DSU partners with IBM Quantum for Qiskit Fall Fest 2026

October 28, 2026

MADISON, S.D. -- Dakota State University is partnering with IBM Quantum to host a Qiskit Fall Fest 2026 event in November. The event is part of a global IBM Quantum series that offers an in-depth exploration of the emergence of quantum computing through informative, hands-on learning sessions.

IBM Quantum focuses on quantum computing technology that can help solve complex problems traditional computers may struggle to handle. They provide cloud-based access to their quantum computers and educational resources, allowing users to explore quantum computing, develop algorithms, and more.

Qiskit Fall Fest will take place on Nov. 18, 2026, in the DSU Beacom Collaboration Space (BIT 106) in The Beacom Institute of Technology. IBM keynote speaker Dr. Dikran Meliksetian will give a lecture from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by hands-on workshop sessions from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is beginner-friendly, free, and open to the public.

The event will give participants opportunities to learn about ongoing quantum computing accomplishments and capabilities and work with the technology. The event will cover the fundamentals of quantum computing, quantum programming with Qiskit, and an interactive game demonstrating quantum technology in cybersecurity.

Dr. Mariam Gado, DSU assistant professor in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, is leading the event.

With both a master's degree and Ph.D. in quantum computing, Gado dedicated this past summer to continue expanding her expertise in quantum. She earned the Faculty Immerse Quantum Technician Certificate, a hands-on quantum lab training for faculty held by CNM in the Fuse Lab in New Mexico. This certificate included applying many quantum experiments.

Additionally, Dr. Gado and four students participated in the IBM Qiskit Global Summer School 2026, where she earned the Quantum Excellence Badge. She also completed the IBM Road to Practitioner Program (R2P) with three other faculty members.

The Qiskit Fall Fest will feature an introduction to quantum computing by IBM Quantum speaker Dr. Dikran Meliksetian. Currently a professor of computer science at the University of New Haven, Dr. Meliksetian is a former software architect and senior technical staff Member at IBM. He is a quantum expert, additionally working part-time at the Quantum and Nanotechnology Center at Southern Connecticut State University. His lecture will cover qubits, superposition, and entanglement, how quantum computers work, and common applications and current limitations.

Bring a laptop along for the first workshop, where participants can create their first superposition with Qiskit. This workshop will teach attendees how to program quantum concepts and learn how to create a basic quantum circuit, implement quantum gates, and measure qubits.

The second workshop is an interactive Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) board game. This activity demonstrates how quantum concepts can be used in real-world applications. No programming experience is required, and volunteer assistance will be available throughout both workshops.

Registration is open, and participants who register and attend all three sessions in person will receive a Quantum Day at DSU participation certificate. Reach out with any questions to Gado at [email protected] with "IBM Fall Fest 2026" as the subject line.

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