Chicago Will Host AI Hackathon in November
The CIQ event will challenge developers to build AI workloads using high-performance hardware clusters.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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CIQ announced a Supercomputing Local AI Hackathon taking place in Chicago from November 13 to November 15, 2026. The competition will host 20 teams tasked with building AI workloads on multi-node clusters.
Why it matters
The event aims to demonstrate the capabilities of AI workloads that utilize multi-node clusters in a hands-on environment. It serves as a testing ground for developers to refine applications at scale.
Teams will utilize Lenovo ThinkStation PGX systems equipped with NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchips. The systems will be connected as a cluster and orchestrated using CIQ Fuzzball software.
The players
CIQ
This company provides software solutions for high-performance computing and is based in Reno, Nev.
Lenovo
This multinational technology company manufactures the ThinkStation systems used during the hackathon.
NVIDIA
This technology firm produces the high-performance Grace Blackwell Superchips used in the competition hardware.
The details
Participating teams, composed of three to five members, will compete across four tracks: Multi-Node Training, Inference at Scale, Scientific AI, and Cluster and Scheduling. Interested participants must submit an application for approval through the registration portal.
Timeline
The event is scheduled to take place from November 13 to November 15, 2026.
The SC26 conference is scheduled for November 2026.
The Tech Race
This hackathon reflects the broader industry push to optimize AI performance on decentralized or local multi-node clusters. It positions edge-based high-performance computing as the next evolution in scaling complex AI workloads.
Local developers and engineers can use this event to gain direct experience with Grace Blackwell Superchip hardware and professional-grade cluster orchestration. The required application approval process means interested parties should apply early to secure a team slot.
The takeaway
This event highlights the increasing importance of multi-node cluster management for developers working on advanced AI applications. Participants gain a competitive edge by mastering high-performance hardware configurations that are becoming standard in industrial AI deployment.
What happens next
The winning teams will be honored with passes to the SC26 conference and featured on an NVIDIA Developer Livestream following the event conclusion in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the field on our Quantum Computing page.
More information
To apply for a competition slot, visit the hackathon application portal.
Live Poll
Would you participate in an intensive technical hackathon to advance your professional skills?
