Key takeaways:
- Applications are now open for Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 event hosts
- Events run globally from October–November 2026
- Hosts organize local events like workshops, hackathons, and talks
- Attending an informational session is required to apply. Register for sessions here by 23 June
- Host applications are due 20 July
Qiskit Fall Fest is returning in 2026, and we’re looking for hosts all around the world to lead this year’s events.
Each year, Qiskit Fall Fest brings together students, educators, and researchers for a global series of quantum computing events. Hosted primarily on university campuses and organized by local leaders, these events create unique opportunities to learn, build, and connect through hands-on quantum experiences.
Interested in hosting an event? Register for an informational session to learn more. These virtual sessions will give you everything you need to become a successful host—including guidance on planning a meaningful event for your community and special insights into the Qiskit Fall Fest program itself.
Registrations for upcoming informational sessions must be submitted by Tuesday 23 June.Informational sessions take place on Friday 26 June and Monday 29 June. Attendance at a minimum of one session is required for all prospective event hosts.
The theme for Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 celebrates a decade of quantum on the cloud—marking ten years since IBM introduced the world’s first open-access quantum computer. In honor of that milestone, materials for this year’s events will highlight key experiments and moments from the past decade—from early demonstrations to the large-scale 100+ qubit workloads researchers are exploring today.
If you’d like to participate in Fall Fest but don’t plan on hosting an event, you can use the same registration link to sign up for the Qiskit Fall Fest mailing list, which will keep you up-to-date with all the latest details on this year’s events.Registrations for both the Fall Fest mailing list and host informational sessions will close on 23 June.
Key dates
- 23 June: Deadline to sign up for informational sessions and mailing list
- 26–29 June: Informational sessions (must attend one session to apply)
- 20 July: Applications due
- 31 July: Application decisions to be announced
- 10 Aug–29 Sept: Host planning + learning sessions every Tues and Thurs
- September: Full roster of events to be announced
- Oct–Nov: Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 events take place
What is Qiskit Fall Fest?
Qiskit Fall Fest is a global lineup of community-led quantum computing events, including:
- Hands-on workshops
- Coding challenges and hackathons
- Research talks and panels
- Social and networking events
IBM Quantum partners with selected student leaders and volunteers each year to help plan and execute these events worldwide.
In 2025, more than 32,000 participants engaged in Fall Fest activities hosted by 150 organizers, whose efforts helped grow the quantum communities in their regions. We hope to connect with even more participants and event hosts in 2026.
Participants at Qiskit Fall Fest 2025
Why host a Qiskit Fall Fest event?
Hosting a Fall Fest event is an opportunity to take a leadership role in your quantum community and help create meaningful learning experiences. As a host, you will:
- Build leadership and event-organizing experience
- Connect with global quantum experts and peers
- Gain access to IBM Quantum resources and support
- Help grow quantum education in your region
Participants at Qiskit Fall Fest 2025
Who should apply?
Most Qiskit Fall Fest events are hosted by university students on campus, but hosting is open to a wide range of organizers. These include:
- Students interested in leading a campus or community event
- Researchers and educators interested in quantum computing
- Community leaders looking to grow local quantum engagement
You don’t need to be based at a university. Past events have been organized by high school students, recent graduates, industry professionals, virtual communities, and more.
If you’re passionate about quantum computing and community building, we encourage you to apply.
How to apply
You can apply to be a Qiskit Fall Fest host in just three simple steps:
- Register for an informational session (deadline 23 June). You must attend at least one session to access the host application.
- Attend an informational session (24-29 June). Learn about expectations, timelines, and support.
- Submit your application (due 20 July). Share your background and event proposal.
Recordings of informational sessions will be made available following the conclusion of each event. However, live attendance is strongly recommended.
👉 Register here to attend an informational session and get access to the Fall Fest host application.
Participants at Qiskit Fall Fest 2025
Celebrating a decade of quantum on the cloud—around the world
Join us this fall as we celebrate a decade of quantum computing on the cloud. Qiskit Fall Fest is powered by its global community of organizers, and we can’t wait to see what you create in 2026.
Register today to start your application and bring Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 to your community.
