Qiskit Fall Fest 2025

Exploring Quantum Computing with IBM

Join us for an inspiring two-day quantum computing celebration featuring workshops, hands-on labs, and networking with industry experts at the University of Windsor.

About Qiskit Fall Fest 2025

Discover the future of quantum computing

What is Qiskit Fall Fest?

Qiskit Fall Fest is a global celebration championed by the International Year of Quantum (IYQ), with universities worldwide hosting events that highlight the past 100 years of quantum breakthroughs and the future we are building together. We proudly align with the IYQ 100 Years of Quantum celebrations, spotlighting the innovators and communities accelerating quantum discovery.

Hosted by the University of Windsor in collaboration with IBM Quantum and the Provincial Institute of Quantum (PINQ), our festival connects students, researchers, and industry mentors for two days of learning, creativity, and community building.

Qiskit itself is IBM’s open-source software development kit (SDK) for quantum computing. It provides an accessible way to design, simulate, and run quantum circuits on both local machines and real quantum hardware.

Hands-on Workshops

Introductory sessions with IBM Quantum ambassadors and advanced labs exploring Quantum ML with Qiskit.

Interactive Activities

Creative quantum challenges including the Save Schrodinger’s Cat interactive experience and ideation jams.

Collaborative Partners

Built with IBM Quantum and PINQ to empower Windsor-Essex learners with resources, mentorship, and prize-backed challenges.

Event Schedule

2-Day Event: Advanced Computing and Innovation Hub + Microsoft Teams

Day 1 Program – Friday, Nov 14

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Morning Session (Ouellette Ave + MS Teams)

9:30 AM

Registration and Sign-In

10:00 – 10:15 AM

Opening Ceremony (Dr. Kobti)

10:15 – 11:15 AM

Keynote Address (Saasha Joshi, Quantum Computing Researcher at CMC)

11:15 – 12:00 PM

Pizza Lunch

Afternoon Session (Ouellette Ave + MS Teams)

12:00 – 4:00 PM

Intro Workshop with Sean (IBM)

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Hackathon Prompt & Challenges

Day 2 Program – Saturday, Nov 15

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Morning Session (Ouellette Ave + MS Teams)

10:00 – 11:30 AM

Workshop 2: Quantum ML (Nasrin – PhD Student)

11:30 – 12:15 PM

Save Schrodinger’s Cat Interactive Game

Afternoon Session (Ouellette Ave + MS Teams)

1:00 – 2:00 PM

Hackathon Work Session

2:00 – 4:00 PM

Challenges Presentation

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Judging, Awards & Closing Ceremony

Hackathon Experience

Creativity-first challenges with support every step of the way

Our hackathon is a guided creativity sprint — not a traditional coding marathon. We provide prompts, quantum storylines, and all the technical background you’ll need to design imaginative solutions.

Open to everyone: No quantum background required; mentors will be on-site and on Teams to help.

All materials supplied: We share datasets, ideation templates, and examples so teams can focus on their ideas.

Prizes included: Top teams earn prizes and recognition from IBM Quantum, PINQ, and our community partners.

Bring your curiosity, collaborate with new teammates, and showcase your creativity during the presentations on Day 2.

Featured Speakers

Meet our featured speakers

Sean Wagner, Ph.D.

Research Scientist – IBM Quantum Technical Ambassador

IBM Canada Innovation Team

Sean Wagner is a Research Scientist and IBM Quantum Technical Ambassador with the IBM Canada Innovation Team. He will be conducting a hands-on workshop on the first day of the event.