History

Quantum science and engineering has become a frontier for exploring fundamental knowledge about the workings of the universe. With more than 30 research groups across campus driving critical breakthroughs, Yale is a leader in the field.
 

Yale undergraduate Quantum Computing was founded with over 30 members across disciplines. In their first year, the group hosted an invited speaker series, social hours, developed industry and academic partnerships, and started the project group format YuQC still uses today! 

YuQC and Stanford host a joint hackathon in the spring following YuQC’s creation. The hackathon was open to undergraduate and graduate students across the world — the first of its kind. This collaboration established the Quantum Coalition, a group of enthusiasts in undergraduate quantum computing clubs at several universities, including Stanford, Yale, Duke, UT Austin, UMD, UCLA, and Berkeley.

YuQC joins forces with other Yale clubs to host mixers, bluebooking sessions, and other social events. More Yale undergrads are exposed to the club, and the quantum buzz spreads across campus.

In collaboration with IBM, Yale hosts a campus-wide Qiskit Fall Fest Hackathon. This marks the beginning of IBM’s lasting sponsorship of the club, laying the foundation for YuQC’s efforts to establish industry connections with leading companies in quantum information and technology.

As the excitement around quantum grows, YuQC aims to engage more students from diverse backgrounds. The club launches QBasics, a project group dedicated to introducing students to quantum computing. 

YuQC hosts its inaugural in-person quantum computing hackathon, bringing together participants from over 25 universities and supported by more than 15 sponsors. YQuantum quickly establishes itself as a premier hackathon for undergraduates passionate about quantum computing, serving as a platform for developing technical skills, making friendships, and recruiting.

UNESCO and the United Nations designate 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), with the Yale Quantum Institute serving as an official participating partner. YuQC is excited to expand its outreach, increase accessibility for all backgrounds, and create more learning opportunities during this pivotal year.