Phase 01
Opening Day Premiere
19 October 2026 · 6:00 PM
Get to know the Fest and its tracks at Khalifa University or online.
Khalifa University Quantum Computing Initiative's
IBM Qiskit Fall Fest 2026
Three weeks of quantum computing for learners at every level.
- Challenge tracks, coding competitions and real projects
- Hands-on workshops, technical talks and mentorship
Two-day closing showcase: 31 October – 1 November 2026. At Khalifa University, with the international quantum community joining online.
19 October – 7 November 2026Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi
- Multiple
- Tracks
- 2
- Weeks
- Hybrid
- Format
Foundations through applications
Development period
Varies by phase and track
Partners
Who is behind the Fest
The Qiskit Fall Fest is IBM Quantum’s annual global event series. This PLUS edition is organised by the Quantum Computing Initiative at Khalifa University.
Technical sponsors
What this is
A Qiskit Fall Fest, Built Bigger
The Qiskit Fall Fest is IBM Quantum’s annual global event series, hosted by approved institutions across its ecosystem.
QCI was selected to host this PLUS edition at Khalifa University, with expanded IBM Quantum support.
It supports QCI’s goal of building a more connected quantum computing ecosystem across the UAE and beyond.
Tracks
Choose where to explore
Find your challenge. Visit the Tracks page for full briefs, dates and registration details.
How it works
Four phases, from kickoff to final challenges
Get started, build and present, then finish with the international challenges on 7 November.
Phase 02
Development Period
From Opening Day to the closing showcase
Work on your track challenge with workshops and mentors. In-person track days start on 30 October.
Phase 03
Closing Showcase
31 October – 1 November 2026
Project presentations, coding competitions and track winner announcements.
Phase 04
International Challenges
7 November 2026
Explore the online Quantum Cybersecurity CTF and Quantum in Media tracks.
Start learning now
Get a head start before the Fest
Everything below is free to explore. If you want to arrive ready to build and run your first quantum circuits, IBM Quantum Learning is a great place to start.
Questions
The ones people actually ask
No. Some tracks will be designed to introduce participants to quantum computing, while others will explore more specialized applications. Final track requirements and prerequisites will be published as development progresses.
Each track has its own registration. For Quantum Biology, submitting the one-page proposal through the form in the track’s Submissions panel also registers you for that track. Check each track for its registration details. The general interest form is for updates and does not register you for a track.
Team requirements will depend on the track. Some challenges may allow individual participation, while others may involve teams. Full participation and team-format details will be announced with the tracks.
Equipment and preparation requirements depend on the track. Quantum in the Metaverse provides VR headsets; check your email for preparation instructions. Any required software, accounts, datasets, or other track-specific resources will be communicated before the event.
The development period runs for two weeks, from Opening Day on 19 October to the closing showcase on 31 October and 1 November. The exact workload will vary by track, and more detailed expectations will be published once the challenges are finalized.
19 October – 7 November 2026 · Khalifa University
You don’t need prior quantum experience to start
Whether you’re discovering quantum computing for the first time or looking to explore a new application, the Fall Fest is designed to welcome a range of backgrounds and experience levels.
Each track has its own registration. Open a track for its registration details.