CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines, June 6, 2026 — The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) successfully hosted the Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 at its Sumacab Campus, bringing together students, educators, researchers, industry experts, and government representatives for a day of learning, innovation, and competition focused on emerging technologies.

The event marked the culmination of a multi-week lecture series jointly organized by the Quantum Computing Society of the Philippines (QCSP) and the ISC2 Philippines Chapter, aimed at introducing participants to the fundamentals of quantum computing and cybersecurity while providing opportunities to apply their knowledge through hands-on challenges.

Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo, President of NEUST, delivers her welcome remarks at the Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026.

The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo, President of NEUST, who emphasized the importance of preparing students for rapidly evolving technological landscapes while ensuring that innovation remains guided by ethical responsibility and societal benefit.

Representing the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), Director Dr. Franz de Leon highlighted the growing significance of quantum technologies and the need for the Philippines to develop the talent, expertise, and research capabilities required to participate in the global quantum ecosystem. He underscored the importance of preparing for future cybersecurity challenges arising from advances in quantum computing.

Mr. Bobby O. Corpus Jr., President of QCSP, encouraged participants to embrace both emerging technologies and their own creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills throughout the event. He noted that hackathons provide valuable opportunities for learning, experimentation, and professional growth beyond the competition itself.

The technical program featured presentations from experts working at the forefront of quantum technologies and cybersecurity. Jeffrey Aborot, Supervising Science Research Specialist at DOST-ASTI, delivered an introductory session on quantum computing, providing participants with a foundation in the principles and applications of the technology.

Participants also heard from Paul Lee-Simion, Chief Technologist and Board Member at Ingenie, who discussed the broader implications of emerging technologies and innovation in the digital age.

A highlight of the event was the presentation by Ishan Basyal, Director of Program Delivery at SpeQtral, titled “Securing the Future: Real-World QKD and PQC Deployments.” Basyal introduced participants to the concepts of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), two approaches that are expected to play a critical role in securing communications against future quantum-enabled threats. He also shared insights into real-world deployments of quantum-secure communication systems and explained how satellite-based quantum communications are being developed to extend secure key distribution across vast distances.

Following the morning lectures and networking sessions, participants transitioned to the Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Capture-the-Flag (CTF) Hackathon. Teams worked through a series of cybersecurity and problem-solving challenges designed to test their analytical thinking, technical skills, and ability to collaborate under time constraints.

Teams work through challenges during the Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Capture-the-Flag (CTF) Hackathon.

After several hours of competition, the event concluded with an awarding ceremony recognizing the top-performing teams. Emerging as Champion was Team Vector-JC, composed of Christian Guillasper, Jodell Bulaclac, and Jemuel Carlos Solidum. The 1st Runner-up award went to Team Grover’s Oracle, represented by Aldrin Obsanga, Jeff Andrei Bayhon, Renz Martin Rebogio, and Ruzzlee Salon. Meanwhile, Team 404 Team Not Found, composed of Roan Cedric Campo, Linus Carl Perdon, Patricia Bianca Indenible, Karl Christian Lapada, and Russel Simbre, earned the 2nd Runner-up distinction for their strong performance throughout the competition.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Jean Guillasper, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training of NEUST, who commended the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning about technologies that are expected to shape the future of science, industry, and cybersecurity.

The Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 was organized through the collaboration of NEUST, QCSP, DOST-ASTI, ISC2 Philippines Chapter, and DEVCON Pampanga, reflecting a shared commitment to developing a new generation of quantum-ready professionals and cybersecurity practitioners. By combining expert-led lectures with hands-on competition, the event provided participants with valuable exposure to some of the most important technological developments of the coming decades.