Exploring the intersection of quantum computing and creative practice
Cross Quantum Artistic Practices (xQAP) is a research group led by Dr. Omar Costa Hamido at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). Our core focus is to rethink creative practices with emerging quantum technologies by exploring novel interfaces for Music and Art. We develop new creative hardware and software applications, advancing artistic and scholarly practice through practice-based research and experimental Art–Science collaborations.
TEAM
Dr. Omar Costa Hamido (OCH)
Assistant Professor in the Computational Media and Arts Thrust (CMA) at HKUST-GZ, with a PhD in Integrated Composition, Improvisation and Technology from UC Irvine (USA, 2021), an MA in Composition and Music Theory from ESMAE-IPP (PT, 2014), and a BA in Music-Jazz (Performance in Saxophone) from UEvora (PT, 2011).
OCH is an artist-researcher, combining a practice as a performer, composer, technologist, with an academic career in music, multimedia, and emerging technologies. His music explores experimental practices in instrumentation, improvisation, and notation, including networked music performance, and dialogues between musical and visual elements.
OCH is deeply interested in the expressibility of electronics in interaction with live human performers, while deepening the conceptual inquiry on the ‘material means of artistic expression’. His work lives at the intersection of live performance, multimedia, and emerging technologies, with a current focus on quantum computing, promoting interactions between creative artists/musicians and computer scientists/physicists-engineers.
OCH is a pioneer of “Quantum Computer Music”, he created the concept of “Quantum-computing Aided Composition” (QAC), and he is the author of The QAC Toolkit - a software toolkit that allows musicians and artists to build, run, and simulate quantum circuits.
omarcostahamido.com
hkust-gz faculty profile
Nicolo Merendino (aka Chi Ha Ucciso Il Conte?)
Nicolò Merendino, PhD, (aka "Chi ha Ucciso Il Conte? Links to an external site."), is a designer, researcher, and practitioner in digital fabrication and interaction design. He engages in hands-on design projects and studies with people and communities, and he has over a decade of experience in supporting artists and musicians to develop new interactive devices with a focus on new musical experiences. His recent research effort has primarily explored critical reflection and sustainable action within design practices. He has investigated open-source tools and methods to develop interfaces in both the form of tangible devices and GUIs.
Wan Zhao
PhD student of xQAP research group in the Computational Media and Arts Thrust (CMA) at HKUST-GZ, with a MM in Music Production, Technology and Innovation from Berklee College of Music (ES, 2016), a BA in Recording Engineering from Communication University of China, Nanjing (CN, 2011).
Wan is a Music Technologist, Educator, and Producer based in Nanning, Guangxi. He also serves as a Lecturer at Guangxi Arts University and provides Technical Support for Ableton in China. His current research interests include Quantum Computer Music and Audio Software and Hardware Development.
As Certified Trainer for Ableton Live and Cycling '74 Max, Wan’s practice explores the boundaries between technology and musical creativity. His diverse industry experience spans music production and tour management, with credits including major international exhibitions and festivals.
email
github
ableton certified trainer profile
max certified trainer profile
gxau faculty profile
Lingxiao Han
Lingxiao is a PhD student of xQAP research group in the Computational Media and Arts Thrust (CMA) at HKUST-GZ, He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music from Zhejiang Conservatory of Music.
As a producer and performer, Lingxiao focuses on integrating technology into music practice. His current research explores interactive music and the intersection of quantum computing with music practice.
His artistic works, recognized for both their technical innovation and audience engagement, have been regularly selected for conferences, concerts, and online showcases.
RECRUITING
PhD candidates
Develop the next QAC algorithms and explore novel applications for quantum hardware/
Research Assistant
Help build up exciting new projects, and kickstart your research and management career. Read the call here.
MPhil/MFA candidates
Research opportunities for students to be directly involved. Apply and get an offer for the MPhil or MFA program first. Then submit the xQAP interest form.
Online Q&A Session 1
Join us for the first Online Q&A Session on 2025-11-10 at 2pm WET/GMT+0. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the application process. Recap here.
Online Q&A Session 2
Join us for the second Online Q&A Session on 2025-11-18 at 10am CST/GMT+8. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the application process. Recap here.
Info Hub Open Day 2025
Come meet me in-person on November 29 at 3pm CST, in the Faculty-Meet-Student session of the Information Hub PG Open Day 2025 at HKUST-GZ. Livestream here. F.A.Q. here.