Quantum Computing Competitions & Scholarships
1. Major Competitions in Quantum Computing
XPRIZE Quantum Applications
A big, global competition with a US$5 million prize purse.
XPRIZE
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Focuses on creating practical quantum algorithms to address real-world problems in climate, health, sustainability, etc.
XPRIZE
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XPRIZE
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Teams must propose novel quantum applications, assess their feasibility, and estimate required quantum resources.
XPRIZE
Quantum Algorithm Grand Challenge (QAGC)
A global contest for students and researchers interested in quantum algorithms.
Grand Challenge
Provides a benchmarking platform where participants submit quantum algorithm proposals that are evaluated on standard metrics.
Grand Challenge
Encourages innovation on near-term (NISQ) devices.
Grand Challenge
TCS Quantum Challenge
Organized by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
qcshub.org
Participants solve real-life business problems using quantum computing.
qcshub.org
Cash prizes awarded: for example, in 2023, a total of £6,000 GBP was given.
qcshub.org
Quantum Challenge by Center for Advancing Innovation (CAI)
Open innovation contest: anyone can submit an idea, even with no prior quantum experience.
centerforadvancinginnovation.com
Includes mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and potential prize money.
centerforadvancinginnovation.com
Designed to commercialize quantum ideas that address global challenges.
centerforadvancinginnovation.com
Quantum Hackathon (India)
The National Quantum Hackathon Alliance is hosting quantum hackathons in India.
nationalquantumhackathon.in
Supported by major companies (e.g., Google, Intel, Cisco) and IITs.
nationalquantumhackathon.in
Participating gives you a chance to win cash prizes and gain real-world quantum exposure.
nationalquantumhackathon.in
2. Scholarships and Grants for Quantum Computing
Future Leaders in Quantum Computing Scholarship (Australia)
Offered by Sydney Quantum Academy and the ARC Training Centre for Future Leaders in Quantum Computing (FLiQC).
Sydney Quantum Academy
Supports a PhD program with a stipend of A$41,753 per year (2025 rate).
Sydney Quantum Academy
Includes industry-partnered research, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Sydney Quantum Academy
Macquarie University Quantum Computing Scholarship
For PhD students contributing to quantum computing research (e.g., algorithms, devices, architectures).
Macquarie University
Part of FLiQC, funded by the Australian Research Council.
Macquarie University
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Micius Quantum Prize
While not exactly a “student scholarship,” it is a high-prestige award in quantum information science.
Wikipedia
Given by the Micius Quantum Foundation (Chinese Academy of Sciences).
Wikipedia
Prize value: ~1,000,000 ¥ (around US$150,000).
Wikipedia
How Quantum Is Life? Essay Competition
Organized by the Foundational Questions Institute (FQxI) and Paradox Science Institute.
The Global Scholarship
Open to a wide audience (students, researchers, independent thinkers).
The Global Scholarship
Explores the intersection of quantum physics and biology.
The Global Scholarship
Prize: US$10,000 for top essays.
The Global Scholarship
3. Other Learning & Participation Opportunities
QCaMP (Quantum Computing, Math & Physics Camp):
A 4-week summer program for high school students to learn quantum information science.
arXiv
BeyondQuantum Program:
A 12-week online programme (for high-schoolers or early undergraduates) to learn quantum computing, physics, and research basics. > According to a Reddit post, they provide some scholarship spots / reduced fees.
MIT iQuHACK Hackathon:
A very popular quantum computing hackathon hosted by MIT. > According to participants, it's free to attend, open to everyone, and includes challenges + prizes.
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4. Tips to Apply & Succeed
Start Early — Many quantum competitions and scholarships are open to students with little to moderate experience.
Learn the Basics — Familiarize yourself with quantum computing through online courses (Qiskit, Cirq, etc.).
Form Teams — For hackathons, forming a team with diverse skills (physics, coding, domain knowledge) helps.
Work on Real-World Problems — Competitions like XPRIZE favor applications with real impact.
Build a Strong Proposal — For challenges that ask for algorithm ideas, clearly articulate the problem, your quantum solution, expected impact, and feasibility.
Network — Use Slack / Discord groups, quantum clubs, and university quantum labs for mentorship and collaboration.
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