How can quantum communication not only be explained, but also experienced firsthand? This question was the focus of the Quantum Hackathon@IOF 2026<\/strong>, which took place on July 29 and 30 at the Fraunhofer IOF in Jena. About 20 participants from Germany, Poland, Romania, China, India, and Egypt worked together with researchers from the Fraunhofer Institutes IOF and ISI on practical challenges related to secure communication of the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hackathon is an intensive work format in which interdisciplinary teams collaborate to develop solutions to specific problems within a short period of time. The Quantum Hackathon did not focus on developing new software, but rather on gaining a practical understanding of quantum communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this purpose, Fraunhofer IOF provided a quantum communication system it had developed in-house, which was specifically adapted for the hackathon to allow for a controlled attack. The participants took on the role of the attacker \u201cEve\u201d and attempted to eavesdrop on the communication between the two communication partners, \u201cAlice\u201d and \u201cBob.\u201d They then analyzed the data they collected and examined the effects the attack had on the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hands-on approach provided direct insight into how quantum communication works. Rather than relying on theoretical models, the focus was on hands-on experimentation, collaborative problem-solving, and professional discussion. This allowed participants to understand why quantum communication is considered a particularly secure technology and what technical challenges exist in its implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hackathon was part of the collaborative project funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) O-PEN<\/strong>, which develops and tests new formats for science communication in the field of quantum communication. The goal is to make complex future technologies understandable and tangible, and to promote dialogue between the research community and society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The positive feedback from participants shows that hands-on formats like the Quantum Hackathon can make a valuable contribution to making quantum communication more accessible and sparking interest in the technology. The insights gained from the hackathon are now being incorporated into the further development of the offerings created as part of the project. The goal is to hold another edition of the Quantum Hackathon in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n More information about the Quantum Hackathon<\/strong> folgen in K\u00fcrze auf dieser Website.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n —<\/p>\n\n\n\n