  We develop genetic algorithms for searching quantum circuits, in particular
stabilizer quantum error correction codes. Quantum codes equivalent to notable
examples such as the 5-qubit perfect code, Shor's code, and the 7-qubit color
code are evolved out of initially random quantum circuits. We anticipate
evolution as a promising tool in the NISQ era, with applications such as the
search for novel topological ordered states, quantum compiling, and hardware
optimization.
