Global Quantum + AI Challenge
Turning quantum research into industrial outcomes, supported by AI
and high-performance computing.
$200,000 in prizes. 5 enterprise challenges. One goal, turning quantum research into real industrial outcomes, supported by AI and high-performance computing.
In partnership with
Turning quantum potential into practical progress
The Global Quantum + AI Challenge is an international initiative designed to bridge the gap between quantum theory and real-world impact. By uniting enterprises, startups, and research teams, the Challenge accelerates the adoption of quantum, AI, and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies in industries where innovation drives competitive advantage.
Teams
Program duration
Impact
Global visibility
Global
International collaboration and visibility
What is the Global + AI Quantum Challenge?
The Global Quantum + AI Challenge is an annual quantum challenge that connects enterprises, startups, and research teams with real industrial problems. Unlike a hackathon or short-form competition, this quantum challenge runs across multiple months and combines quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing to validate solutions inside enterprise environments.
Teams work on use cases sourced from partners across aerospace, automotive, healthcare, financial services, energy, and the public sector. Each industry stream is anchored by a leading enterprise partner, so the problems are grounded in operational reality rather than abstract benchmarks.
The result is a structured pipeline of benchmarked, deployment-ready quantum and AI solutions with clear paths to pilot projects. For startups and researchers, the Quantum + AI Challenge offers visibility, validation, and access to enterprise decision makers. For enterprises, it offers a neutral evaluation environment to compare credible quantum approaches before committing to internal pilots.
Quantum is the focus of this challenge. Al and high-performance computing are the tools that help turn quantum research into something industry can actually use. In practice, most real-world quantum progress today happens in hybrid environments. Classical computing, Al, and HPC are used alongside quantum systems to design algorithms, validate performance, and bridge the gap between theory and deployment.
Program Roadmap
Apr 2026
Launch Week
Program announced. All posts live. Partner comms sent. Challenge portal open.
Launch - 15 Sep 2026
Phase I - Ideation
Concept proposals accepted from global research community. Phase I closes 15 September 2026.
16 Sep - 14 Nov 2026
Phase I Review
Proposals reviewed by enterprise sponsors and independent assessors. Finalists selected.
Who Can Join — and Why It Matters
Startups & Research Teams
Show your capabilities. Gain visibility and industry connections.
Challenge portal coming soon
Enterprises & End Users
Discover solutions. Accelerate adoption.
Compute & Tool Providers
Demonstrate value. Validate performance.
Mentors & Reviewers
Shape the future. Share expertise.
Startups & Research Teams
Show your capabilities. Gain visibility and industry connections.
Challenge portal coming soon
Enterprises & End Users
Discover solutions. Accelerate adoption.
Compute & Tool Providers
Demonstrate value. Validate performance.
Mentors & Reviewers
Shape the future. Share expertise.
Ready to take part in the Global Quantum + AI Challenge?
Follow these simple steps to join the program.
01
Choose your role
Decide whether you’re applying as a team, enterprise, or technology provider.
02
Prepare your concept
Define your solution idea — it can be based on real-world industry needs or research insights.
03
Submit your application
Complete the short form to express interest and receive submission guidelines.
Our Partners
Driving collaboration and innovation across the Global Quantum + AI Challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Quantum + AI Challenge?
The Global Quantum + AI Challenge is a multi-month international quantum challenge that connects enterprises, startups, and research teams to solve real industrial problems using quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing.
Who can apply to the quantum challenge?
The program is open to four participant groups: startups and research teams developing quantum or hybrid solutions, enterprises and end users seeking applied solutions, compute and tool providers, and mentors and reviewers contributing to evaluation. Each group has a distinct role inside the challenge.
When does the 2026 quantum challenge open?
The 2026 Global Quantum + AI Challenge launches in April 2026. Phase I (Ideation) closes on 15 September 2026, followed by Phase I Review through 14 November 2026.
How is the Quantum + AI Challenge different from a hackathon?
A hackathon compresses problem-solving into days. This quantum challenge runs over several months and includes structured review by enterprise sponsors and independent assessors, with a clear path from concept to pilot. The depth of engagement is closer to a research collaboration than a competition.
What role does AI play in the quantum challenge?
Quantum is the focus of the program. AI and high-performance computing are the tools that make quantum results usable. Most real-world quantum progress today happens in hybrid environments where classical computing, AI, and HPC operate alongside quantum systems to design algorithms, validate performance, and bridge the gap between theory and deployment.