XPRIZE Quantum Applications, a 3-year, $5M global competition, seeks to generate quantum computing algorithms to solve real-world challenges. The competition, sponsored by Google Quantum AI and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) Foundation, aims to develop new applications for quantum computers to address global issues in climate, sustainability, and health. Despite current limitations of quantum computers, the competition hopes to foster a diverse community of quantum experts, policymakers, and business leaders to identify and unleash the potential of quantum computing algorithms and applications.
Quantum Computing: A Potential Solution to Global Challenges
Quantum computing (QC) is an emerging field that combines computer science, physics, and mathematics. It leverages the computational power of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computing. The XPRIZE Quantum Applications competition, a three-year global contest with a $5 million prize purse, aims to encourage the development of QC algorithms that can be applied to real-world challenges.

The XPRIZE Quantum Applications Competition
The XPRIZE Quantum Applications competition is a global initiative that seeks to stimulate the development of practical applications for quantum computers. The competition, generously supported by Google Quantum AI and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) Foundation, invites teams to create new quantum computing applications that can address complex global issues in areas such as climate, sustainability, and health.
The competition is a response to the current state of quantum computing. While quantum computers are not yet advanced enough to solve real-world societal problems that classical computers cannot, the technology is rapidly evolving. However, relatively few companies and university researchers focus on translating quantum algorithms into real-world application scenarios and assessing their feasibility to address global challenges once sufficiently powerful hardware is available.
The Potential Impact of Quantum Computing
The XPRIZE Quantum Applications competition has the potential to revolutionize how we approach some of the most significant problems facing humanity. This initiative is a testament to XPRIZE’s commitment to pioneering and impactful innovation. It combines XPRIZE’s expertise in designing, launching, and executing large-scale competitions, Google Quantum AI’s extensive knowledge and leadership in advancing quantum computing, and GESDA’s global perspective and ability to convene policymakers and experts to create change.
While the competition marks the initial stages of uncovering the positive impacts of quantum computing on global challenges, some aspirational examples of applications might include enhancing the drug discovery process, making simulations of electrical grid loads more efficient, and reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
The Role of Sponsors in the Competition
The competition is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors. Google Quantum AI, the title sponsor, and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), the presenting sponsor, provide the prize purses and operational funding for the competition.
Competition Guidelines and Winning Criteria
The competition guidelines, which summarize the high-level requirements and procedures of the competition, are based on extensive research and consultation with dozens of experts and researchers across a wide array of relevant fields. The competition is open to teams of innovative groups and individuals, including subject matter experts, enthusiasts, start-ups, student teams, amateurs, and all problem-solvers in between.
To win, teams must submit projects that most accelerate the field of quantum algorithms towards quantum advantage for positive real-world applications. The key criteria include the projected magnitude of positive real-world impact, the estimated quantum resources required for quantum advantage, the strength of the evidence supporting claims for impact and resource requirements, and the novelty of the project.
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