About the event

Qiskit Fall Fest is the world's largest series of student-led quantum computing events, bringing together quantum enthusiasts from around the globe. As one of 150 international universities, the University of Stuttgart is proud to host Qiskit Fall Fest 2025, supported by IBM Quantum, in celebration of the International Year of Quantum.

Join us for guest talks, hands-on workshops, and hackathon challenges, where students and experienced quantum enthusiasts from academia and industry collaborate to explore the latest advances in quantum computing. Using Qiskit, the world's leading quantum software development kit, participants will run circuits on real quantum hardware and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge quantum computing .

Be part of the quantum movement at Qiskit Fall Fest 2025 at the University of Stuttgart!

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What? Talks, workshops, hackathon, networking
When? 3. November - 5. November
Where? University of Stuttgart, Aquarium
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Schedule

We offer a variety of talks, workshops, and hackathon challenges for students of all levels — from curious minds eager to explore quantum concepts, to beginners and those with intermediate experience. Check out the schedule and register for the events that interest you. We can't wait to see you there!

Participants in the Qiskit Fall Fest will receive an IBM Quantum certificate.

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Day 1 – Talks & Workshops

  • 09:00 Registration & Welcome Day 1
  • 09:30 Opening Ceremony
  • 10:00
    Keynote: Giant Rydberg atoms for Quantum Computing and Simulation
    Dr. Florian Meinert — Group leader at the 5th Institute of Physics, University of Stuttgart
  • 11:00 Break
  • 11:15
    Workshop: Quantum 101 (Beginner)
    Prof. Dr. Hans Peter Büchler — Professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics III, University of Stuttgart
  • 12:00
    Workshop: Qiskit 101 (Beginner)
    Dr. Sebastian Brandhofer — Research Scientist at IBM Quantum
    SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
  • 12:30 Lunch break
  • 13:30
    Talk on Quantum Algorithm Design and Applications: From Machine Learning to Chemistry Simulations
    Dr. Christian Tutschku — Quantum Computing Team Lead, Fraunhofer IAO
  • 14:00
    Talk on Quantum Networks (Beginner/ Intermediate)
    Dr. Stephan Welte — Quantum Network Research Lead, University of Stuttgart
  • 15:00 Break
  • 15:30
    Talk on Insights into the Quantum World at the Atomic Scale
    Dr. Laëtitia Farinacci — Group Leader at the Institute for Functional Matter and Quantum Technologies, University of Stuttgart
  • 16:30
    Talk on Quantum Computing at Utility-Scale and a Career in Quantum
    Dr. Sebastian Brandhofer — Research Scientist at IBM Quantum
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Day 2 – Hackathon Challenges

  • 09:00
    Registration & Welcome Day 2
    Prof. Dr. Ilia Polian — Head of Institute and Chair of Hardware Oriented Computer Science, University of Stuttgart
  • 09:30
    Keynote
    David Faller — Managing Director IBM Germany Research & Development
    Introduction by
    Prof. Dr. Ilia Polian — Head of Institute and Chair of Hardware Oriented Computer Science, University of Stuttgart
  • 10:15 Break
  • 10:45
    Introduction to Beginner Hackathon Prompt
    Afonso Azenha - PhD student at IQST
    Leon Layer - Software Engineering Student
  • 11:00
    Introduction of Intermediate/ Advanced Hackathon Prompt
    Matteo Lodi - HQS Quantum Simulations
    Dr. Pascal Stadler - HQS Quantum Simulations
  • 11:30
    Energizer
    Samuel Van Gele - PhD Student at the Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research
  • 12:00 Hackathon Kick-Off
  • 20:00 Submission Deadline
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Day 3 – Award & Networking

  • 09:30 Registration & Welcome Day 3
  • 10:00
    Keynote: Practical Use and Development of Quantum Applications in an Industrial Environment using Qiskit
    Christoph Krieger - Software Engineer at Kipu Quantum
    SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
  • 11:00
    Hackathon Award Ceremony
    Dr. Alexander Heinrich — Head of the QuantumBW Office
  • 12:00
    Networking fair - various companies and research institutions present their work

Software Requirements


During our event, there are two sessions where specific software installations are recommended.


"Qiskit 101" by Sebastian Brandhofer – November 3rd at 12:00

For this workshop, we recommend having Qiskit installed. Instructions for installing Qiskit can be found on our Discord server in the "resources" channel.



"Practical Use and Development of Quantum Applications in an Industrial Environment using Qiskit" by Christoph Krieger – November 5th at 10:00

For this keynote, please have the following tools set up in advance:

Hackathon

Beginner Hackathon Prompt: The Call from the Caribbean

Intermediate/ Advanced Hackathon Prompt:Efficient NMR Spectra with Fewer States — Replace the full eigenstate sum with sampling provided by HQS Quantum Simulations

Partners

IBM Quantum offers access to the world's largest quantum computer fleet and powerful Qiskit software to explore and scale quantum advantage.
IQST unites science and engineering to advance quantum research and develop innovative technologies at multiple institutions around Baden-Württemberg.
The QuantumBW initiative brings together research institutions, industry and startups in Baden-Württemberg to accelerate the application of quantum technologies in the areas of sensing, computing and networking.
The School for Talents empowers outstanding students at the University of Stuttgart to deepen expertise, connect across disciplines, and tackle societal challenges.
The University of Stuttgart pioneers quantum technologies, collaborating worldwide within Baden-Württemberg's strong quantum ecosystem.
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST) celebrates 100 years of quantum mechanics and promotes global collaboration, education, and innovation in quantum research.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO is advancing applied quantum computing by developing end-to-end industrial algorithms, business models and hybrid solutions for quantum hardware.
Bosch is advancing quantum technologies by developing miniaturized quantum sensors for applications in mobility and healthcare and by partnering on quantum computing materials science to unlock new industrial use-cases.
HQS Quantum Simulations bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, providing real-world quantum applications for industrial use cases, particularly in life sciences, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals.
Kipu Quantum is a German deep-tech startup developing hardware-efficient, application-specific quantum algorithms to enable practical industrial use of quantum computing today.
Moth Quantum is a quantum-technology startup that brings quantum computing into the realms of music, gaming and the arts, enabling creators to harness quantum-powered tools for creative expression.

About us

We are an interdisciplinary and international team of five students from the University of Stuttgart, curious about quantum computing and dedicated to connecting students, industry, and scientists. Our event is proudly supported by the School for Talents and IBM Quantum. We look forward to welcoming you — and if you have any questions or collaboration ideas, don't hesitate to reach out!

Afonso Azenha: PhD student at IQST - LinkedIn
Meri Ghulyan: chemical and bioengineering student - LinkedIn
Leon Layer: software engineering student - LinkedIn
Victoria Freiin von Schlotheim: engineering cybernetics student - LinkedIn
Anietta Weckauff: computer science student - LinkedIn

Contact

If you're a student with questions about the event, feel free to get in touch! Companies, start-ups, and research institutions interested in collaboration are warmly invited to contact us as well.