September 25-27, 2026 • Clemson, South Carolina

SC Quantathon v3 2026

A student-led quantum hackathon at Clemson University built around hands-on learning, team problem solving, and industry connection.

The event starts September 25, 2026.

About

SC Quantathon v3 carries forward the student-centered quantum computing event that SC Quantum founded and hosted for its first two iterations in the Southeast. For this third edition, the Clemson Quantum Club and Clemson University are now hosting the event, building a weekend that brings students together to learn, build, and collaborate on real quantum computing challenges.

Participants will work in teams, attend technical programming, and receive support from mentors and organizers throughout the event. The format is intended to be accessible to first-time participants while still giving experienced students room to build ambitious projects.

Students from computing, physics, engineering, mathematics, and related fields are encouraged to participate.

Key Details

Dates
September 25-27, 2026
Location
TBD
Team Size
1-5 students
Eligibility
Undergraduate and graduate students
Format
In person
Cost
Free to attend. Meals and event materials will be provided.

Tentative Schedule

Day 1 Friday, September 25

5:00 PMCheck-in and registration
7:00 PMDinner

Day 2 Saturday, September 26

8:00 AMBreakfast
9:00 AMOpening ceremony
10:00 AMHacking begins and challenges open
1:00 PMLunch
7:00 PMDinner

Day 3 Sunday, September 27

12:00 AMMidnight snack
8:00 AMBreakfast
10:00 AMChallenges close
10:30 AMPresentations begin
1:00 PMLunch
3:00 PMAward ceremony

Challenge Tracks

Quantum machine learning

Projects in this track will explore hybrid quantum-classical approaches to classification, kernels, and related machine learning workflows.

Track sponsor Coming soon

Quantum chemistry and simulation

Teams will be encouraged to investigate simulation problems connected to molecular systems, materials, and other science-driven applications.

Track sponsor Coming soon

Quantum hardware and analysis

Projects may focus on hardware-aware workflows, benchmarking, control software, error mitigation, or tools that improve access to current devices.

Track sponsor Coming soon

Open innovation

This track supports original student ideas spanning education, software tooling, optimization, visualization, and experimental project concepts.

Track sponsor Coming soon

Prizes

Track Winners

Prize package details coming soon

One prize per challenge track, awarded to the team with the strongest project in that track.

Grand Prize

Prize package details coming soon

The top overall award — selected from among the track winners for the best project of the event.

Best Newcomer

Prize package details coming soon

A recognition award for the strongest work from a team that is new to quantum computing.

Sponsors

We are currently building the partner roster for SC Quantathon v3. Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship opportunities are available, and confirmed partners will be added here as details are finalized.

Hackathon Committee

Nathan Jones
Nathan Jones
Challenge Lead
Caroline Cadena
Caroline Cadena
Logistics Lead
Valentine Mohaugen
Valentine Mohaugen
Technology Lead
Ashton McEntarffer
Ashton McEntarffer
Finance Lead
Varun Sethi
Varun Sethi
Communications Lead