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 2026, supported by IBM 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 2026 at the University of Stuttgart!

What? Talks, a panel discussion, workshops, hackathon & networking
When? 9–11 November 2026
Where? Days 1–2: University of Stuttgart, Campus Vaihingen – the exact venue will be published soon. Day 3: IBM Innovation Studio, Ehningen

10 years on the cloud

In 2016, IBM put a real quantum computer on the cloud, free for anyone to program. Ten years later, Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 celebrates that anniversary – and the flock of IBM Quantum processors, which have always been named after birds, from Falcon and Hummingbird to Eagle, Heron and Nighthawk.

Illustration of birds among clouds, after the IBM Quantum processor families

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 preliminary schedule below. Please note: the programme is not yet final — times, sessions and speakers may still change. Registration opens in early October 2026. We can't wait to see you there!

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

Day 1 – Talks & Workshops Monday, 9 November

University of Stuttgart, Vaihingen

  • 09:00 Registration & Welcome Day 1
  • 09:30 Opening & Information
  • 10:00
    Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
    Rodrigo Pereira — Qiskit Fall Fest organizing team
  • 10:45 Coffee break
  • 11:00
    Introduction to Qiskit
    Software requirements
  • 11:45
    Quantum Computing at Utility-Scale and a Career in Quantum (working title)
    Dr. Sebastian Brandhofer — Research Scientist, IBM Quantum
  • 12:30 Lunch break
  • 13:30
    Technical Talk
    Lavinia Stiliadou — Research Associate, Institute of Architecture of Application Systems (IAAS), University of Stuttgart
  • 14:15
    Quantum Algorithm Design and Applications: From Machine Learning to Chemistry Simulations (working title)
    Dr. Christian Tutschku — Team Leader Quantum Computing, Fraunhofer IAO
  • 15:00 Coffee break
  • 15:30
    Quantum Lab visit 1: Quantum computing lab
    5th Institute of Physics, Pfaffenwaldring 57 – 4th and 5th floors
  • 16:15
    Quantum Lab visit 2: Quantum networking lab
    5th Institute of Physics, Pfaffenwaldring 57 – 4th and 5th floors

Day 2 – Panel & Hackathon Tuesday, 10 November

University of Stuttgart, Vaihingen

  • 09:00 Registration & Welcome Day 2
  • 09:30
    Keynote talk
    David Faller — Managing Director, IBM Germany Research & Development
  • 10:00 Coffee break
  • 10:15
    Panel discussion: the current and future state of quantum computing
    1 h moderated discussion + 30 min Q&A with the audience
    David Faller — Managing Director, IBM Germany Research & Development
    Dr. Alexander Heinrich — Head of the QuantumBW Office
    Prof. Dr. Ilia Polian — Full Professor and Director of the Institute for Computer Architecture and Computer Engineering (ITI), University of Stuttgart and IQST
    Kirsten Bark — Stack Leader Quantum Computing, HQS Quantum Simulations
    Prof. Dr. Tilman Pfau — Full Professor and Head of the 5th Institute of Physics, University of Stuttgart
  • 11:45 Lunch break
  • 13:00
    Hackathon introduction & kick-off
    Dr. Andisheh Khedri — Technical Business Development, HQS Quantum Simulations
  • 13:30
    Hackathon
    Runs until 20:00 – challenges will be posted in the Hackathon section
  • 20:00 Submission deadline

Day 3 – Day at IBM Quantum Wednesday, 11 November

IBM Innovation Studio, Ehningen

  • 10:00 Registration & Welcome Day 3
  • 10:30
    Session by IBM
    Dr. Jan-Rainer Lahmann — IBM Distinguished Engineer and Worldwide IBM Quantum Ambassador Lead
  • 11:15
    Hackathon award ceremony
    Presented by David Faller and Dr. Jan-Rainer Lahmann
  • 11:45 Lunch break
  • 13:00 IBM Innovation Studio tour
  • 14:30
    IBM Quantum Showroom tour
    See a real IBM quantum computer – behind glass, but the real thing!
  • 16:00 Closing
  • This day's schedule is still tentative

Software Requirements


For the Introduction to Qiskit session on Day 1, please bring a laptop with Qiskit already installed. IBM Quantum's Install Qiskit guide walks you through the setup.

Any requirements for other sessions will be added here closer to the event.

Hackathon

The hackathon challenges for 2026 are still being prepared and will be announced closer to the event.

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.
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.
Fraunhofer IAO researches how people, organisations and technology work together, and its quantum computing team develops algorithms, software and tools that help companies put quantum computers to use.
The School for Talents empowers outstanding students at the University of Stuttgart to deepen expertise, connect across disciplines, and tackle societal challenges.
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 University of Stuttgart pioneers quantum technologies, collaborating worldwide within Baden-Württemberg's strong quantum ecosystem.
Stuttgart Media University (HdM) combines media, technology and design, and brings expertise in quantum education and science communication to the Fall Fest team.

About us

We are an interdisciplinary and international team of six from the University of Stuttgart and Stuttgart Media University (HdM), 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, working with IBM on transpilation for multi-chip superconducting quantum computers

LinkedIn

Sebastián Alejandro Morales Ramírez

PhD student in physics, building an experimental quantum network node based on neutral atoms

LinkedIn

Rodrigo Pereira

PhD student, working on transpilation algorithms for neutral-atom quantum computers

LinkedIn

Sara Karouaz

PhD student, developing quantum sensors such as atomic magnetometers and gyroscopes

LinkedIn

Nadine Weber

Research assistant in quantum education at HdM Stuttgart, with an M.Sc. in Computer Science and Media

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.