A Future Of Possibilities With Quantum Computing

In 1925, a revolutionary idea was born that would forever change our understanding of the universe. It was the year when Erwin Schrödinger developed wave mechanics, and Werner Heisenberg, Max Born, and Pascual Jordan introduced matrix mechanics, laying the groundwork for quantum computing. This year, as we celebrate the centennial of these groundbreaking developments, the United Nations (UN) has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ).

This initiative commemorates a century of quantum mechanics and highlights its profound impact on technology, culture, and our understanding of the natural world. Our understanding of the universe’s fundamental building blocks has enabled us to create highly precise sensors that can map the ocean floor, detect underground structures, and identify changes in the human body that are invisible to current medical scanners. 

By marking 2025 as a significant milestone in the history of quantum mechanics, the United Nations acknowledges the transformative potential of quantum science and technology in developing sustainable solutions for energy, education, communications, and human health. The UN recognizes that research and development in quantum science and technology are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the potential to advance health and well-being, reduce inequality, enhance industry and infrastructure, promote economic growth, and support climate action and clean energy initiatives. 

Quantum photonics is advancing health and well-being by providing rapid, clean detection solutions in medical imaging and diagnosis, while quantum chemistry is aiding in developing new vaccines and drugs. In industry and infrastructure, quantum engineering leads to more energy-efficient and affordable solar cells and low-emission LED light sources. There is also vast potential for developing synthetic materials to help us make almost everything more efficiently than we do today. For climate action, quantum physics enables scientists to develop next-generation sensors for environmental monitoring, and quantum processors are being developed to improve the accuracy of long-term climate models.

Novel Solutions 

To harness the full potential of quantum computing to address global challenges, we must ensure equality of opportunity and education. Solutions should be driven by a bottom-up approach, empowering individuals to find solutions to issues within their communities. For instance, quantum computing can optimize resource distribution in disaster relief efforts or improve energy efficiency by optimizing power grids and advancing renewable energy technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance healthcare accessibility by providing predictive analytics for disease outbreaks and personalized treatment plans or helping monitor and manage natural resources for sustainable agriculture.

This is where initiatives like the New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) International Hackathon for Social Good play a crucial role, fostering innovation and collaboration to develop such impactful solutions. For the past 13 years, the NYUAD Hackathon has successfully brought together talented students and mentors from around the world to solve problems in their communities. Students are trained to hone their quantum computing, AI, software development, data science, machine learning, security, privacy, and entrepreneurship skills. By applying these learnings to create technology for social good, they also align with the UN’s SDGs. 

It is truly impressive how much the right minds can achieve through cooperation and friendly competition. For instance, past participants have developed algorithms to predict blackouts in electricity networks. Other teams have focused on food waste, ocean cleaning, gas leaks, and health challenges. These are all topics that major organizations have worked on for years, and our students have devised potential solutions in a matter of days, just coming at the problems from a different angle. 

This is why our winners can now present their ideas to the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Summit in Switzerland in front of some of the world’s leading experts. We are also witnessing the expanding global impact of our initiative, from participating in the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, to collaborating with UNESCO and the GESDA and CERN's The Open Quantum Institute (OQI) on hackathons worldwide. OQI Hackathons now include Lebanon, Greece, Ghana, Thailand, Egypt, and Uruguay, all using the experience and pedagogy of our format. The UAE is thus rightly seen as a center for exploring new ideas that could change the world for the better. 

Bridging The Gap 

We live at a time when fostering collaboration has never been more important. In a world that is shying away from globalization, the only way to solve our environmental, health, and economic challenges is through cooperation across borders.  

Our focus must be on bridging the digital gap, so people have the tools to solve problems and create new opportunities. There are many issues—from health to climate change, water, and food scarcity—that can only be solved together.  

Global partnerships are essential for sharing resources and expertise and ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies. We must empower underrepresented regions by providing education and the tools necessary for participation in cutting-edge fields, regardless of geographic or economic barriers. 

As we celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, we are proud that our hackathon is part of the official UNESCO activities to celebrate IYQ. This vision of collective progress is something we must all embrace. With shared knowledge, mutual respect, and a commitment to equity, we can ensure that technological advancements benefit every corner of our interconnected world. 

About The Author 

Sana Odeh, an Affiliated Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), is the founder and organizer of the NYUAD International Hackathon for Social Good.