Five Days of Quantum Innovation, Competition, and Discovery

The online phase helps participants explore quantum computing at their own pace, develop practical skills, and demonstrate their understanding through competitions. Online participation is completely free.

The official Qiskit Fall Fest Learning Platform brings together learning resources, competition information, quizzes, and the Quantum Hackathon Phase 1 workspace in one place.

Quantum computing involves concepts that can seem abstract at first, from superposition and entanglement to quantum gates, circuits, and hybrid algorithms. The online modules build that understanding through structured sessions, recorded lectures, technical presentations, and concept-check quizzes, across topics including:

• Quantum foundations and Qiskit SDK fundamentals
• Qubit connectivity, superconducting quantum hardware, and quantum processor architecture
• Quantum sensing, nitrogen-vacancy centres, and photonic quantum optics
• Quantum machine learning and hybrid optimization
• Post-quantum cryptography and lattice-based schemes

Use these resources to strengthen your theoretical foundations and support your work on the hackathon and other technical activities. Participants who meet the completion and passing requirements can qualify for the festival's certificate of completion, subject to the official certification guidelines.

Can you explain a quantum concept in a way that makes people stop scrolling and start thinking? The Tech Reels Competition challenges you to communicate quantum computing through short-form video, from superposition and entanglement to quantum algorithms and real-world applications, combining scientific understanding with storytelling.

Scientific ideas can be powerful when presented visually. Transform quantum concepts into clear, engaging, and scientifically meaningful designs on topics such as quantum circuits, quantum sensing, superconducting hardware, quantum algorithms, and emerging applications. Entries are judged on original design, scientific accuracy, and clarity.

For participants who enjoy exploring ideas in depth, the essay competition investigates questions at the intersection of quantum physics, computing, and emerging technology: quantum algorithms, quantum security, hardware architectures, quantum machine learning, and more. It rewards independent thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and clear scientific communication.

The hackathon takes you from understanding quantum computing to implementing and benchmarking quantum solutions. Teams work on technical problem statements using Qiskit and related scientific computing tools. Depending on the challenge, projects may explore:

• Quantum optimization and combinatorial problems
• Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) and quantum chemistry
• Quantum simulation and Hamiltonian models
• Quantum machine learning and hybrid optimization
• Quantum circuit design, connectivity, and routing
• Quantum security and related computational approaches

Phase 1 focuses on a working implementation, a documented approach, and an evaluation against the specified benchmark requirements. Teams submit through the official hackathon portal using a public GitHub repository, and eligible teams compete for selection to the on-campus Phase 2 finals.

From 26 to 30 October 2026, the festival moves to the SRM University-AP campus for an immersive programme of workshops, competitions, demonstrations, discussions, games, and industry engagement, bringing together scientific learning, practical experimentation, creative thinking, and entrepreneurship.

Learn from experts working across quantum technologies and advanced computing. The speaker programme connects foundational concepts with the challenges of building and applying emerging technologies across hardware, algorithms, and industry applications. A featured hands-on masterclass, Sample Then Diagonalize with Bharadwaj Mummaneni, adds a practical dimension to the programme.

The expo brings technology demonstrations, prototypes, and research-oriented exhibits into the festival. Explore systems built by industry and research teams and see how scientific principles become engineering systems and products. For students interested in experimental physics, electronics, quantum hardware, software engineering, and deep-tech development, it connects theory with practical implementation, and opens conversations about research careers, product development, and emerging technology ventures.

Quantum technologies will need more than scientific breakthroughs: they need products, practical applications, business models, and teams that can translate research into useful solutions. The Startup Pitch is a platform to present ideas related to quantum technology and its wider ecosystem, and to articulate how an idea addresses a real technical or commercial challenge.

Teams selected through Phase 1 continue on campus with an intensive 24-hour development sprint: implementing, refining, testing, and presenting their solutions in a collaborative technical environment.

Quantum cybersecurity and cryptography bring together computational thinking, mathematical reasoning, and security engineering. The flagship QCTF challenges eligible participants with technical problems involving quantum-related security concepts. Participation is subject to the competition's qualification and eligibility requirements.

Does quantum computing replace classical computing, or will the two remain complementary? The debate explores quantum and classical computation, technological limits, practical applications, and the future of computing, rewarding structured reasoning and the ability to communicate technical arguments to an audience.

Learning about quantum computing can also be interactive and fun. Campus activities encourage strategic thinking, collaboration, and exploration, and give you a chance to meet fellow students beyond the formal technical sessions.

QChess

Test strategic thinking and planning.

QEscapes

Work through puzzles and challenges that reward logic and collaboration.

Quantum Casino

Explore the festival's themed gaming experience.

Entanglement Partners

Take part in an interactive activity inspired by a defining concept in quantum mechanics.

QDrama

Experience a creative, performance-oriented side of the festival.

The online competitions and on-campus activities are designed for different ways of engaging with quantum technology. Start with what matches your interests, and use the festival to explore the parts of the field you know least.

The online phase is free, so you can begin learning and competing without an offline pass. The campus phase adds further experiences through separately priced passes and activity-specific eligibility requirements.

The masterclass resources, creative competitions, and Quantum Hackathon Phase 1 workspace are available at no cost. Register on the official learning platform to view instructions, materials, and submission requirements.

Claim the General Offline Pass from the On-Campus Pass card on the learning platform. For SRM University-AP students, admission is 100% complimentary: sign in with your @srmap.edu.in email to get your pass and QR code at no cost, or show your SRM AP student ID card at the registration desk. External attendees pay ₹99 on the SRM-AP Easebuzz form and submit the transaction receipt. The ₹499 Flagship Pass is for hackathon teams shortlisted for Phase 2; those teams receive payment instructions by email.

Travelling to SRM University-AP for the on-campus phase? Participants can stay in paying-guest (PG) accommodation near the campus, and the organizing team will assist you in finding and arranging a place. Charges are around ₹500 per person at most.

To request help with accommodation, message the organizing team in the WhatsApp Community.

The value of a technology festival lies not only in its sessions but in the opportunities it creates. Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 brings together several dimensions of learning and innovation:

Learn

Explore quantum foundations, algorithms, hardware, sensing, and security.

Build

Develop Qiskit implementations and document technical solutions.

Compete

Take part in online competitions and pursue selection to the hackathon finals.

Communicate

Explain scientific ideas through videos, posters, essays, and debate.

Discover

Explore demonstrations, workshops, and emerging industry technologies.

Innovate

Investigate entrepreneurial opportunities through the Startup Pitch.

Connect

Engage with speakers, fellow participants, and the wider quantum community.

You do not need to be an expert in every area to get involved. Start with the activities that match your interests, use the learning resources available to you, and explore unfamiliar parts of the field.