Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register?
Workshops, talks, and the evening expo are open to everyone — students, faculty, alumni, industry folks, and curious beginners. The hackathon is student-focused: to compete for judging and prizes, teams must be made up of currently enrolled students (undergrad or grad). Non-students are welcome to attend sessions and the expo (and may mentor or observe during the hackathon) but aren’t eligible for judging/prizes.
Does it cost anything?
No—registration is free.
Do I need prior quantum experience?
No; Day 1 workshops are beginner-friendly, and mentors are available throughout.
What’s the date and location?
Nov 1–3, 2025 at University of Ottawa. Times are in Eastern Time (ET). Room details will be shared on Discord.
How will I get updates?
All updates are posted in our Discord and on this website. Join here: [Discord-Invite-URL].
What should I bring?
Laptop, charger, and anything else that you need to be comfortable.
Do I need to install anything?
Nice to have: Python 3.11+, Git, and Jupyter notebook. We’ll also use browser tools (Colab), so you can participate without installs.
Will food be provided?
Yes—meals/snacks with vegetarian and other dietary options will be provided during the event. Don't forget to add your dietary restrictions in the registration form.
Is the event accessible?
Yes, venues are accessible. If you need accommodations, tell us in the form or ping #helpdesk on Discord.
Is there travel or lodging support?
We’re not providing travel stipends or lodging. If you’re coming from out of town, please arrange your own accommodations.
How does the hackathon work?
To be answered!
Can I join without a team?
Yes. We host team-formation at kickoff and on Discord. Solo participants are welcome but encouraged to team up (2–5 people per team).
What are the judging criteria?
Impact, technical depth, learning, and presentation. We value clear problem framing, working demos, and thoughtful trade-offs.
How do we submit?
GitHub repo + short demo (recorded). Submission details and deadlines will be announced at kickoff and pinned on Discord.
Do we get access to quantum hardware?
We’ll use simulators and may queue jobs on available IBM Quantum backends. Real-device runs are subject to availability and queue times.
Can we reuse prior work?
Yes, as long as you disclose what’s new. Judges will consider novelty and learning during the event.
Are there prizes or certificates?
Yes—there are prizes for top teams and participation certificates for attendees. Details announced at the event.
Is there a Code of Conduct?
Yes. Be respectful, inclusive, and supportive. Harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated. See our Code of Conduct for more details.
Photo & video policy
Photos/videos may be taken. You can request to opt out in the registration form.
How do I get help during the event?
Use #helpdesk on Discord for logistics and #ask-a-mentor for technical questions. Staff and volunteers will also be on site.