IBM Quantum · Qiskit Fall Fest 2026
The first Qiskit Fall Fest in Central Asia
- Nazarbayev University · Astana, Kazakhstan
- 5 Saturdays
- 24 October - 21 November
- Free
01
About the fest
IBM Qiskit Fall Fest is an annual initiative that brings together thousands of quantum enthusiasts.
This year, it will happen in Astana, Kazakhstan for the first time. Dive into quantum computing, learn about its significant potential, and challenge your skills at the QFFCA’26 Hackathon.
02
What you get
- Lectures with an introduction to quantum computing and Qiskit
- Access to real IBM quantum computers through the IBM Quantum Platform
- Lab tours: Quantum Sensors Lab and Intermediate Physics Lab (Optics)
- A week-long hackathon where you can turn what you learn into working projects with Qiskit
03
Program
Read it as a quantum circuit — every week is a qubit, every session is a gate, and the hackathon is the measurement.
- H — lecture
- RY — practice
- T — speaker
- ⊕ — CNOT
- — hackathon
Week 1 · 24 October
lecture · TBD
Quantum Computing: State-of-the-Art
1st lecture by Salizhan K.
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Hackathon
A week-long hackathon with 4 tasks and 1 optional project.
- Format
- 4 tasks and 1 optional project.
- Teams
- From 1 to 3 participants.
- Span
- Week-long; 14 November - 21 November
05
Register
The fest is for university students, high-schoolers and independent researchers.
Deadline: 22 October 2026 Format: Hybrid
The application takes about 3–5 minutes. Your answers are sent directly to the organizing team.
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FAQ
Yes. The lectures start from the ground up and assume no university coursework. If you can follow along and you're curious, you belong here.
Yes. To better understand the material: (a) review linear algebra on Khan Academy; (b) watch “A Beginner’s Guide to Quantum Computing” by Shohini Ghose on YouTube.
A basic level helps. Week 3 is dedicated to a beginner-friendly guide to programming with Qiskit.
No. You can attend the lectures and lab tours without joining the hackathon.
English.
You may participate individually or in a group of up to three people.