The International Quantum Computing Hackathon, organized by New York University Abu Dhabi and sponsored by leading international institutions and companies in the quantum computing domain, attracted students and experts from around the globe. Shahd Lubbada, along with a diverse team composed of individuals from various countries, showcased exceptional skills and ingenuity throughout the competition.

Prof. Abdel Nasser Zaid, President of An-Najah National University, expressed his delight and extended heartfelt congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment. The triumph not only brings pride to An-Najah but also highlights the remarkable abilities and talents possessed by its students, enabling them to excel and emerge victorious in regional and international competitions. Prof. Zaid also commended the coaches and supervisors for their dedication, which played a pivotal role in this resounding victory, showcasing Palestine's name and success on the global stage of achievement.

The hackathon encompassed multiple stages, commencing with informative sessions where participants were exposed to the latest advancements in the field of quantum computing by renowned scientists from esteemed scientific institutions. Following that, teams were formed, comprising individuals from diverse nations and scientific backgrounds.

During the hackathon, teams engaged in a spirited competition, endeavoring to develop projects that offer innovative solutions to societal challenges in healthcare, social welfare, environment, and education through the utilization of quantum computing algorithms and technology.

At the conclusion of the event, Shahd Lubbada's team claimed the first-place honor, as determined by the audience's vote, for their project titled "FUQDAN." This groundbreaking initiative aims to enable early detection of Alzheimer's disease by employing quantum computer technology to analyze magnetic resonance images of the brain.

Notably, ten Palestinian students were selected to participate in the hackathon held in Abu Dhabi, having been chosen from a pool of 120 talented students, both male and female, during the initial national quantum computing hackathon. The national hackathon, launched by the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology in collaboration with the Palestinian Computing Committee in Ramallah, established a national team to provide training to students in the field of quantum computing. With representation from more than 54 countries, the competition witnessed the participation of 263 students, researchers, and engineers.