Questions, answered honestly

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.

The Fall Fest is being designed for participants with a range of backgrounds and experience levels. Some activities will take place at Khalifa University, while others may be available online internationally. Detailed eligibility and registration requirements will be announced with each track.

The event is not being designed only for Khalifa University students. Exact eligibility may vary by track or activity, and the full requirements will be published with registration information.

Participation is currently planned to be free. Final registration information, including any requirements for individual activities, will be published before registration opens.

The opening session will be available at Khalifa University and online internationally. National tracks include hybrid competitions and entirely in-person challenges. Quantum Foundations runs entirely in person at Khalifa University on 31 October 2026, and Quantum in the Metaverse runs in person on 30 October. International tracks are virtual. Each track is labelled on the Tracks page.

The opening session will be available online internationally. Quantum Cybersecurity and Quantum in Media are international, virtual tracks. Quantum Cybersecurity consists of a single online CTF. Track-specific access and eligibility details will be published with each track's registration.

The closing phase is planned to include project showcases, coding competitions, and winner announcements. It takes place on 31 October and 1 November 2026. The exact format will be announced as the programme is finalized.

Selection will depend on the track. Some tracks may include an intermediate submission or shortlisting stage, while others may use a different process. Criteria will be published before participants begin each challenge.

Qiskit Fall Fest is IBM Quantum’s annual global event series. Each event is independently organized by an approved host institution as part of the wider IBM Quantum and Qiskit community.

The event is organized by the Quantum Computing Initiative at Khalifa University as part of the Qiskit Fall Fest event series.

The Fall Fest begins on 19 October 2026 at 6:00 PM UAE time and ends on 7 November. The closing showcase is on 31 October and 1 November. Remaining programme details will be announced here once they are confirmed.