The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is set to host a meeting with quantum computing companies from around the world on September 3, 2024, as part of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The goal of the hybrid in-person and virtual event is to introduce the research and development community to DARPA’s vision and goals for developing an industrial-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer.
QBI Program Manager Joe Altepeter will lead individual sidebar discussions with participating companies to discuss their approaches and determine which show the most promise for success. The meeting is open to US and international quantum computing companies and organizations, with registration open until August 27 or when capacity is reached. DARPA aims to make a larger number of awards under QBI compared to its previous US2QC program. Performers chosen for QBI will focus on developing utility-scale quantum computer concepts, robust research plans, and identifying applications and algorithms that provide demonstrated utility.
Quantum Computing Companies Invited to DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is hosting a proposers day on September 3, 2024, for quantum computing companies that believe they are on track to develop an industrial-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in the near term. The goal of this hybrid in-person and virtual event is to introduce the quantum computing research and development community to DARPA and the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) vision and goals.
The QBI proposers day aims to explain the mechanics and milestones of the QBI solicitation, and solicit and reply to questions from attendees. Additionally, DARPA will offer individual, brief sidebar discussions (in person or virtually) with QBI Program Manager Joe Altepeter. These sidebars will provide an opportunity for companies to discuss their approaches and receive feedback from DARPA.
The proposers day and sidebar discussions are open to U.S. and international quantum computing companies and organizations. This event is particularly significant, as fault-tolerant quantum computers have the potential to be transformative for a variety of scientific and industrial applications. As Altepeter noted, “We’re eager to hear from and work with an expanded pool of quantum computing firms…to determine which approaches show the most promise for success and then help advance those approaches.”
Focus Areas for Quantum Computing Companies
Performers chosen for QBI will focus on one or more of the following efforts, depending on the maturity of their approach and technology. These areas include:
Developing and describing a utility-scale quantum computer concept that has a plausible path to realization in the near term. This involves creating a computational system that exceeds its cost, making it a viable option for various applications.
Developing and describing a robust research and development plan that reduces key risks associated with constructing a utility-scale quantum computer. This requires identifying potential roadblocks and outlining strategies to mitigate them.
Identifying and validating quantum computer applications and algorithms that provide demonstrated utility. This involves exploring the practical uses of quantum computing and developing software that can harness its power.
Working with the government to verify and validate that the utility-scale quantum computer concept can be constructed as designed and operated as intended. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring that the developed technology meets the required standards and specifications.
Registration and Proposal Submission
Registration for the QBI proposers day is open until August 27, 2024, or when capacity is reached, whichever comes first. For full details about the proposers day, interested parties can refer to the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) Proposers Day Special Notice.
A QBI solicitation with full details for submitting a proposal is anticipated to be published on SAM.gov before the QBI proposers day. This will provide companies with the necessary information to prepare and submit their proposals.
The Future of Quantum Computing
The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative marks an important step towards the development of industrial-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. By engaging with a diverse range of quantum computing companies and organizations, DARPA aims to accelerate progress in this field and unlock its vast potential for scientific and industrial applications.
As Altepeter emphasized, “Fault-tolerant quantum computers…could be transformative for a variety of scientific and industrial applications.” The QBI proposers day and subsequent sidebar discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of quantum computing and identifying the most promising approaches to achieving this goal.
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