The DOE Quantum Genesis Q Competition
Technical Objective
Develop and deploy the world's first fault-tolerant, scientifically relevant quantum computing (SRQC) capability for research and development. The competition aims to accelerate the timeline for realizing a transformative quantum computing system that will serve as a foundational pillar of the broader Genesis Mission and advance scientific discovery and innovation in alignment with President Trump's Executive Order on quantum innovation.
Core Technologies
Who Should Apply
Organizations with demonstrated expertise in quantum computing hardware development, quantum error correction, or quantum systems integration. Applicants should have significant R&D capacity and the technical depth to contribute to fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures.
Evaluation Criteria
- 1Technical feasibility and pathway to fault-tolerant quantum computing
- 2Timeline to achieve scientifically relevant quantum computing capability
- 3Innovation and novelty of proposed approach
- 4Team expertise and organizational capacity
- 5Cost and budget realism
Key Dates
| Application Deadline | 2026-10-19 |
Submission Mechanics
Unknown. Standard DOE submission procedures likely apply via grants.gov or DOE's designated portal. Full solicitation documentation required for specific format, page limit, and white paper requirements.
BD Strategic Notes
This is a flagship, high-visibility DOE initiative aligned with Executive Order priorities. Organizations with quantum hardware platforms, superconducting qubit technologies, ion trap systems, or neutral atom approaches—combined with strong error correction capabilities—are ideally positioned. Large technology companies, national labs, and quantum startups with substantial technical depth should compete.
Watch Out For
- Full solicitation details not yet released; award structure and phase breakdown unknown
- Potential National Security Review (NSR) requirements for quantum technology development
- Foreign national and export control restrictions likely given quantum computing sensitivity
- IP ownership and government-use rights terms not yet disclosed