is a call to action for students to explore how quantum technology can be used to address societal challenges, but most of all it will be fun to work on important problems together,” said Diederick Croese, director of the Centre for Quantum and Society. “In this challenge we invite them to look into the feasibility and impact of quantum sensing in detecting microplastics, while considering current limitations and potential breakthroughs.”

In line with its mission to raise awareness about quantum technologies and their societal impact, the Quantum for Good Challenge will integrate a thorough exploration of the ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA) of quantum innovation into the challenge.

Future challenges will extend beyond students to include all kinds of organizations, including startups, fostering continuous growth, research collaboration, and the development of quantum applications for societal good.