Round Three of the Quantum Internet Application Challenge Kicks Off
The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) has officially opened registration for the third edition of the Quantum Internet Application Challenge, an open call for innovators, students and researchers to propose and prototype novel applications for the emerging quantum internet.
Now in its third round, the challenge allows participants to be part of QIA’s mission to build a global quantum internet by giving them a platform to imagine how such a network could be used to transform communication, computation, and information sharing. Using SquidASM, QIA’s open-source quantum-network simulation framework based on NetSquid, participants can implement and test ideas ranging from secure quantum communication to distributed sensing and computing.
Since its launch, the Quantum Internet Application Challenge has inspired creative solutions from around the world. The 2023 edition saw Claudio Cicconetti from Italy crowned the overall winner for his work on quantum-network benchmarking tools, which led to a collaborative research visit at QuTech/Delft. The 2024 challenge highlighted “Graph State Generation” as the top submission by Roberto Navarro from Mexico, exploring distributed generation of graph states.
Runner-up projects across both years demonstrated the breadth of innovation in the field—from quantum-based voting protocols and network coordination schemes to novel quantum-key-distribution strategies—underscoring the growing global community of developers shaping the quantum internet’s future.
“The ideas we see through the Challenge often highlight where the quantum internet could make a real difference. These submissions give us useful perspectives as we continue to explore and define practical use cases for future quantum networks,” QIA Use Case Team Lead and University of Parma’s Quantum Software Laboratory Director Michele Amoretti said.
Participants in the 2025 challenge can join individually or in teams of up to three, with tutorial resources and a Foundation Challenge available for newcomers. Submissions will be judged by experts from QIA and partner institutions based on creativity, technical implementation, clarity, and potential impact.
The top prize includes a research visit or internship (up to €5,000 EUR) at one of the following QIA partners: Delft University of Technology, the University of Parma and Sorbonne Université. Runner-up entries will receive official recognition and QIA goodie packs.
Registration is now open, and submissions are due by 21 December 2025.
“The Quantum Internet Application Challenge is more than a competition, it is a way to bring fresh ideas into the heart of our mission. Each submission helps us imagine new possibilities, and together they are shaping the use cases that will drive the global quantum internet of tomorrow,” Michele concluded.
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