Quantum Climate Challenge 2022

How to submit

To participate in the challenge, each participant must create a profile on the ekipa platform, provide the information requested during registration process and accept the general terms and conditions for using the ekipa platform. If a participant has already created a profile, he or she must use it to participate in the Qunatum Climate Challenge.

Your submission must be handed in in English and as one document in pdf format, optionally including clickable links before April 24, 23:59 (CEST).

Challenge tasks

To successfully complete this challenge please complete the following tasks:

1. Create a quantum algorithm, a quantum hybrid solution or a quantum inspired solution addressing the optimization of the flight trajectories with respect to a minimum effect on the climate. The trajectory for each plane is defined as a list of points, heights, and time stamps, where the first point is the actual starting time and the last point the actual arrival time. Both quantum annealing and gate based is fine.
2. Compare your quantum solution to that of a classical computer describing advantages and disadvantages of the approaches. Evaluate the performance differences of your solution vs a classical approach.
3. Discuss the requirements for your solution to be implemented in real life and give an estimation of the time horizon. Requirements can e.g. be the number of logical qubits needed, coherence times, external (real time) inputs like weather predictions, connections to flight control systems and others.
4. Give an overview of your research and the resources used during the challenge.
5. Run a (scale down) version of your quantum algorithm on a quantum computer or simulator. You may use the 7 qubit gate based quantum computer provided by IBM or different quantum computers of your choice.

Structure of the pdf to be submitted

1. Give an overview on you/your team and your background(s) including your contact details (name, team name, e-mail, affiliation)
2. Provide an ONE DinA4 page summary/abstract of your solution with a maximum of 400 words
3. Give a detailed description of your algorithm (refer to task 1) including the concept, general composition, and underlying assumptions. Please also list the resulting flight paths and the resulting climate effect in a table (include an abstract of the table in the pdf, the full table may be included via a clickable link).
4. Describe how your algorithm compares to classical algorithms (refer to task 2)
5. Elaborate on the requirements for your solution (refer to task 3)
6. List all your resources (refer to task 4)
7. Describe the results of your algorithm and include a clickable link to a repository including the code used to run your algorithm (refer to task 5)
8. (Optional) You can elaborate on your experience and learnings during this challenge and provide feedback on the challenge tasks/ settings

Selection procedures and evaluation criteria

The selection of the most promising IDEAS and their ranking are based on the following criteria:

• Degree of innovation of the approach, concept, and algorithm including creativity and originality
  (25%)
• Number, comprehensiveness, and adequacy of fulfilled tasks considering the challenge aim and setting
  (20%)
• Feasibility, usefulness and functionality of the approach, concept, and algorithm
  (25%)
• Quantum community impact – will your solution lead to progress within the quantum community e.g. create new applications or projects, spark discussions, increase public interest and knowledge about quantum?
  (15%)
• Presentation and structure of the results
  (15%).