Quantum Insider announces the 2026 Global Quantum + AI Challenge to accelerate practical quantum use cases. The year-long, two-phase program brings together companies, researchers, and quantum technology providers to solve real-world industry problems
The Quantum Insider (TQI), powered by Resonance, today announced the 2026 Global Quantum + AI Challenge. This is a carefully selected international program designed to accelerate practical, enterprise-relevant quantum use cases in areas where computational performance drives competitive advantage.
The 2026 program builds directly on the Global Challenge Series pioneered by TQI in 2024 in collaboration with Airbus, BMW, and AWS, expanding the scope and depth of company participation, technical assistance, and proof of concept (PoC) pathways.
In 2026, the challenge will convene a broader set of industry problem owners and solution teams to move from concept proposals to PoC-grade demonstrators tied to real-world operational needs.
The 2026 Challenge will run as a one-year program starting today. This is structured as a two-part challenge.
- Phase I (Idea): Teams submit concept proposals that align with the company’s problem statement, including technical approach, expected impact, and validation plan.
- Phase II (PoC Sprint): A finalist cohort will be selected to build PoC-grade demonstrators with access to enablement tools, expert office hours, and computing resources.
The challenge is designed to bridge theory and deployment, focusing on practical quantum use cases and reliable paths to validation, including benchmarks, workflow definitions, and PoC demonstrations.
The 2026 Global Quantum + AI Challenge will award a total prize pool of $200,000 across five enterprise challenges, with $40,000 allocated to each challenge.
Prizes will be determined by a final panel of judges and awarded to the top performing teams in each challenge track. The complete distribution of prizes, eligibility conditions and award criteria are available on the portal.
“Building on the Global Challenge series we pioneered in 2024 with Airbus, BMW, and AWS, the 2026 Global Quantum + AI Challenge is designed to move the conversation from curiosity to trusted verification,” said Alex Challans, CEO of Resonance. “We convene companies with real, high-value problem statements and pair them with the teams and tools they need to test practical quantum use cases in a disciplined, results-driven manner.”
Corporate challenges
Five global companies will challenge teams to demonstrate how quantum computing can address high-value operational problems through structured proof-of-concept development.
- Airbus — Quantum Solver: Enhanced Predictive Aerodynamic Modeling Capabilities
- Cleveland Clinic — Unraveling untreatable targets: quantum simulations of allosteric signal propagation
- E.ON — Quantum-Enabled Grid Expansion Plan for Power Distribution System Energy Networks
- HSBC — Quantum-enhanced credit card fraud detection for the digital payments ecosystem
- Volkswagen Group innovations — quantum-enhanced visual, language and behavioral models for autonomous driving and robotics applications
Apply now
The application is currently open. Teams can view the complete problem statement, eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and submit proposals. https://quantumaiportal.thequantuminsider.com/.
Eligible applicants include startups, researchers, universities, and industry teams working on quantum and quantum-enabled approaches.
program partner
- company: Airbus, Cleveland Clinic, E.ON, HSBC, Volkswagen Group Innovation.
- Regional ecosystem partners: South Carolina Quantum (Regional Host and Ecosystem Revitalization).
- Enabling technology: Amazon Braket (cloud access and orchestration) and Classiq (software layer).
Access to quantum devices for the challenge will be provided through AWS Amazon Braket. Computing vendors and broader technology providers interested in supporting finalists, enabling PoCs, or exploring sponsorship packages beyond quantum device access are invited to get in touch to discuss partnership and activation options.
Independent technical expertise will be provided by MITER, whose quantum science team will support rigorous evaluation of submissions and help ensure PoC-grade demonstrators meet reliable technical benchmarks.
timeline snapshot
- April 16, 2026: Public access and application window open. Initiation of Phase I idea proposal
- September 15, 2026: Phase I deadline
- September to November 2026: Phase I completed. Proposals reviewed by corporate sponsors and independent evaluators. Finalists have been selected
- November 2026 – February 2027: Phase II – PoC sprint begins. Technical onboarding, office hours, and workshops
- March-April 2027: Final jury review. Winners will be announced on April 30, 2027
Dates are subject to change. Check out the latest updates on the Challenge Portal.
Sponsors and partners receive tailored information through press moments, interviews, thought leadership content, webinars, and newsletters tailored to their engagement package.
quotation
“For this year’s edition, we’re looking for breakthrough innovations that not only meet our standards, but also redefine the upper limits of technology benchmarks. The ability to accurately model aerodynamics is critical to designing for maximum efficiency. The question we’re asking challenge candidates is, ‘Can you develop an alternative solution that can radically increase our design capabilities?'”
— Isabell Gradert, Airbus Vice President, Central Research and Technology
“At Cleveland Clinic, we are using quantum computing to realize scientific advances never thought possible. By joining us in this challenge, we hope to inspire the next generation of students to learn how their skills can advance life-saving research around the world.”
— Dr. Lara Jehi, Chief Research and Information Officer, Cleveland Clinic
“At E.ON, we are tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges related to the energy transition, and we believe that quantum computing will be a key enabling technology. We see the TQI Global Quantum + AI Challenge program as a booster for quantum exploration of grid expansion, and we look forward to collaborating with global talent from around the world.”
— Dr. Corey O’Meara, E.ON Principal Quantum Scientist
“By joining Quantum Insider and the broader ecosystem in the Global Quantum Challenge, we are connecting real financial services challenges with a global community of researchers, startups, and practitioners to accelerate practical experimentation, develop talent, and deliver tangible impact.”
— Dr. Philip Intalula, Head of Quantum Technologies Group, HSBC
“As a deployment partner in the Global Quantum Challenge, South Carolina is aligning university-led research at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University with real-world validation. Led by visiting researchers, this effort strengthens our technological capabilities while positioning the state as a full-fledged participant in the global quantum ecosystem.”
— Dave Evensbrooks, South Carolina Quantum Communications
“Electrification has transformed the way vehicles move. Quantum computing and AI are redefining the way vehicles think. We are inviting the world’s leading innovators to join us in our exploration of ultra-efficient quantum-powered cognitive engines that will shape the future of self-driving mobility.”
— Dr. Arne-Christian Voigt, Volkswagen Group, Next Generation Computing
“While the quantum hardware race often gets the most attention, making quantum computing a reality requires similar innovations in algorithms and software. The Global Quantum + AI Challenge is designed to accelerate that work by combining enterprise problems with world-class technical talent and real-world quantum infrastructure. AWS is proud to sponsor this effort and provide access to a wide range of quantum technologies through Amazon Braket.”
— Eric Kessler, General Manager, Amazon Braket, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
“The industry needs more than just strong quantum ideas. It needs the ability to clearly model use cases, develop them efficiently, and validate them in a disciplined manner. This challenge brings these elements together. With this partnership, Classiq is proud to support that process, make it more practical, and provide teams with a clear path from idea to execution.”
— Nil Minervi, CEO of Classiq
“Working with industry and government to support the continued advancement of quantum technologies and the expansion of the quantum workforce is a key part of our public interest mission. This public-private partnership is essential to converting new breakthroughs into real-world capabilities while ensuring the talent pipeline keeps pace with technology.”
— Yaakov S. Weinstein, MITER Quantum Technology Principal Investigator
About Quantum Insider
Quantum Insider is the trusted source for quantum industry intelligence and analysis. TQI supports the commercialization of quantum technology and its adoption across businesses and government through research, media, and ecosystem programs.
About resonance
Resonance is a deep technology ecosystem partner that supports commercialization programs, partnerships, and strategic initiatives across emerging technologies.
