IBM Qiskit Fall Fest 2026

Overview: A Decade of Quantum on the Cloud: The Symbiosis Quantum Club, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Pune, is proud to be an official partner for IBM Qiskit Fall Fest 2026, a global IBM Quantum initiative celebrating a decade of quantum computing on the cloud. The 2026 edition brings together expert guest lectures, a hands-on Qiskit workshop, and an Ideathon where students can explore innovative applications of quantum computing, develop original ideas, and pitch their solutions with mentorship from the quantum community. Whether you are completely new to quantum computing or already exploring the field, this event provides an opportunity to learn, build, collaborate, and innovate with Qiskit. Event Details: Event: IBM Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 Theme: A Decade of Quantum on the Cloud Organized by: Symbiosis Quantum Club, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Pune Category: Quantum Technology Mode: Offline / In-person Dates: 9–10 October 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on both days Venue: SIT Campus, 5th Floor — Seminar Hall & Labs Eligibility: Open to all college students Registration Fee: Free Registration Deadline: 3 October 2026 Two Ways to Participate: Participants can choose between two participation tracks. Track 1 — Ideathon + Learning Track: Students who wish to participate in the Ideathon should register through the official Unstop listing. Ideathon participants will be automatically registered for the Day 1 guest lectures and hands-on Qiskit workshop. No separate registration is required. - Unstop Registration → Guest Lectures + Workshop + Ideathon Track 2 — Guest Lectures & Workshop Only: Students who do not wish to compete in the Ideathon but want to attend the Day 1 learning sessions can register through the dedicated Google Form. Expert guest lectures Quantum computing sessions Hands-on Qiskit workshop Participants registered through this form will not participate in the Ideathon. Day 1 — Guest Lectures & Hands-On Workshop: Date: 9 October 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Day 1 is an open learning track, not a competition round. The day will feature: Expert guest lectures Introduction to quantum computing Insights into the Qiskit ecosystem Hands-on Qiskit workshop Interactive learning sessions Exposure to real-world applications of quantum technology The sessions are designed for beginners as well as students with prior exposure to quantum computing. No Prerequisites: No prior knowledge of quantum computing, Qiskit, or programming is required. The Day 1 sessions can also help Ideathon participants understand the technology and develop ideas for their submissions. Ideathon: The Ideathon is the competitive component of IBM Qiskit Fall Fest 2026. Participants will propose an original idea involving quantum computing and/or Qiskit, communicate their concept through a pitch deck, and develop and present their solution with guidance from mentors. Team Size: Individual participation is allowed. Teams can consist of 1–3 members. Inter-college teams are allowed. Inter-specialization and interdisciplinary teams are allowed. Ideathon Process: Stage 1 — Idea & Pitch Deck Submission: Participants develop an original quantum computing idea and submit a project pitch deck. Pitch Deck Submission Deadline: 6 October 2026, 11:59 PM The submission link and detailed submission instructions will be shared with registered Ideathon participants. The pitch deck should communicate aspects such as: Problem statement Proposed solution Role of quantum computing / Qiskit Proposed approach Expected impact / use case Future scope Stage 2 — Development & Mentorship: Date: 10 October 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Teams that have submitted their pitch deck within the specified deadline will proceed to the Day 2 Ideathon. Teams will receive dedicated time to: Refine their idea Develop their proposed solution Work on their presentation Receive guidance and mentorship Prepare for the final pitch Stage 3 — Final Pitch & Evaluation: Teams will present their final idea/solution to the judging panel. The final evaluation will be conducted based on the criteria communicated by the organizers. The Ideathon winners will be announced at the end of Day 2. Important: Day 1 Is Not a Competition Round: Day 1 guest lectures and the hands-on workshop are not an elimination or qualifying round. Participants who only wish to learn can attend Day 1 without participating in the Ideathon. Ideathon participants are automatically registered for the Day 1 learning track, but attendance at the learning sessions does not constitute a competition round. Eligibility: Open to all college students. Students from any college or university can participate. Students from any branch, specialization, or academic discipline are eligible. No prior quantum computing experience is required. No prior Qiskit experience is required. No prior programming experience is required for the Day 1 learning track. Inter-college Ideathon teams are allowed. Inter-specialization and interdisciplinary teams are allowed. Ideathon teams may have 1–3 members. Rules: Participants must be currently enrolled college students. Registration is free. Students participating in the Ideathon must register through the official Unstop listing. Students attending only the guest lectures and workshop should register through the designated Google Form. Ideathon teams may consist of 1–3 members. Solo participation is permitted. Inter-college teams are permitted. Inter-specialization and interdisciplinary teams are permitted. Each participant may be part of only one Ideathon team. The idea submitted for the Ideathon must be original. Participants must submit their pitch deck by 6 October 2026, 11:59 PM. Only teams that submit their pitch deck within the specified deadline will be eligible for the Day 2 Ideathon. Teams must follow the submission format and instructions provided by the organizers. Teams must be available for the Day 2 development and final pitching activities. Participants must maintain professional conduct throughout the event. Any use of external resources, technologies, datasets, or prior work must comply with applicable intellectual property requirements. The decision of the judging panel regarding the Ideathon results will be final. The organizers reserve the right to make necessary changes to the schedule or event format, with relevant updates communicated to participants. Certificates & Prizes: Participation Certificates: Participation certificates will be provided to participants of the Day 1 workshop and the Ideathon, as applicable to their participation. Ideathon Prizes: Cash prizes will be awarded to the Ideathon winners. Key Dates: Registration Deadline: 3 October 2026 Day 1 — Guest Lectures & Workshop: 9 October 2026 Pitch Deck Submission Deadline: 6 October 2026, 11:59 PM Day 2 — Ideathon Development & Final Pitch: 10 October 2026 Ideathon Results: 10 October 2026 Venue: Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Pune 5th Floor — Seminar Hall & Labs Exact room details will be shared with registered participants. Who Should Participate? If you want to learn about quantum computing: Register for the Guest Lectures + Workshop through the Google Form. If you want to compete in the Ideathon: Register through Unstop. You will automatically receive access to the Day 1 guest lectures and workshop as part of your registration. If you're new to quantum computing: That's completely fine. No prior experience is required. If you already have a quantum idea: Bring it to the Ideathon, develop it with your team, receive mentorship, and pitch it on Day 2. Event at a Glance: IBM Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 A Decade of Quantum on the Cloud 9–10 October 2026 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM SIT Pune — 5th Floor, Seminar Hall & Labs Open to all college students Free Registration Ideathon Team Size: 1–3 Inter-college & Inter-specialization Teams Allowed Cash Prizes for Ideathon Winners Participation Certificates for Workshop & Ideathon Participants Ideathon Pitch Deck Deadline: 6 October 2026, 11:59 PM