Collocated with the 9th Colombian HPC Summer School
Objective
Quantum Day 2026 brings together Team Xanadu and Amazon Braket for an introductory, real-platform training on quantum computing. Participants will explore the visions of leading quantum hardware providers, learn how to access live cloud devices, and build practical workflows using modern quantum software.
Date/Time
June 19, 2025.
8:30 AM (COT) - 5:00 PM (COT)
Program Structure
The program consists of two technical sessions that blend platform vision, hardware insight, and hands-on experimentation:
Session 1: Quantum Computing with Amazon Braket
An overview of the current quantum ecosystem with a focus on Amazon Braket and the provider landscape. Participants will learn how leading hardware suppliers deliver superconducting, trapped-ion, and photonic access through cloud platforms, and how real quantum experiments are executed today.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Amazon Braket using simulators
- Introduction to Amazon Braket using QPUs
- Machine Learning applications using quantum computing
| Time | Topic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Overview of simulator-based quantum computing and Braket services | |
| 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Introduction to Amazon Braket using QPUs | |
| 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM | Machine Learning applications using quantum computing | |
| 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Review and open discussion | Consolidation of key concepts and participant questions |
| 12:00 PM | Session 1 wrap-up | Closing remarks for the first session |
Instructor
Mateo Laguna G. is a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services for the Public Sector in Latin America. He is part of AWS’s quantum computing enthusiast team. As both a physicist and an engineer, his primary interest lies in quantum computing, where his two professions converge. LinkedIn
Session 2: Quantum Software with Xanadu and PennyLane
A practical introduction to quantum programming using Team Xanadu’s PennyLane library and hybrid quantum-classical workflows. Attendees will learn how to write, optimize, and execute quantum circuits with real platform integration.
| Time | Topic | |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Introduction to Xanadu | Overview of Xanadu’s technology and ecosystem |
| 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Introduction to PennyLane | Foundations of the PennyLane library and programming model |
| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | PennyLane “Hello World” (practical session) | Build and execute a basic variational circuit |
| 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Break | Informal networking and rest |
| 3:30 PM - 4:10 PM | High-Performance Quantum Programming | Theory and practice of efficient quantum-classical workflows |
| 4:10 PM - 4:40 PM | Frontiers of Research | Emerging trends in quantum software and hybrid algorithms |
| 4:40 PM - 5:00 PM | Conclusion and next steps | Key takeaways and further learning pathways |
Instructor
Catalina Albornoz Anzola holds dual degrees in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes. She also holds two Master’s degrees: one in Control Engineering and Information Technologies, and another in Control and Industrial Informatics from French institutions. In addition, she earned a Master’s degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes LinkedIn.
Official Language
Spanish and English: All sessions, tutorials, and instructions will be conducted in Spanish and English.
Participant Requirements
- Create a free account at pennylane.ai. This account is required to download the session notebooks.
- Possess basic knowledge of Python.
- CyberColombia will be responsible for distributing the link to the participating host universities.