International Workshop on Quantum Optimization 2026

This three-day workshop focuses on quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimization problems. It is hosted by SINTEF and organised as an open scientific event, with participation open to all interested researchers and students. The workshop is organised in connection with, and co-sponsored by, the large-scale RCN-funded projects NeQst and QC4DS, as well as the Gemini Centre on Quantum Technology.

The workshop brings together specialists working on foundational quantum methods, hybrid quantum–classical approaches, circuit synthesis, qubit mapping, benchmarking, and problem formulations motivated by real industrial and societal use cases.

The program is structured to progress from a strong theoretical foundation toward increasingly applied perspectives. It begins with a focus on methods for quantum combinatorial optimization, including algorithms, problem formulations and mappings, qubit mapping, and compilation, with an emphasis on hardware-aware considerations across the quantum computing stack. As the workshop advances, the emphasis shifts toward applications, culminating in sessions devoted to real-world industrial optimization challenges, including selected cases related to NeQst, such as energy systems and hydropower scheduling, logistics and supply chains, and financial optimization and risk analysis.