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Welcome to mission quantum: Unlocking the future of technology!
As a Quantum Strategist, your mission is to navigate the frontiers of the Quantum Realm and unlock the future of technology. You’ll uncover what quantum computing is, how it differs from classical computing, and why the leap from bits to qubits matters. Along the way, you’ll explore how quantum breakthroughs are transforming industries, with a spotlight on their profound impact on cybersecurity.
In celebration of the 2025 International Year of Quantum, you’ll gain insights from UBC’s cutting-edge contributions, dive into the Quantum Arcade for inspiration, and take part in an exciting Arcade Game Jam where students with an adult mentor create their own quantum-themed games. Your mission: understand the basics of quantum computing, uncover its transformative power, and harness quantum technology’s potential to shape a safer, smarter future.
fIND OUT MORE INFORMATION register for the quantum Game Jam live info session on october 21, 2025
mission support
Mission support
Quantum Computing
What is quantum computing?
Quantum computing is like a supercharged computer that uses the behaviour of tiny particles, such as electrons and photons, to process information in ways that normal computers cannot. Unlike traditional computers, which use simple on/off switches to handle data, quantum computers leverage quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement to explore multiple possibilities simultaneously. This makes them extremely powerful for specific tasks, such as simulating molecules in medicine, optimizing delivery routes, or analyzing massive amounts of data in artificial intelligence.
Bits in Classical Computers
In a regular computer, information is stored using bits. A bit can only be 0 or 1, like a simple light switch that is either off or on. Every program, image, video, or website you use on your phone or laptop is built from billions of these tiny switches working together. When a computer performs a task, it processes these bits one step at a time, like reading a book page by page.
Qubits in Quantum Computers
Quantum computers use qubits instead of bits. Unlike a regular bit, a qubit can be in 0, 1, or both at the same time, like a spinning coin that is both heads and tails until you look at it. Qubits can also be linked through entanglement, so changing one qubit can instantly affect another, even if they are far apart. These properties enable quantum computers to explore multiple solutions simultaneously, much like trying all possible paths through a maze at once, rather than walking each path one by one.
Bit vs Qubit
The main difference between a bit and a qubit is that a bit can only hold one definite value at a time, while a qubit can hold multiple values at once. For example, when a classical computer sorts a list of items, it checks each item one at a time. A quantum computer can process many items simultaneously, making it significantly faster for tasks such as optimization or simulations.
The world of quantum advantage
What are quantum technologies and how are they going to change the world you’re students are graduating into?
quantum computing explained 5 ways
IBM’s Dr. Talia Gershon (Senior Manager, Quantum Research) explains quantum computing to 5 different people; a child, teen, a college student, a grad student and a professional.
Mission support
Why quantum computers matter
Quantum computing could solve some of the world’s most complex problems much faster than classical computers, opening the door to innovations that benefit the entire planet. By processing vast numbers of possibilities simultaneously, quantum systems can tackle challenges that were previously too large or intricate to handle.
Examples of Impact by Industry
- Environment & Climate: Simulate weather patterns, carbon cycles, and climate models more accurately.
- Agriculture: Optimize crop yields and farming systems by analyzing soil, weather, and other variables.
- Health & Medicine: Accelerate drug discovery and simulate molecular interactions.
- Energy: Improve battery technology, optimize power grids, and design cleaner energy solutions.
- Materials Science: Create stronger, lighter, or more efficient materials by simulating atomic structures.
Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity
Quantum computing has the ability to transform the cybersecurity industry and associated practices significantly. Modern encryption, which keeps everything from online banking to personal emails secure, relies on problems that classical computers struggle to solve. Quantum computers, however, could solve these complex problems much faster, potentially making current encryption vulnerable to breach. This means that sensitive information, such as bank accounts, personal messages, medical records, and online accounts, could be vulnerable if encryption isn’t upgraded to resist quantum attacks.
As a result, the cybersecurity industry is rapidly evolving, developing new quantum-resistant methods and strategies to protect everyday people. In short, quantum computing is not only changing encryption; it’s reshaping the entire cybersecurity industry, creating a new branch of “quantum-safe” solutions and opening up opportunities and careers for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals (like your students) who could dedicate their career to keeping everyone safe online.
The International Year of Quantum
Arcade Game Jam
✨ We are excited to announce that UBC Geering Up has partnered with KnowledgeFlow and ICTC to host the first-ever International Year of Quantum: Arcade Game Jam on itch.io! 🚀
This unique event combines the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and computing with the creativity of game development, giving students the chance to learn cutting-edge concepts while designing their own games.
The Quantum Arcade Game Jam is open to students in Grades 6–12 (with an adult mentor like you) who are ready to explore the exciting world of quantum computing through game design. Whether students work on their own or collaborate with friends, they will have the chance to build a fun, creative, and educational game that helps others learn about quantum concepts. Students with winning games will not only earn a permanent spot on QuantumArcade.org, hosted by the UBC Geering Up Quantum Program, but also take home other exciting prizes!
GETTING STARTED: Watch the Year of Quantum Arcade game jam information session
This session will introduce you to the world of quantum computing and show you how students can participate in the International Year of Quantum Arcade Game Jam, part of CyberDay 2025, a unique opportunity to combine creativity, problem-solving, and game design while exploring the future of technology.
Click below to visit the Quantum Arcade to get inspired and see the games mentioned in the live session!
General Information
- The Game Jam will begin October 20th, 2025. It will close at 11:59PM PST on November 20th, 2025. No games will be accepted if they are submitted before or after this deadline.
- Students may work independently or in groups to develop a game. However, each individual or team intending to create and submit a game must have an adult 18 years of age or older (parent, teacher or mentor) involved throughout the entire game development process, from development to submission. If a team member is 18 or older, they can submit on behalf of the group.
- There are three age divisions for the game jam
- Division 1: Grades 6/7
- Division 2: Grades 8/9
- Division 3: Grades 10-12
- Teams can use any system or engine as long as the game can be uploaded to Itch.io, the platform on which the Arcade Game Jam is hosted. This includes Scratch. Games must either run in the browser or be compiled into a playable file (e.g., .exe). Web-based formats like WebGL, HTML5, or Java are encouraged for convenience, but not required. Keep in mind that performance and playability will be considered in judging. Be sure to follow Itch.io’s game page setup rules when submitting.
Below, you will find a comprehensive outline of FAQ, as well as content guidelines, a resource list to get kids started, and Game Jam-specific lesson plans and activities that teach kids the knowledge they need to complete the Quantum Game Jam successfully! All required information is within the Game Jam itch.io page for student access.
Game Jam specific Lesson plans and activities
UBC Geering Up’s quantum experts have prepared three lessons and two mini-lessons covering quantum concepts and game jam essentials to help you and your students get ready! The content is tailored towards grades 6-12, with various step-ups and step-downs so you can tailor the lessons to your students’ grade levels.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Quantum Computing
Lesson 2
Introduction to game development
Lesson 3
Quantum Mechanics as game mechanics
Mini Lesson 1
Debugging 101
Mini lesson 2
Introduction to Quality Assurance
continuing the Quantum mission
Quantum Adventures workbook
Sam’s friend Roo has gone missing on the day of her big soccer game! Join Sam on an exciting quest to find Roo, solving puzzles, mazes, word searches, and more along the way. Build your skills and collect items for your toolkit, then celebrate your success with a ‘Quantum Engineer’ certificate included at the end of the workbook. Suitable for grades 3-4.
Made possible by UBC, Microsoft, UBC Geering Up, and D-Wave.
quantum navigator
Quantum Navigator is an exciting, interactive game designed to introduce quantum science concepts while building digital literacy skills. Recommended for students in grade 5 and up, the game transforms complex ideas like superposition and entanglement into fun challenges. Players solve puzzles, explore quantum phenomena, and develop critical thinking—all while navigating a futuristic, digital adventure. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and explore the cutting-edge world of quantum science and technology. For grades 5 and older.
No account needed, start playing right away!
Quantum in Canada: Careers and Pathways of the Future
Designed for students in grades 6–12, this course explores how quantum technology is shaping the world and provides insights into careers in quantum STEM, skilled trades, and business. Students will uncover how quantum science works, its applications, and the educational pathways available to enter this innovative industry. As they progress, students will strengthen their understanding by exploring external research through trusted sources linked within the quizzes. These resources will deepen their knowledge of quantum technology and support their journey toward digital literacy.
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national centre of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, and with a team over 100 experts, they have delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. ICTC’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation and that Canada’s workforce remains competitive on a global scale.
ICTC’s National CyberDay is funded by the Government of Canada’s CanCode Initiative.
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