With the focus on nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers and analytical minds, the Qatar Centre for Quantum Computing (QC2) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, in collaboration with Qatar Foundation’s summer camp programme, Mukhayamna 2026, has launched the third edition of its Quantum Computing Summer School: QSchool 2026.
QSchool 2026 is a weeklong programme held at the multipurpose hall of the research complex at Education City, consisting of various workshops to introduce high school students to the world of quantum computing.
Mukhayamna 2026 is the flagship summer programme organised by Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, featuring a wide variety of specialised camps for boys and girls, focusing on sports, computing, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
“QSchool 2026 opens a window for high school students into the quantum future, giving them early exposure to ideas and technologies that can help shape Qatar’s next generation of scientists, innovators, and technology leaders,” Dr Saif M al-Kuwari, associate professor at the College of Science and Engineering HBKU told Gulf Times.
Started this Sunday, the workshop has specific themes and topics meant for each day of the programme. There will be a number of engaging interactive lectures, hands-on activities and laboratory sessions during the programme. At the workshop, students will explore the foundations of quantum mechanics, learn how quantum computers process information and experiment with quantum circuits, algorithms, teleportation and cryptography using simulated and real quantum platforms.
During the QSchool 2026 there will a special guided tour of QC2 Lab, offering students first-hand exposure to quantum experiments and research environments supporting emerging quantum technologies. The programme focuses on high school students from across Qatar and aims to inspire the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The programme started with an introduction to quantum computing and quantum mechanics. It explored the basic principles of quantum mechanics and how they enable quantum computing, with a focus on superposition, entanglement, measurement and wave-particle duality.
The programme then moves on to quantum circuits, learning how quantum computers process information using qubits, quantum gates and quantum circuits, and experimenting with basic quantum operations through simulated environments and quantum hardware platforms.
The workshop also discusses quantum algorithms and discovering how quantum algorithms can be used to approach certain problems in new ways, and why quantum computers may offer advantages for selected computational tasks.
Furthermore, another topic discussed during the workshop was quantum teleportation. It explores quantum teleportation and learning how entanglement and classical communication can be used to transfer quantum information, while also simulating simple teleportation protocols.
The next topic during the workshop is quantum cryptography. This enables participants to learn about quantum key distribution and how the principles of Quantum Physics can support secure communication. In addition, there will be a guided tour of the QC2 Lab facility.
QC2 is a pioneering research hub at HBKU, and it focuses on advancing theoretical and experimental research in quantum computation, communication, and sensing. QC2 has a dedicated quantum laboratory, driving national digital resilience.
It aims to establish a vibrant quantum ecosystem in Qatar, fostering collaboration among government, academia, and industry and is expected to cultivate, sustain, and propel the advancement of quantum technologies while addressing potential challenges in Qatar and around the world.
