Quantum Circuit Lab
Quantum Circuit Lab: Program Real Quantum Computers for a Quantum Startup. A 4–8 weeks Intravarsity career experience (30–50 hours) for school and undergradua
You'll work remotely with a quantum computing startup connected to our San Francisco campus research network. Learn quantum mechanics through hands-on programming — write quantum circuits in Qiskit, implement foundational algorithms, and run your code on IBM's real quantum hardware.
Program quantum circuits on IBM Qiskit and run them on actual quantum hardware. Work with a quantum computing startup to implement algorithms that demonstrate quantum advantage.
Who it is for
High school, secondary school students & undergraduates. Algebra II required. Interest in physics or computer science.
Weekly plan
Week 1: Quantum Fundamentals & First Circuit
- Meet the quantum startup team and understand their research
- Learn superposition, entanglement, and quantum measurement
- Set up IBM Qiskit and build your first quantum circuit
- Understand qubit representations — Bloch sphere, Dirac notation
Week 2: Gates, Circuits & Algorithms
- Master quantum gates — Hadamard, CNOT, Toffoli, phase gates
- Implement Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm for function classification
- Build Grover's search algorithm and verify quadratic speedup
- Run circuits on IBM quantum simulator and analyze results
Week 3: Advanced Algorithms & Applications
- Study Shor's algorithm and quantum factoring concepts
- Implement Quantum Fourier Transform
- Explore quantum machine learning concepts with the startup
- Design your capstone quantum computing project
Week 4: Real Hardware & Presentation
- Run your project on a real IBM quantum computer
- Analyze noise, decoherence, and error in hardware results
- Present to quantum researchers and technologists
- Receive Proof-of-Work credential and quantum startup recommendation
What you produce
- Quantum computing project on real hardware
- Circuit designs and simulation results
- Technical presentation
- Quantum startup recommendation
- Intravarsity Proof-of-Work credential
Skills
Qiskit Programming, Quantum Mechanics, Linear Algebra, Algorithm Design, Python, Quantum Circuit Design, Scientific Computing, Error Analysis
Commitment
~5–8 hours/week for 4–8 weeks (30–50 hours total). 100% Virtual — work remotely with a quantum computing startup.