The "Quantum Marathon" has started in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      On August 28, 2026, at 15:56 Science In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the "Quantum Marathon" has started - an educational program for students, graduate students, young scientists, and specialists aged 18 to 35, interested in modern computing technologies and information security. Over four days, participants will study the basics of quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography, get acquainted with modern algorithms, and try to apply the knowledge gained in practice. This year, 120 people are participating in the program, including representatives from Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. "The development of quantum technologies requires not only scientific research and modern infrastructure but also the training of specialists capable of working with such technologies in practice. That is why it is important for the region to create opportunities for early professional immersion of young people in promising areas. The 'Quantum Marathon' combines educational components and practical work, allowing participants to gain insight into the possibilities of applying quantum and post-quantum solutions and determine further directions for professional development," noted the Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Yegor Polyakov. The marathon program includes lectures and practical classes on quantum computing, quantum-inspired algorithms, quantum error correction, and post-quantum cryptography. Participants will learn about the state of quantum technology development in Russia and the world, analyze the mathematical foundations of modern cryptographic methods, work with software emulators, and try to create their own applications. "Quantum technologies are among the promising areas that define the development of computing technology, information security, and a number of sectors of the economy. For the Nizhny Novgorod region, the development of this direction is of particular importance: a strong scientific and educational base has been formed in the region, universities, research centers, and technology companies are operating. The 'Quantum Marathon' allows young researchers and developers to come together, giving them the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and find like-minded individuals for further work on technological projects," said the Deputy Chair of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Ekaterina Solntseva. The event involves representatives from universities, scientific organizations, and technology companies. This format allows participants to familiarize themselves with the current challenges of the industry and gain insight into the directions that are currently developing at the intersection of fundamental science, programming, and information security. The "Quantum Marathon" is not only an educational program but also a platform for forming a community of young specialists who are already starting to work with future technologies today. Participants have the opportunity to hear about quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography, as well as immerse themselves in practice, communicate with experts and representatives of technology companies. Such events help to form a talent pool for promising directions and create a foundation for new scientific and technological projects," emphasized the director of the ANO "Nizhny Novgorod Scientific and Educational Center," Alexander Tarasenko. The in-person part of the "Quantum Marathon" takes place from August 27 to 30 at the sports and health camp "Zarya" of NNGU named after N.I. Lobachevsky in the Gorodets district. The program also includes sports and team activities and opportunities for informal communication among participants. The event is organized by the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod region, NNGU named after N.I. Lobachevsky, ANO "Nizhny Novgorod Scientific and Educational Center," Gazprombank, Tech, the University of Science and Technology MISIS, LLC "KuApp," LLC "Cloud Quantum Technologies," and "Rosmolodezh. Grants." "Lobachevsky University consistently develops research and educational programs in the field of quantum technologies. The holding of the 'Quantum Marathon' gives young people the opportunity to get acquainted with real industry challenges, acquire practical programming skills, and understand how fundamental knowledge can be applied in creating new technological solutions. We are interested in having the marathon participants continue their professional development in the scientific and technological field and further participate in projects implemented in the Nizhny Novgorod region," noted the rector of NNGU, Oleg Trofimov. It is worth noting that the "Quantum Marathon" continues the work of the team of organizers of the all-Russian quantum hackathons Quant-NN and the summer school of quantum programming SummerQuant. In 2025, 90 students and young scientists from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Saratov, and Cheboksary participated in the summer school. The period from 2022 to 2031 has been declared the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The main tasks of the Decade are to attract talented youth to the field of research and development, engage researchers and developers in solving the most important tasks of societal and national development, and increase awareness among Russians about the achievements and prospects of domestic science. All current information about the project and its initiatives can be found on the website: science.rf. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. 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