Updated October 28, 2026
Quantum Research Grants 2026
Open quantum research grants for 2026 in quantum computing, sensing, networking, and materials, from NSF, DOE, DARPA, and private funders. Updated daily.
Quantum research grants in 2026 come mainly from NSF, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and industry partners adding private support; this page lists the opportunities open now. Quantum is one of the clearest federal priorities: the White House's research priorities memo for fiscal 2027 lists AI and quantum information science first, and DOE renewed all five of its National Quantum Information Science Research Centers with $625 million in November 2025.
Featured grants
Updated automatically from Atom's grant database. Summaries are AI-generated.Quantum Matter and Information
Seed funding for early career researchers to form new interdisciplinary teams and pursue innovative, high-impact projects in quantum science and technology.
Quantum networks for distributed quantum computing and distributed quantum sensing
Cisco Systems funds research on quantum networks, focusing on distributed quantum computing and sensing through innovations in entanglement, algorithms, and network architectures.
NSF-UKRI/EPSRC Lead Agency Opportunity on Understanding and Exploiting Quantum Information in Chemical Systems
NSF-UKRI/EPSRC Lead Agency Opportunity on Understanding and Exploiting Quantum Information in Chemical Systems funds U.S. and U.K. teams studying quantum information in chemical systems to advance chemistry.
The funding spans the full stack. NSF supports the Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes, the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory, and individual investigator grants in physics, engineering, and computer science. DOE's Office of Science funds quantum computing, networking, and sensing for science, and DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative tests whether proposed quantum computers can reach practical scale. A bipartisan reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative, which would extend the program and add new NSF quantum centers, cleared the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously in 2026.
This collection ranks open quantum funding across agencies and private funders, covering quantum computing, algorithms, error correction, sensing and metrology, networking, and quantum materials. It updates as new solicitations post and deadlines pass. Center-scale programs often limit how many proposals an institution can submit, so check with your research office early.
Frontiers of Quantum Advantage
IPAM's program brings together top researchers to advance quantum advantage through interdisciplinary work on simulation, error correction, and fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.
NIH Quantum Computing Challenge
The NIH Quantum Computing Challenge funds the development of quantum algorithms to tackle complex biomedical research problems, advancing fields like drug discovery and clinical prediction.
NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory - Quantum Testbeds
NSF seeks proposals for Design- and Implementation-phase Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration projects within the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory, building on existing pilot and design projects.
Harnessing Quantum Networking to Enhance Classical Applications
Cisco Systems funds research on quantum networking to improve classical applications like security, time synchronization, and decision coordination.
NSF-NIH Pathfinder Supplements on Quantum Sensors for Biomedical Science
This NSF-NIH supplement funds collaborations to apply quantum sensing technologies to biomedical and clinical research, advancing quantum innovations for healthcare applications.
The Quantum Monte Carlo Sign Problem: Structure, Complexity, and New Directions
Workshop uniting experts to tackle the Quantum Monte Carlo sign problem and advance simulation methods for quantum many-body systems.
QuSAFE: Quantum-Enabled Approaches for Predictive Preclinical NAMs for Toxicity and Safety
QuSAFE from NIH Challenges funds quantum-enabled sensing innovations to improve predictive performance of in vitro preclinical NAMs for toxicity and safety testing.
Random Quantum Hamiltonians: Physics, Computation, and Complexity
IPAM’s Random Quantum Hamiltonians workshop explores the physics, computation, and complexity of disordered quantum systems through interdisciplinary research.
Google Academic Research Awards
The Google Academic Research Awards fund innovative university research in computing, with a current focus on quantum computing and quantum security.
New Mexico Quantum Technologies Award
The New Mexico Quantum Technologies Award funds early-stage companies advancing quantum science and technology, supporting innovation and growth in New Mexico’s tech sector.
UNIQUE: Unifying Imaging with Quantum Entanglement
UNIQUE funds research to develop quantum-enabled biomedical imaging systems that integrate quantum, anatomical, functional, and molecular data for earlier disease detection.
U.S.-UK Center-to-Centre Collaboration Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Information Science and Technology
NSF offers supplemental funding for current AI and quantum science center awardees to collaborate with UKRI Hubs, advancing joint research, innovation, and workforce development in AI and quantum technologies.
Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Mathematical & Physical Sciences supports researchers pursuing experiments and observations with advanced AI and machine learning to discover new physics or evidence of extraterrestrial technology.
LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC)
The LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC) is seeking research proposals to advance quantum computing and other applications through disruptive fundamental research, collaboration, and fellowship programs, aiming to build a quantum workforce for the future.
Quantum Hub Continuation Award
Quantum Hub Continuation Award supports New Mexico’s quantum companies and entrepreneurs through sustained hub infrastructure and programming to advance commercialization and company growth.
ACS-Moore Postdoctoral Bridge Award in Quantum Materials
ACS-Moore Postdoctoral Bridge Award in Quantum Materials supports postdocs facing financial disruptions with research bridge funding and career development to sustain research and advance academic leadership.
Artificial Intelligence in Materials Science
Artificial Intelligence in Materials Science supports researchers combining AI and physical theories for materials discovery, simulation, inverse design, and autonomous experiments to advance scientific discovery.
Frequently asked questions
NSF, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense fund most quantum research in the US. NSF runs the Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes and the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory, DOE funds five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and DARPA runs programs such as the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is a major private funder of quantum materials research.
Yes. The White House's research priorities memo for fiscal 2027 puts AI and quantum information science at the top of its list, and DOE renewed all five of its quantum research centers with $625 million in November 2025. A bipartisan reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative passed the Senate Commerce Committee in 2026.
Yes. Quantum programs fund computer scientists working on algorithms and error correction, engineers building devices and control systems, chemists and materials scientists developing qubit materials, and mathematicians working on cryptography. Many solicitations encourage interdisciplinary teams.
Yes. NSF early career awards and graduate fellowships fund quantum work, and several quantum centers and institutes support postdocs and workforce training. Check each listing's eligibility for career stage and citizenship, since defense-funded programs often have extra requirements.