This summer, Scotland is once again hosting the Quantum Fringe Festival (QF26) — a two‑month programme of events exploring the latest developments in quantum computing and its real‑world applications. Running from May to July 2026, Quantum Fringe is bringing together researchers, industry, government and the public to engage with one of the fastest‑evolving areas of science and technology. Building on the success of previous years, the festival continues to position Scotland as a key hub for quantum research, collaboration and innovation. A growing quantum ecosystem Led by the University of Edinburgh’s Quantum Software Lab (QSL) in partnership with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), Quantum Fringe 2026 brings together a wide network of partners across academia, industry and government.The festival showcases work across the quantum computing stack — from hardware and algorithms to verification, benchmarking and applications — providing a platform for exploring how quantum technologies are moving from theory to practical use in areas such as cybersecurity, materials science, data science and artificial intelligence. A festival model inspired by Edinburgh Taking inspiration from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Quantum Fringe adopts a model of open participation. Alongside a core programme organised by QSL and its partners, the festival includes a growing number of affiliated events led by institutions and organisations across Scotland and beyond.This distributed approach creates opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and public engagement, helping to strengthen connections across the UK’s quantum ecosystem. Key events in 2026 The 2026 programme includes a range of technical workshops, industry‑focused events and outreach activities. Among the publicly accessible events are: AIMDay: Quantum Computing Friday 12 June A challenge‑led academic–industry meeting where organisations submit real‑world problems and collaborate directly with researchers, students and experts in focused workshop sessions to explore solutions and identify opportunities for future partnership. Event details Tartan Quantum Error Correction (TartanQEC) Workshop Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 June A specialist research workshop bringing together international academics and industry experts to explore practical approaches to quantum error correction. The programme includes talks and discussions focused on implementation challenges, benchmarking, and near‑term system design. Event details Young Quantum Researchers Summer School Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 July A three‑day summer school introducing senior school students to the fundamentals of quantum computing and research careers. The programme includes lectures from Quantum Software Lab researchers, hands‑on coding sessions, and opportunities to learn about studying and working in the field. Event details Alongside these, the wider programme includes specialist workshops, invited events, and collaborative forums addressing topics such as verification, benchmarking, quantum networks and industry adoption. Strengthening collaboration and impact Quantum Fringe plays an important role in supporting the UK’s ambitions for quantum technologies, as outlined in the National Quantum Strategy. By bringing together diverse communities — from early‑career researchers to industry leaders — the festival helps foster the collaboration needed to develop practical quantum applications.Through initiatives such as AIMDay workshops and partnership events, Quantum Fringe creates opportunities to translate research into impact, connecting academic expertise with real‑world challenges. Looking ahead As the field continues to evolve, Quantum Fringe 2026 highlights the importance of building an integrated ecosystem around quantum technologies — spanning research, infrastructure, industry adoption and skills development.The festival reflects the University of Edinburgh’s ongoing contribution to this space through the Quantum Software Lab, which continues to play a central role in advancing quantum computing research and collaboration in the UK and internationally. Related links Find out more about Quantum Fringe 2026 Quantum Software Lab Publication date 13 May, 2026
