The predictable failure of the QDay Prize
2 days ago
- #Quantum Cryptography
- #Competition Critique
- #Shor's Algorithm
- The author declined to participate in the 'QDay Prize' competition, citing two main flaws: Shor's algorithm requires quantum error correction, which is still developing, and small problems can be solved by luck, making results misleading.
- The winning submission used a trick where quantum calls could be replaced with random ones, yielding indistinguishable results, highlighting the competition's failure to ensure quantum computers contributed meaningful value.
- Project11 initially defended the winner, claiming adherence to rules and progress in quantum attacks, but later acknowledged issues, restoring some credibility.
- The competition inadvertently risks undermining awareness of quantum cryptographic threats by enabling 'gotcha' arguments, contrary to its goal of raising awareness.
- The author recommends a blameless post-mortem and more careful design for future competitions to avoid similar pitfalls and promote genuine benchmarking.