Approximately 300 participants from 22 countries gathered at NUS University Town from September 24 to 26 for IntelligenceX 2026, a conference hosted by the National University of Singapore and the Society of Algorithmic Intelligence to explore Quantum × AI—the combination of quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, officially opened the three-day event on September 24, underscoring the Singaporean government’s focus on the rapidly developing intersection of the two fields. Attendees included researchers, industry leaders and policymakers from institutions across Asia, Europe and the United States, convening to examine applications such as precision medicine and logistics.
Quantum × AI collaboration and applications
Technology showcases at IntelligenceX 2026 demonstrated emerging combinations of quantum and AI tools intended for use across multiple sectors. The conference builds on the Integrated Quantum & AI Computing Consortium launched by NUS in January 2026 to accelerate the transition of Quantum × AI research into practical applications. Consortium members listed by NUS include PCS Security, Singapore Airlines, STTGDC, ST Engineering, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS).
Consortium participants are using NUS’s multidisciplinary expertise and taking part in hands-on workshops that employ open-source quantum computing tools to assess potential use cases. The Consortium is also developing an executive quantum-readiness program to help industry leaders evaluate how their organisations can prepare for the adoption of quantum and AI technologies.
“AI has already shown us how quickly a frontier technology can move from research into everyday life,” said Associate Professor Chen Ying, President of the Society of Algorithmic Intelligence. Assoc Prof Chen added that the convergence of these technologies offers an opportunity to proactively shape the future and that preparing for it requires progress in advancing the underlying science, identifying relevant real-world problems and cultivating a new generation of experts.
International AI Algorithmic Trading Hackathon
Prior to the conference opening, the International AI Algorithmic Trading Hackathon challenged 45 teams from ten countries to apply AI and quantitative methods to real financial data. Teams affiliated with institutions including NUS, Bocconi University and Carnegie Mellon University developed and tested algorithmic trading strategies that addressed practical market problems. Team Mushroom finished first in the competition, followed by meloilz and Team Ember; prizes were awarded at the IntelligenceX opening ceremony.
The conference programme is available at https://www.soc-ai.org/events/intelligencex-2026. IntelligenceX 2026 is intended to foster sustained connections between researchers, industry and government agencies and to contribute to a durable ecosystem for ongoing collaboration in quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
