Q-SOLVE Hackathon 2026 - Kenya Edition

Contribution List

1. Agriculture Track (SDG 2) Mentor Session

Billy Nyaga (Space Fika), Dr Dickson Owuor (Strathmore University), Dr Getrude Alworah (KALRO-Coffee Research Institute), Mr Kisilu Wambua (Penda Kujua)

24/08/2026, 19:00

Introduction to the Agriculture mentors, review of the expanded challenge briefs, and methodology brainstorming.

Required attendees: Agriculture Track participants only

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/prf-gwkz-mvv
Calendar: https://calendar.app.google/aZ8ugpK7QEsTqcHT8

2. Introduction to qBraid (Hackathon Tools)

Achraf Boussahi (qBraid)

25/08/2026, 19:00

Essential onboarding for qBraid, the primary environment for coding and running quantum circuits during the hackathon.

Required attendees: ALL participants - Mandatory

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/fdv-isof-hfs

3. Health Track (SDG 3) Mentor Session

Billy Nyaga (Space Fika), Dativa Pereus (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (TZ), Esther Wambui Kiguru (University of Nairobi (KE)), Dr Thomas Musyoka (Kenyatta University)

26/08/2026, 16:00

Introduction to the Health mentors, deep dive into molecular simulation and healthcare network optimization challenges, and technical Q&A.

Required attendees: Health Track participants only

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/rzh-ymhk-viv
Calendar: https://calendar.app.google/a6HDt2CxAiVHszeD8

4. FinTech Track (SDG 8) Mentor Session

Alex Nguetsa (AIMS- Research and Innovation Center (RW)), Billy Nyaga (Space Fika), Karoki Mugambi, Ms Purity Chepchirchir (Pan African University Institute for basic Science , Technology and Innovation)

27/08/2026, 15:00

Introduction to the FinTech mentors, review of cross-border remittance routing and mobile money fraud detection challenges, and formulation of quantum models.

Required attendees: FinTech Track participants only

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/mnt-zqpz-dnc
Calendar: https://calendar.app.google/Na3SHaqEhFSu1Uag7

5. Open Quantum Institute Training on the Impact Tool

Alex Bernasconi (Open Quantum Institute (OQI))

28/08/2026, 16:00

Introduction to the OQI Impact Tool.

Required attendees: ALL participants - Mandatory

https://cern.zoom.us/j/67563246194?pwd=bHIHGtfwzFKGvbY4R509ZOgcQ2Q55H.1&from=addon

8. Arrival and Check-in

kamoni njoki

31/08/2026, 14:00

7. Registration & Technical Setup

kamoni njoki

01/09/2026, 08:30

Participant registration, Wi-Fi access, qBraid login and technical setup.

9. Welcome Remarks

Dr Julius Butime (Strathmore University), Dr Vincent Ogutu (Strathmore University)

01/09/2026, 09:00

Opening of Q-SOLVE Kenya 2026 and welcome remarks from the host institutions.

10. OQI Keynote Address

Alex Bernasconi, Bella Vicky Ato

01/09/2026, 09:30

Introduction to the Q-SOLVE Quantum Hackathon, including the theme, objectives, expected outcomes, and the role of the Open Quantum Institute in supporting quantum innovation for sustainable development.

11. Mentors Introduction & 1-Minute Pitches

Alex Nguetsa (AIMS Research & Innovation Center), Dativa Pereus (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Dickson Owuor (Strathmore University), Esther Wambui Kiguru, Getrude Alworah (KALRO-Coffee Research Institute), Karoki Mugambi, Kisilu Wambua (Penda Kujua), Purity Chepchirchir (Pan African University Institute for basic Science , Technology and Innovation), Thomas Musyoka (Kenyatta University)

01/09/2026, 10:10

Introduction of the hackathon mentors, followed by short team pitches to refine project ideas, receive initial feedback, and finalize project concepts.

12. Tea Break

01/09/2026, 10:55

Refreshments and networking

13. qBraid Tutorial

01/09/2026, 11:10

qBraid expert-led session covering the hackathon toolkit, platform workflow, and live technical setup for running quantum circuits and accessing available quantum resources

14. Lunch

01/09/2026, 12:10

Lunch and networking.

15. Build Sprint 1 - Concept Development

01/09/2026, 13:00

Teams develop their proposed solution, refine the problem statement, and define the initial technical and quantum-computing approach.

16. Tea Break

01/09/2026, 15:00

Refreshments and networking.

17. Mentor & qBraid Check-ins

Achraf Boussahi (qBraid)

01/09/2026, 15:15

Mentor consultations and technical support to resolve blockers, debugging issues, and quantum-provider access problems.

18. Build Sprint 1 - Implementation

01/09/2026, 15:45

Teams begin implementing their solutions and testing the initial quantum workflows using simulators and the available hackathon tools.

19. Day 1 Wrap-Up

01/09/2026, 17:30

Each team gives a one-slide progress update summarizing its concept, progress, key challenges, and immediate next steps.

20. Open Build Sprint - Hacker Working Time

01/09/2026, 18:00

Optional open working period for teams to continue developing, testing, and refining their solutions after the formal Day 1 programme.

21. Morning Stand-Up

02/09/2026, 09:00

Teams review their progress, identify blockers, set priorities, and define the plan for the day.

22. qBraid Forum

Achraf Boussahi (qBraid)

02/09/2026, 09:20

Short forum for participants to share insights, observations, and practical experiences from using qBraid during the hackathon.

23. Build Sprint 2 & Mentor Check-ins

02/09/2026, 09:30

Teams implement the core quantum components of their solutions, test their approaches through qBraid, and consult mentors for technical guidance and problem-solving support.

24. Lunch

02/09/2026, 12:30

Lunch, networking, and informal technical discussions

25. Build Sprint 3

02/09/2026, 13:30

Teams continue developing and refining their quantum solutions, with emphasis on implementing the main workflow and preparing for integration and testing.

26. Tea Break

02/09/2026, 15:30

Refreshments and networking.

27. Judging Criteria & Rubric

02/09/2026, 15:50

Judges introduce the evaluation criteria and explain what teams should demonstrate in their final presentations and project submissions.

28. Integration, Testing & Mentor Check-ins

02/09/2026, 16:10

Teams integrate the different components of their solutions, test end-to-end workflows, and consult mentors to resolve remaining technical issues. Where applicable, teams move from simulator-based testing toward available quantum hardware.

29. Team Progress Presentations

02/09/2026, 17:10

Each team gives a short progress presentation covering the current state of the solution, key results, remaining challenges, and priorities before the final day.

30. Open Integration & Testing - Hacker Working Time

02/09/2026, 18:00

Optional open working period for teams to continue integration, testing, debugging, and refinement of their solutions after the formal Day 2 programme.

31. Final Build Sprint & qBraid Check-ins

03/09/2026, 09:00

Final debugging, error fixing, and last improvements to the teams' solutions, with support from qBraid representatives where needed.

32. Break

03/09/2026, 10:00

Health break.

33. Final Build Sprint & Demo Rehearsal

03/09/2026, 10:15

Teams make final improvements to their solutions, resolve remaining issues, and rehearse their demonstrations and presentations ahead of judging.

34. Lunch

03/09/2026, 11:30

Lunch and networking.

37. Tea Break

03/09/2026, 14:20

38. Awards & Closing Keynote

03/09/2026, 15:00

Announcement of the hackathon results, awards ceremony, closing keynote, and final remarks from the organizers and partners.

39. Networking & Group Photos

03/09/2026, 16:00

36. Judges' Deliberation

Judges review the projects, finalize the scores, and confirm the hackathon results

6. Registration & Technical Setup

kamoni njoki

Participant registration, Wi-Fi access, qBraid login and technical setup.

35. Team Demos

Final team demonstrations and presentations.

Each team will have approximately 5 minutes for the demonstration followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges.