Q-Hack India 2026 — The Quantum Build Challenge
National Quantum Hackathon · Finale 30–31 October 2026The Quantum Build Challenge
Who can take part
Open to students from engineering, science, technology, and related disciplines.
Prior experience, projects, or demonstrated work in the quantum computing domain may be considered as part of the hackathon evaluation.
Team formation rules
- Teams must consist of 3–4 students
- Members can belong to any academic branch / discipline
- Inter-institute teams are allowed
- Solo entries are not permitted
- Teams must participate in person during the final round
Select Your Track
Tracks are broad themes, not predefined problem statements. Teams are free to identify and define their own problem and solution within the selected track.
Quantum Biotech & Chemistry
Explore quantum approaches to drug discovery, molecular simulation, protein modelling, materials science, and computational chemistry.
Quantum Security & Cryptography
Build solutions around post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, secure communications, and the future of cybersecurity.
Quantum AI & Software
Explore quantum machine learning, variational algorithms, circuit optimization, and hybrid quantum-classical software.
Open Quantum Innovation
Explore bold applications of quantum technology across finance, logistics, sensing, sustainability, and other emerging domains.
FROM IDEA TO FINAL PITCH
Follow the journey from Round 1 submissions and selection to mentorship, refinement, and the final showcase at MSRIT Bengaluru.
- Round 1 · Online0127 Sep 2026
ROUND 1 BEGINS
Online submissions open
- Round 1 · Deadline0211 Oct 2026
ROUND 1 DEADLINE
Idea · Prototype · Demo submissions close (9:00 AM)
- Major Milestone0312 Oct 2026
TOP 30 ANNOUNCED
Round 2 selection
- Round 2 · Virtual Sprint0412 Oct – 29 Oct 2026
ROUND 2 — BUILD SPRINT
Mentorship · Refinement · Build
- Grand Finale · Day 10530 Oct 2026
GRAND FINALE — DAY 1
Final Build
Remote - Grand Finale · Day 20631 Oct 2026
GRAND FINALE — DAY 2
Final Pitch · Jury Q&A · Awards
In-person at MSRIT Bengaluru
Round 1 Results Announced
Every team has been emailed their result along with important instructions.
Results Dispatched via Email
Round 1 evaluation results have been emailed to all participating teams along with next instructions. Please check your registered email inbox (including spam/promotions folders). The official list of 45 shortlisted teams advancing to Round 2 is available on the results page.
Judging criteria
Prizes & Awards
Official rewards for national champions and domain innovators
Q-Hack India Champion
Grand prize for the overall national winning team
Q-Hack India Runner-Up
Runner-up award for exceptional quantum algorithmic engineering and execution
Quantum Innovation Award
Recognizing outstanding technical novelty, architectural ingenuity, and creative quantum design
Quantum Impact Award
Recognizing the project with the highest potential real-world utility, relevance, and domain impact
Code of Conduct
All participants, mentors, and judges must adhere to the official Quantum Week Code of Conduct.
Common questions
Who can participate in Q-Hack India 2026?
The hackathon is open to students from engineering, science, technology, and related disciplines (B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc., M.E./M.Tech, M.Sc., and other relevant programs). Prior demonstrated work in quantum computing may be considered during evaluation.
What is the team size rule?
Teams must consist of 3 to 4 students. Solo entries are not permitted. Members can be from any academic branch or discipline.
Are inter-institute / inter-college teams allowed?
Yes! Students from different colleges, universities, and institutions can form a team together.
What are the challenge tracks?
Q-Hack India 2026 features four broad themes: Quantum Biotech & Chemistry, Quantum Security & Cryptography, Quantum AI & Software, and Open Quantum Innovation. Teams are free to identify and define their own problem and solution within the selected track.
What technologies can we use?
Teams are free to use any quantum computing frameworks, open-source libraries, classical simulators, and hybrid quantum-classical software tools. Permitted tools and environment guidelines will be detailed alongside the problem statements.
What will teams be expected to submit?
For Round 1, teams submit an idea presentation (max 10 slides), a demo video (max 3 min), a working prototype, and a GitHub repository URL by 7 October 2026.
Can we submit an AI-generated demo video or voiceover?
No. While visual aids and animations are encouraged to explain complex quantum concepts, the narration and demo must feature real human voiceovers recorded by team members. Videos produced entirely with AI avatars, automated voice synthesizers, or generic video generators are strictly prohibited.
What is the policy regarding AI-generated projects?
Teams must demonstrate genuine human creativity, critical thinking, and quantum engineering. Submissions consisting of complete AI slop — generic hallucinated decks, automated copy-paste code, or unverified outputs without substantive human effort — will be directly rejected.
What is the schedule for Q-Hack India 2026?
Round 1 begins on 27 Sep 2026 with submissions closing on 7 Oct 2026. Top 30 teams are announced on 10 Oct for the Build Sprint (10–29 Oct). Grand Finale takes place 30–31 October 2026 at MSRIT Bengaluru.
What are the cash prizes for Q-Hack India 2026?
The cash prize pool is ₹1,00,000 distributed as: Q-Hack India Champion (₹50,000), Q-Hack India Runner-Up (₹30,000), Quantum Innovation Award (₹10,000), and Quantum Impact Award (₹10,000). All participants will be provided with a certificate officially recognized by IBM.
Will the final round be held in person?
Yes. Shortlisted finalist teams will participate in person at MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru on 30–31 October 2026.