News From the First Pan-European Quantum Internet Hackathon

(SiliconRepublic) Researchers in Dublin joined forces with teams in five other cities for a pan-European Quantum Internet Hackathon. A large number of quantum protocols have been developed by researchers and professionals worldwide, and this hackathon was a chance to implement them, suggest improvements and examine their performance.
Teams consisting of network engineers, mathematicians and telecommunications researchers from Trinity College Dublin, Maynooth University and Waterford Institute of Technology – worked with researchers in Paris, Sarajevo, Padua, Delft and Geneva (at CERN) to tackle some of the challenges posed by this emerging technology.
The Dublin team focused, in particular, on solving the challenge of making a quantum coin. The coin is a quantum communication-supported currency with all the advantages of quantum security.

Value of a Hackathon
Hackathons can have an enduring value. This particular hackathon was not a competition – the aim was to share ideas, develop skills and hopefully be inspired. Hackathons also generate conversations and are good networking opportunities.