Alexandra Ramôa, Ana Neri and Bruna Salgado, INESC TEC researchers in the field of quantum computing – together with Sara Franco, INL researcher – won second place in the PQHack 2025 competition, as the Team Quantum SHEmulation. The results achieved have potential application in neuroscience, seismology, ecology, and finance.
In addition to the second place in the competition, the team won an award worth €500. During this challenge, the team’s work “focused on developing quantum algorithms to characterise oscillations and solve differential equations. More specifically, the goal was to optimise methods for noisy quantum machines, like those we have today,” explained Alexandra Ramôa.
“This award highlights INESC TEC’s role in emerging areas of science and technology, positioning the institution at the forefront of an developing field”, she added.
Held for the first time in Portugal, the event welcomed 39 participants, who were organised into 12 teams, to solve programming challenges in quantum computing in just 24 hours.
Photos credits: PQHack 2025 Team
In addition to attracting talent, promoting the training and collaboration of experts, as well as inspiring new research, these “events encourage innovation and the development of knowledge in the areas of quantum computing and machine learning”, stated Alexandra Ramôa.
Bruna Salgado mentioned that “this event allowed to disseminate an area where quantum variational circuits can play a relevant role”.
According to Ana Neri, this event “was dedicated to all students who do not hold a PhD yet – acting as an excellent educational opportunity for participants with different backgrounds”.
Held at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), on February 8 and 9, this event was part of the celebrations of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, observed in 2025.
The researchers mentioned in this news piece are associated with INESC TEC and U.Minho.
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