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Find similar grantsDARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) is sponsored by DARPA. Aims to determine the feasibility of building industrially useful quantum computers much faster than conventional predictions, rigorously verifying and validating quantum computing approaches.
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Department of War organization. Quantum Benchmarking Initiative QBI aims to significantly increase engagement with and funding for quantum computing hardware companies that believe they have what it takes to make it through DARPA’s rigorous verification and validation process.
| 2:45 | More information on DVIDS Source: DARPA | Spencer Bruttig In the simplest terms, the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) seeks to determine whether it’s possible to build an industrially-useful computer by 2033. Specifically, QBI is designed to rigorously verify and validate whether any quantum computing approach can achieve utility-scale operation — meaning its computational value exceeds its cost.
QBI is not a competition between performers: DARPA is interested in evaluating all viable approaches for which there is available funding. Successful performers will progress through three stages: Stage A: Describe a utility-scale quantum computer concept that has a plausible path to realization in the near term.
Stage B: Describe a Research and Development Plan capable of realizing the utility-scale quantum computer, the risks associated with that plan and the planned risk mitigation steps, and the prototypes needed to burn down these risks. | Learn more about Stage B teams Stage C: Work with the Government to Verify and Validate that their utility-scale quantum computer concept can be constructed as designed and operated as intended.
In addition to funding performers, QBI will add value to their ongoing research and development efforts by providing unbiased third-party verification and validation of an organization’s path to a utility-scale quantum computer. QBI will also effectively communicate the results of this verification and validation effort to other U.S. government stakeholders.
QBI is an expansion of the existing DARPA Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC). QBI is separate from but related to the existing Quantum Benchmarking (QB) program, which sought to determine the yardstick for impact.
Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) Stage A QBI Topic Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Quantum Benchmarking Initiative expands quest to separate hype from reality DARPA, State of New Mexico establish framework to advance quantum computing DARPA, State of Maryland sign agreement to propel quantum research DARPA eyes companies targeting industrially useful quantum computers DARPA selects two discrete utility-scale quantum computing approaches for evaluation DARPA to host meeting, discussions with quantum computing companies Moving quantum computing from hype to prototype Voices from DARPA: The Quantum Mechanic | Ep 71
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Universities, Nonprofits, State/local governments, For-profit organizations. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) is funded by DARPA. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
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