About

Quantum Technology is one of the most exciting emerging fields in the world of digital technology today. While the physics behind quantum theory and application can astound the imagination, there is still a gap in the awareness, understanding, and discussion of its true potential and scale, as well as a lack of clear pathways for young enthusiasts to get involved. Qiskit Fall Fest is an initiative by IBM to bring together Quantum Technology enthusiasts from different backgrounds, through student-led outreach initiatives ranging from panel discussions, hackathons, coding competitions, and more. The theme for 2024: World of Quantum ‘celebrates the international scope of the event series and the rapid growth of the global quantum community.’ 

As a sponsored IBM Qiskit Fall Fest event, the Hendrickson lab presents Quantum Unlocked, which consists of the following events: 

Friday, November 8, 2024
4:15pm - Panel Discussion (103 Hugel Science Center)

8:00pm - Staged Reading of Copenhagen by Michael Frayn (Studio Theatre, 248 N. Third St.)

Saturday, November 9, 2024
1:00pm - Qiskit Workshop (Wilson Room, Pfenning Alumni Center)

2:45pm - Qiskit Challenge (Wilson Room, Pfenning Alumni Center)

5:00pm - Closing Ceremony (Wilson Room, Pfenning Alumni Center)

The panel discussion brings together panelists from various quantum backgrounds to encourage local conversations about emerging quantum technologies and their applications, ranging from theory to practical application. 

The staged reading of Copenhagen by Michael Frayn will engage the audience in the ethics of harnessing emerging science and technologies. The play highlights the role of scientists engaging in weapons development and the role of quantum physicists in developing the atomic bomb in WWII. Thus, the two-day-long event will help engage discussions around the ethical bounds and impacts of emerging technologies, such as quantum information science.

The Qiskit Workshop and Challenge will enable participants to delve into the hands-on application of quantum computing to get a feel for how the technology can be applied in solving real-world problems.