2024-04-18 14:34:30
Silver medals for Lithuanians at the international event
The VU Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (VU MIF) team, consisting of students Gabrielius Keibas and Pijaus Petkevičius and the young scientist dr. Marco Marcozzi of the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) took second place in the Technical Realizations category at the QL Future Health & Safety Hackathon. The hackathon attracted 60 participants from different countries, who were divided into 17 teams.
The event required participants to work for up to 24 hours with one of the 5 selected challenges. The QL Future Health & Safety Hackathon was held on the special occasion of World Quantum Day. The participants were also able to enjoy a unique experience – they were given a unique opportunity to try the first quantum computer in Poland, which is located at the PSNC.
Many interesting ideas were generated at the event, and the teams’ efforts were recognized with awards in two categories: concept and technical realizations. VU QUANTUM TEAM 2024 won silver medals in the latter, having chosen the challenge related to genome sequencing.
It is also necessary to develop quantum technologies in Lithuania
Quantum computers, due to their characteristics, are able to perform many calculations simultaneously and are therefore much superior to conventional computers. What is the working principle of quantum computers? Ordinary computers use bits – zeros and ones – to perform calculations, while quantum computers use quantum bits or quantum state elements. They can be both zero and one at the same time, and an intermediate thing called superposition. As a result, quantum computers can solve certain problems much faster, for example, complex problems about chemicals or perform data encryption.
Vice-Dean of VU MIF Science and Vice-President of the Association of Quantum Technologies prof. Dr. Remigijus Paulavičius notes that the development of quantum technologies is rapidly gaining momentum, and their importance will only grow in the future. “It is important that Lithuania starts preparing, studying and actively developing competences in this area right now. The sooner we move into this rapidly growing field, the more competitive and better prepared we will be for the various opportunities and challenges that will arise for us in the near future,” says the scientist.
2024-04-18 14:34:30