MidQWest Quantum Hackathon 2026

About this event

Chicago Women in HPC is proud to co-organize the MidQWest Quantum Hackathon , a student-led, weekend-long quantum computing hackathon bringing together undergraduate and graduate students from universities across the Midwest.

MidQWest is designed to strengthen the region’s quantum community by giving students an opportunity to learn, collaborate, experiment, and build together. No prior quantum computing experience is required , making the event accessible both to students who are new to quantum and those already developing technical expertise.

Throughout the weekend, participants will work in teams on challenge “quests” spanning areas such as quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, quantum machine learning, and pulse programming . Workshops and crash courses will support participants at different experience levels, while researchers, experienced students, and industry mentors will provide guidance as teams develop their projects.

The hackathon concludes with project demonstrations and judging by representatives from academia and industry, with awards recognizing technical depth, creativity, and real-world applicability.

Participation is completely free for students , with meals and prizes provided. Students may register with an existing team or participate individually and join a team through matching opportunities at the event.

MidQWest brings together student quantum organizations from UIC, the University of Chicago, UIUC, Purdue University, Purdue University Northwest, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison , alongside Chicago Women in HPC and other partners working to strengthen the Midwest quantum ecosystem and build pathways into the emerging quantum workforce.

Who can participate: Undergraduate and graduate students at Midwest universities

Experience required: None

Cost: Free

Dates: November 21–22, 2026

Location: University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL

Learn more and register on the MidQWest website: MidQWest 2026 — Midwest Quantum Hackathon