Hands-on Qiskit
Hands-on, browser-based Qiskit labs — write and run real quantum circuits.
at NC A&T State University · JSNN
Qiskit Fall Fest2026
A campus-wide celebration of quantum computing — hands-on Qiskit workshops, speaker sessions, and a coding competition. Come curious, leave a quantum programmer.
- Hybrid
- In-Person & Virtual
- Nov 12–14
- 2026
- Open to All
- No Experience Needed
About the Event
Three days to take your quantum leap
Qiskit Fall Fest is a global celebration of quantum computing run by students, for students. At NC A&T, we're bringing the Aggie community together for a hybrid experience packed with learning, building, and connecting.
Community
Meet students, faculty, and researchers exploring quantum.
Competition
Team up for a friendly quantum coding challenge — hackathon recognition and awards.
All Levels
Curated tracks for beginners through advanced builders.
What Will We Accomplish?
Workshops
Guided labs walk you from your first qubit to multi-gate algorithms using Qiskit.
Networking
Connect with the quantum community — peers, mentors, and IBM Quantum advocates.
Competition
Put your new skills to the test in a timed challenge — hackathon recognition and awards.
Why Quantum?!
The Next Frontier
Quantum computing is reshaping cryptography, chemistry, and optimization.
Career Ready
Early quantum skills set you apart as the industry scales rapidly.
Real Impact
Tackle problems classical computers simply cannot solve efficiently.
Speakers
Featured Speakers
Leading voices from quantum research, industry, and academia — with more to be announced.
Featured Speaker
Dr. Carolyn Hartley
Emerging Technology Lead, IBM Chief Sustainability Office · IBM Quantum Ambassador
IBM · Raleigh, North Carolina
“Introduction to Quantum Computing & the IBM Quantum Platform”
Read bio →
Dr. Rachel Noek
Technical Program Manager / Senior Research Scientist
Duke Quantum Center · Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
“A Quantum Advantage Computer as an NSF Funded National Resource”
Read bio →
Dr. Katanya B. Kuntz
Founder, CEO & Chief Quantum Scientist, Qubo Consulting Corp
Research Associate, Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo
“From Quantum Research to Enterprise: Careers, Entrepreneurship & Opportunities in the Quantum Industry”
Read bio →
Dr. Olusola T. Odeyomi
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
North Carolina A&T State University
“Quantum AI: Where Quantum Computing Meets Machine Learning”
Read bio →
Dr. Krystal Maughan
Quantum Mathematical Researcher
PhD in Computer Science, University of Vermont
“Quantum-Safe Cryptography: Where Number Theory Meets Quantum Computing”
Read bio →
Dr. Quinton Rice
Teaching Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
North Carolina A&T State University
“The importance of quantum computing and its role in science and engineering”
Read bio →
Dr. Patrick Flanigan
Postdoctoral Researcher
North Carolina Central University
“The Physics of Quantum Computing & Photonic Entanglement”
Read bio →
Dr. Christopher C. Doss
Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering · Director, Mobile Health Interoperability Lab
North Carolina A&T State University
“Qubit Control Research at NCAT”
Read bio →Schedule
Three days, one quantum leap
Tap any day to explore its sessions and speakers. Final dates will be confirmed closer to the event.
Venue
Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN)
2907 East Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27401
Can't make it in person? Every session streams live for virtual attendees.
Prerequisites
Come as you are — here's all you really need.
Programming
Basic Python is helpful but not required.
Hardware
A laptop; we run everything in the cloud.
Software
Just a browser — no local install needed.
Enthusiasm
Curiosity is the only real prerequisite.
The Team
The people making it happen
A dedicated crew of students, researchers, and mentors across institutions bringing quantum computing to campus.
Godwin Micah Smart
Lead Organizer
Physicist, Computational Data Science & Engineering, NC A&T
Leading the planning and coordination of Qiskit Fall Fest 2026, working with IBM Quantum/Qiskit, faculty, speakers, and campus partners to expand quantum computing education and opportunities at NC A&T.
Emmanuel E. Umukoro
Co-Organizer
Physics, NCCU · Electrical & Computer Engineering, Duke University
Driving speaker outreach, program design, and partnership development for Qiskit Fall Fest 2026.
Opeyemi Akanbi
Co-host
University of Massachusetts Lowell
PhD Candidate in Physics, Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Fahed Daibes
Technical Lead · Hackathon Coordinator
Lebanese American University
DevOps and systems engineer and certified Qiskit developer. Coordinates the hackathon and leads the event’s technical side, including the website, registration system, and platform, along with flyers, brochures, and promotional design.
Ikenna Odezuligbo
Co-Organizer
PhD Student, Artificial Intelligence, University of the Cumberlands
PhD student in Artificial Intelligence at the University of the Cumberlands; supporting Fall Fest hackathon organizing and outreach.
Temitope Odeyomi Adeniyi
Co-Organizer & Advisor
Cleveland State University
Qiskit developer with prior Fall Fest organizing experience. Advising on hackathon structure and event logistics.
Anika Akther
Event Operations & Participant Experience
Industrial & Systems Engineering, NC A&T
Supports participant registration, attendee guidance, venue navigation, session coordination, guest assistance, and general on-site logistics throughout the three-day event.
Timilehin Gloria Adedeji
Event Operations & Participant Experience
Industrial & Systems Engineering, NC A&T
Supports volunteer recruiting, participant registration, attendee guidance, venue navigation, session coordination, guest assistance, and general on-site logistics throughout the three-day event.
Biswas Asha Rahman
Event Operations & Participant Experience
PhD Student, Industrial & Systems Engineering, NC A&T
Helping the team with organizing, registration, and event setup.
Don McTaggart, PhD
Co-Organizer & Master of Ceremonies
PhD in Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Materials scientist with a PhD in Chemistry from UNC Chapel Hill and past President of the UNC Materials Research Society, where he organized multi-university research conferences. He serves as co-organizer and master of ceremonies for Fall Fest.
Advisors
Faculty Advisors
Guiding the program with deep expertise in computational and quantum science.
Dr. Marwan Bikdash
Faculty Advisor
Chair, Computational Data Science & Engineering, NC A&T
Dr. Kristen Rhinehardt
Faculty Advisor
Associate Professor & Assistant Chair, Computational Data Science & Engineering, NC A&T
Dr. Gurcan Comert
Faculty Advisor
Computational Data Science & Engineering, NC A&T
Register
Claim your spot at Fall Fest 2026
Free to attend. Pick the format that works for you — both come with the full Qiskit experience.
This is an on-campus event — in-person is recommended. The hands-on labs and hackathon are the heart of it.
Certificate
A shareable certificate of completion.
Knowledge & Skills
Real, applied quantum programming experience.
Networking
Connections across the quantum community.