XPRIZE Quantum Applications

XPRIZE Quantum Applications — Phase II

Funds quantum application teams bridging fundamental discovery to practical deployment-ready technologies.

Eligibility · Global — open worldwide

XPRIZE Quantum Applications is a three-year global competition (2024–2027) offering a $5 million prize purse to teams that demonstrate quantum algorithms with measurable advantage for real-world problems. Sponsored by Google Quantum AI as title sponsor and GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator) as presenting sponsor, the competition challenges entrants to solve problems in health, climate, energy, or materials science using quantum computing hardware or software. Phase I concluded with 133 submissions from teams across 31 countries, of which 20 were recognized as semifinalists.

Phase II is currently active with seven finalist teams selected in December 2025. A Wild Card registration window was open from January 14 to March 4, 2026, giving additional qualified teams a final entry route; that window is now closed. Winners will be announced in Spring 2027. Teams compete for a share of the $5 million purse, with evaluation based on projected real-world impact magnitude, quantum resource requirements, evidence quality, and novelty of approach. Eligible team types include subject matter experts, start-ups, student groups, and individual enthusiasts; void in countries subject to US export restrictions.

Competing organizations should enter via the Team Portal at pop.xprize.org/prizes and submit a technical proposal demonstrating quantum advantage on a defined problem. Because the Phase II Wild Card window has closed, only the seven existing finalists are active competitors for Spring 2027 awards. Organizations working on quantum algorithms in life sciences, materials, or energy should monitor XPRIZE channels for any future competition cycles, as XPRIZE competitions typically run new editions after a judging cycle completes.