Chicago Will Host CIQ Supercomputing AI Hackathon
Twenty teams will compete in Chicago this November using multi-node clusters to stress test AI workloads.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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CIQ has announced the Supercomputing Local AI Hackathon, scheduled to take place in Chicago from November 13 to November 15, 2026. This competition will host 20 teams tasked with building AI workloads on high-performance hardware.
Why it matters
The event provides a hands-on environment for engineers to demonstrate AI workloads that utilize multi-node clusters. It focuses on practical applications of distributed computing within real-world constraints.
Participating teams will receive two Lenovo ThinkStation PGX systems, each powered by NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchips. These nodes will be orchestrated using CIQ Fuzzball, a workload management platform, to compete across four distinct technical tracks.
The players
CIQ
A software company focused on enterprise-grade Linux, high-performance computing, and distributed workload management.
Lenovo
A global hardware manufacturer known for its ThinkStation workstation lineup and enterprise-grade server infrastructure.
NVIDIA
A primary designer of graphics processing units and supercomputing chips for AI and scientific workloads.
The details
Teams will consist of three to five members who must architect solutions across four tracks: Multi-Node Training, Inference at Scale, Scientific AI, and Cluster and Scheduling. The hardware stack utilizes the NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip — a high-performance processor designed for accelerated computing — integrated into Lenovo ThinkStation PGX systems. CIQ Fuzzball acts as the orchestration layer, managing the distributed cluster environment for the duration of the hackathon.
Timeline
November 13-15, 2026: CIQ Supercomputing Local AI Hackathon.
November 2026: Supercomputing 2026 conference.
The Tech Race
The hackathon highlights the growing industry shift toward accessible, multi-node distributed training and inference testing. It follows the trajectory established by the broader Supercomputing 2026 conference, emphasizing the need for robust cluster scheduling.
Participation in this event requires formal approval via the application portal for those looking to gain hands-on experience with Grace Blackwell hardware. The competition provides a structured environment for developers to benchmark their custom AI workflows against multi-node configurations.
The takeaway
This event offers a rare chance to work with enterprise-grade multi-node clusters in a test environment. Interested developers should monitor the status of their registration to confirm participation in the November 13 event.
What happens next
Winning teams will be featured on an NVIDIA Developer Livestream following the event, and the top three teams will receive passes to the Supercomputing 2026 conference.
Further reading
For broader trends in hardware orchestration, visit the Quantum Computing section.
More information
To apply for the competition, visit the hackathon application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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