Hackathon: Qiskit Fall Fest x IIIT Delhi

Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 x IIIT Delhi One Week. One Quantum Journey. Endless Possibilities. About the Event: Quantica, under CQT at IIIT Delhi, presents Qiskit Fall Fest 2026; a week-long celebration of quantum computing featuring a beginner-friendly learning track, an online quantum hackathon, and an in-person quantum research showcase. Whether you're taking your first steps into quantum computing or already working on quantum research and applications, this festival gives you the opportunity to learn, build, experiment, and showcase your work. Total Prize Pool: ₹35,000 Participation: Free Event Dates: 9–16 October 2026 IIIT Delhi + Online What's Happening? The festival brings together three major experiences. 01. Quantum & Qiskit 101: New to quantum computing? Start here! Join a beginner-friendly introduction to Qiskit and quantum computing, with hands-on learning and an opportunity to run programs on a real IBM quantum computer. No prior quantum computing experience is required. Learn the fundamentals of quantum computing Get hands-on experience with Qiskit Run your first quantum program Explore quantum computing through practical examples Prepare for the hackathon 02. The Quantum Hackathon: BUILD • EXPERIMENT • SOLVE Teams of 1–4 participants will choose one of three quantum computing tracks. Each track comes with a ready-made tutorial and challenges designed for different experience levels, making the hackathon accessible to participants with varying levels of quantum computing experience. Track 1: Quantum Chemistry: From Bonds to Qubits Explore how a molecule's energy changes as its bond stretches, and then tackle the same problem using fewer quantum resources. Track 2: Quantum Optimization: Smarter Choices at Scale Use a quantum optimization algorithm to choose the best set of stocks, then scale the problem up. Track 3: Quantum Simulation: Dynamics Under Noise Simulate the time evolution of a chain of tiny magnets, then correct for noise on real quantum hardware. Hackathon Format: Team Size: 2–4 participants Mode: Online Challenges: Released on 10 October Tutorials: Provided for each track Submission Deadline: 14 October, midnight Participants will build their solutions during the hackathon period, with the top 3 teams from each track advancing to the final showcase. 03. The Research Showcase: GOT QUANTUM TO SHOW? Have a project, experiment, or research work related to quantum computing? Bring it to the Qiskit Fall Fest Research Showcase at IIIT Delhi! Participants can present their quantum-related work to fellow students, researchers, and the wider quantum community. Abstract Submission: Deadline: Monday, 5 October Poster Showcase: 16 October 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM IIIT Delhi Awards: Judged Prize: Recognising outstanding quantum research. People's Choice: An audience-selected favourite. Event Timeline: 9 OCT - Quantum & Qiskit 101: Friday | 2:00–4:00 PM | Online Hands-on Qiskit introduction + real IBM quantum computer run + hackathon briefing. 10 OCT - Hackathon Kickoff: Saturday | 10:00 AM | Online Challenges released and tutorials begin. 11–14 OCT - Build & Explore: Online Work on your chosen hackathon challenge, experiment with quantum computing, and develop your solution. Hackathon submission closes: 14 October, midnight 15 OCT - Judging Day (Online): Judges evaluate the submitted hackathon solutions and select the finalists. 16 OCT - The Finale: Friday | 2:00–6:00 PM | In Person (Offline) | IIIT Delhi Research poster showcase Hackathon finalist presentations One teams per track Awards & finale New to Quantum? Don't worry! Participants who are new to quantum computing can explore Qiskit Quest - the Beginner Track, featuring self-paced, auto-graded modules designed for beginners. Complete the set of paths and earn a certificate while building your quantum computing fundamentals. Who Can Participate? The event is designed for students and enthusiasts interested in exploring quantum computing. You can participate if you are: A beginner interested in learning quantum computing A student with prior quantum computing experience Working on a quantum computing research/project Interested in quantum algorithms, simulation, optimization, or chemistry Looking to experiment with Qiskit and quantum hardware No prior quantum computing experience is required for the beginner track. For the hackathon, participants will compete in teams of 1–4 members. Why Participate? Learn quantum computing from the fundamentals Get hands-on experience with Qiskit Explore real quantum computing applications Solve challenging quantum problems Showcase your quantum research Collaborate with other quantum enthusiasts Compete for a share of the ₹35,000 prize pool Earn a certificate through the beginner Qiskit Quest track Connect with students and researchers interested in quantum computing Event Highlights: Quantum & Qiskit 101 Online Quantum Hackathon Three Quantum Tracks Research Poster Showcase ₹35,000 Prize Pool Beginner-Friendly Learning Track Real IBM Quantum Computer Experience Free Participation Ready to Enter the Quantum World? From your first qubit to your final showcase, experience one week of learning, building, experimenting, and exploring the possibilities of quantum computing. Build. Experiment. Solve. Join Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 at IIIT Delhi, organised by Qunatica under CQT. Your quantum journey starts here.