Accelerated Research in Quantum Computing
This grant supports research in quantum computing, focusing on modular software stacks adaptable to diverse hardware and quantum algorithms demonstrating utility for scientific problems.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
Office of Science has archived this opportunity.
Funder: Office of Science - U.S. Department of Energy
Due Dates: May 8, 2024 (Current Closing Date)
Funding Amounts: Total program funding approximately $45 million; individual awards range from $1.25 million to $15 million
Summary: Supports basic research in quantum computing focused on modular software stacks adaptable to diverse hardware and quantum algorithms demonstrating utility for scientific problems.
Key Information: Applicants must select and specify focus on either Topic 1 (Modular Software Stack) or Topic 2 (Quantum Utility); verification protocols and multiple performance metrics are encouraged.
Description
This funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science targets accelerated research in quantum computing, emphasizing the development of a comprehensive software ecosystem to enable practical quantum computing applications. The grant supports basic research to advance two primary areas:
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Topic 1 – Modular Software Stack: Research aimed at creating a general-purpose quantum software stack that is adaptable to multiple quantum hardware architectures. This includes addressing bottlenecks to modularity, enabling integration across diverse hardware, embedding quantum processors in parallel and distributed computing models, and integrating error management throughout the software stack.
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Topic 2 – Quantum Utility: Research focused on developing new quantum algorithms and optimizing the software stack to demonstrate quantum advantage for selected scientific problems aligned with the ASCR mission. This involves selecting generalizable, application-inspired problems, optimizing math kernels and primitives for current and future quantum systems, adapting software stack levels as needed, and estimating quantum resources with metrics such as energy-to-solution.
The FOA encourages applicants to consider multiple performance metrics including qubit count, gate fidelity, and qubit connectivity. Verification protocols and tools are important components for both topics and should be addressed in proposals.
Quantum information science is recognized as a promising field for disruptive computing technologies, but practical quantum applications that outperform classical systems in time-to-solution, power-to-solution, or accuracy have yet to be realized. This grant aims to bridge that gap by supporting foundational research in quantum software and algorithms.
