Schedule
November 15-16, 2025 (VIRTUAL)
Opening Weekend
Sat, Nov 15
Introduction to Hackathon
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
A brief introduction to the hackathon will be given by the organizers.
Lecture – Challenges Faced in Quantum Hardware
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
A crash course in Quantum Hardware given by the organizers.
Lecture 1 – Superconducting Lecture
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
An introduction to Superconducting Qubits given by Charles Paradis.
Workshop 1 – How to Use Ansys HFSS
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
An introduction to Ansys HFSS given by Dr. Juan from University of Sherbrooke.
Lunch, Team Formation, Q and A
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
A time to meet fellow peers and network.
Workshop 2 – Superconducting Circuits in HFSS
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
An example problem given by Dr. Juan in HFSS to aid your design challenge.
Lecture 2 – Trapped Ion Lecture
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
An introduction to Trapped Ions from Michael Silver from UofT.
Workshop 3 – How to Use COMSOL
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
An introduction to COMSOL will be given by Dr. Welland from McMaster University.
Workshop 4 – Trapped Ions in COMSOL
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
An example problem given by Michael Silver from UofT to aid your design challenge.
Sun, Nov 16
Lecture 3 – QKD
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
A lecture given by Dr. O’Dell from McMaster University introducing Quantum Key Distribution.
Lecture 4 – Silicon Photonics
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
A lecture given by Fatin from Dr. Kleiman’s group at McMaster introducing Silicon Photonics.
Workshop 5 – How to Use Ansys Lumerical
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A lecture given by Kieran D’Sena from McMaster introducing Ansys Lumerical.
Lunch, Team Formation, Q and A
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
A time to meet fellow peers and network.
Workshop 6 – Problem Specific Lumerical QKD
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
A workshop given by Kieran D’Sena from McMaster to aid your design challenge.
Problem Introduction
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Introduction of the three design challenges to be solved over the course of the week.
Non-Technical Events
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Icebreaker events held over discord.
Team Formation and Project Selection forms close
10:00 PM
November 17-21, 2025 (VIRTUAL)
Challenge Period – Please use this time to work on your problems.
Problems are posted in #problem-resources on Discord.
November 22-23, 2025 (HYBRID)
Closing Ceremonies & Events
Sat, Nov 22
Opening Remarks
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
MDCL 1105
An introduction to the in-person event given by our event organizers.
Keynote and Lightning Talks
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
MDCL 1105
Lecture by …
Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
MDCL 1102
A time to recharge and network in-person with peers.
Center for Emerging Devices Technology (CEDT) Tours
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
MDCL Lobby
Tours of McMaster’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Research Poster Showcase
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
MDCL Lobby
Browse research posters spanning a wide variety of topics.
Industry Talks
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
MDCL 1105
Meet QEYNet, Kothar, QAP, IonQ, and CMC.
Industry Panel
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
MDCL 1105
Listen to industry leaders discuss the future of quantum.
Dinner
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
MDCL 1102
A time to recharge and network in-person with peers.
Industry Night
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
MDCL 1102
Meet QEYNet, Kothar, Distriq, IonQ, and more.
Final project submission forms close
10:00 PM
Sun, Nov 23
Keynote and Lightning Talks
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
MDCL 1105
Hear about Quantum Sensing from industry leaders.
Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
MDCL 1102
A time to recharge and network in-person with peers.
Judging Period
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
MDCL 1115, 1116, and 1008
Show off your hard work during the past week.
Mini Challenges and Games
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
MDCL 1105
Fun games & prizes!
Awards and Closing Remarks
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
MDCL 1105
Announcing winners & wrapping up the event.