In this piece, the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP) shares valuable trends and insights into quantum computing.
When you think about the number of atoms in the universe, the chips that power artificial intelligence, the radio waves that we use in communication, the lasers in medicine and industry, the chemistry behind agriculture and pharmaceuticals, and the materials in clothing, one scientific breakthrough underpins them all – quantum theory.
From revolutionizing computing and communications to advancing healthcare and material science, quantum mechanics has fundamentally shaped the modern world.
Amid the frenzy of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, another technological upheaval is unfolding—one driven by human ingenuity and the strange, counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics.
Scientists and engineers are working to harness the bizarre properties of quantum particles to build quantum computers, machines that promise to revolutionize computation.
What makes quantum computers so powerful is their ability to explore multiple possibilities simultaneously, vastly accelerating problem-solving.
However, their greatest challenge lies in extracting the correct answer from the many possibilities they generate. It may sound strange, but some quantum algorithms have been designed to tackle problems once thought practically unsolvable.
One of the most unsettling possibilities? Quantum computers could crack encryption, exposing passwords and revealing secrets once considered secure. If you’re curious about how this works, what it means for the future and how to mitigate the threat, now is your chance to find out.
Quantum computing and blockchain hackathon
The Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP) is a non-profit organization of professionals, academics, researchers and students committed to advancing awareness and understanding of quantum technology – in particular, quantum information science – here in the Philippines.
Founded in 2017, QCSP started as a volunteer-driven community of quantum enthusiasts across the country. Since then, the organization has hosted numerous activities, including meetups, lecture series, hackathons, and Train-the-Trainers programs.
The QCSP in partnership with DOST-ASTI and the Department of Computer Technology of De La Salle University is proud to announce its first major event for the year: the Quantum Computing and Blockchain Hackathon and Lecture Series.
The Quantum Computing and Blockchain Lecture Series & Hackathon is a learning program designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge in quantum computing and blockchain technology.
Organized in partnership with the Department of Computer Technology of De La Salle University, DOST-ASTI Blockchain Research Group (through the DataProtect-SIERRA project) and the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP), this 14-week program combines theoretical foundations with hands-on experience in two of the most transformative fields in modern computing.
Through interactive lectures, programming exercises, and a culminating hackathon, participants will gain practical skills in quantum algorithms, post-quantum cryptography, and blockchain development, preparing them for the future of secure and decentralized technologies.
This program spans 14 weekends, including a culminating hackathon. Each lecture session (excluding the full-day hackathon) runs for three hours. The program is divided into two tracks:
Quantum Computing (9 sessions) – covering fundamental concepts, circuit building, and key quantum algorithms like Grover’s and Shor’s algorithms.
Blockchain (4 sessions) – focusing on blockchain fundamentals, cryptographic security, consensus mechanisms, and smart contract development.
Program goals
The lecture series aims to equip students with:
A strong foundation in quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography.
Awareness of the vulnerabilities of current cryptosystems (e.g., RSA and elliptic curve cryptography) to quantum attacks.
Hands-on experience in building blockchain applications.
Tracks overview
This track introduces the fundamentals of quantum computing, including key concepts like qubits, superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates. Participants will explore quantum algorithms such as Deutsch-Josza, Grover’s, and Shor’s algorithm, with hands-on implementation using IBM Quantum Experience and Qiskit. Applications in cryptography, optimization, AI, and simulation will be discussed, along with an introduction to post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution.
This track covers the evolution of blockchain technology, from Bitcoin to modern applications, focusing on cryptographic security, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts. Participants will learn how blockchain ensures decentralization and tamper-proof transactions.
Hands-on sessions will include developing and deploying smart contracts, exploring blockchain use cases, and integrating frontend applications. The course will culminate in a hackathon, applying both quantum and blockchain concepts.
During the blockchain sessions, participants will be given exercises and take-home tasks. The participants will ideate their mini-project concepts early on by setting expectations and instructions on the first day of the lecture series. By the culmination activity, they will develop a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype. The mechanics, instructions, and requirements will be announced before May 30.
This program offers a great opportunity to bridge quantum computing and blockchain, providing participants with cutting-edge skills and insights into the future of technology.
READ ALSO: Report predicts rise of AI-driven attacks, quantum threats in 2025
Join the Quantum revolution
As we celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST), the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP) in partnership with the Department of Computer Technology of De La Salle University and DOST-ASTI invites students in Metro Manila to participate in the lecture series and hackathon. Please register here to join.
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