Call for Nominations: Google Academic Research Awards

Google has launched a global call for research proposals to support innovative academic research in quantum computing. The 2026 funding cycle focuses on Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms & Applications and Quantum Computing Security, with applications open to eligible faculty members at degree-granting institutions worldwide.

Google Quantum Computing Research Awards

Google is inviting proposals from academic researchers to advance cutting-edge research in quantum computing through its global research funding program.

The current funding cycle supports foundational and applied research that addresses critical challenges in quantum computing, including the development of practical quantum algorithms for early fault-tolerant quantum systems and improving the security of quantum computing infrastructure.

The program aims to accelerate scientific discovery, encourage academic innovation, and strengthen collaboration between universities and Google in emerging areas of computing and technology.

Program Overview

Program Name: Google Quantum Computing Research Awards – Global Call for Proposals

Organized By: Google

Program Type: Academic Research Grant

Research Focus: Quantum Computing

Eligible Applicants: Faculty members at degree-granting institutions

Geographic Scope: Global

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support innovative quantum computing research.
• Advance foundational and applied computing research.
• Accelerate the development of practical quantum technologies.
• Encourage academic collaboration in quantum science.
• Promote secure and reliable quantum computing systems.
• Address key technical challenges limiting quantum computing adoption.

Research Areas

Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms and Applications

Google is seeking research that develops:

• Algorithms for early fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• Applications requiring relatively few logical qubits.
• Solutions to computational problems that are difficult or impossible for classical computers.
• Practical use cases for early quantum hardware.
• Efficient quantum algorithm design.

Quantum Computing Security

Research proposals may address topics such as:

• Security of quantum computing systems.
• Protection against intellectual property theft.
• Cybersecurity challenges affecting quantum research.
• Vulnerabilities at the classical-to-quantum interface.
• Practical attacks targeting quantum computing infrastructure.
• Secure implementation of quantum technologies.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

• Assistant Professors.
• Associate Professors.
• Full Professors.
• Other eligible faculty members.
• Researchers at degree-granting academic institutions.
• Faculty members actively supervising students and conducting research in computing or technology.

Co-Principal Investigator Eligibility

Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) are generally expected to meet the same eligibility requirements as the Principal Investigator.

An exception may apply where the Co-PI is a postdoctoral researcher.

Proposal Requirements

Applications should include:

• Proposal title.
• Principal Investigator’s full name.
• Contact information.
• Institutional affiliation.
• Abstract summarizing the proposed research.
• Research goals.
• Problem statement.
• Detailed description of the proposed work.
• Expected outcomes and anticipated results.
• Relationship of the project to previous research.
• Applicant qualifications and expertise.
• Explanation of how Google funding will strengthen ongoing research (if applicable).
• Description of any required products, methodologies, or technical requirements.
• Data-sharing policy explaining plans to make research outputs available to the wider research community.

Expected Research Outcomes

Successful projects should contribute to areas such as:

• Quantum algorithm development.
• Fault-tolerant quantum computing.
• Quantum software.
• Quantum cybersecurity.
• Secure quantum computing systems.
• Practical quantum applications.
• Open scientific knowledge.
• Technology innovation.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Quantum computing has the potential to transform fields such as cryptography, materials science, artificial intelligence, optimization, chemistry, and drug discovery.

By supporting early-stage academic research, Google aims to accelerate breakthroughs that will help make quantum computing more practical, scalable, and secure while encouraging collaboration between academia and industry.

How to Apply

Interested researchers should follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility as a faculty member at a degree-granting institution.
2. Select one of the eligible research focus areas.
3. Develop a clear and innovative research proposal.
4. Prepare all required proposal sections.
5. Include a comprehensive data-sharing policy.
6. Review the application for completeness.
7. Submit the proposal through Google’s designated application process before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

To improve your application:

• Clearly define the research problem.
• Demonstrate scientific novelty and originality.
• Explain the potential impact on quantum computing.
• Present achievable research objectives.
• Include a realistic methodology and timeline.
• Highlight previous expertise and relevant publications.
• Explain how the project complements existing research.
• Develop a transparent plan for sharing research outputs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Submitting incomplete proposals.
• Providing vague research objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate novelty.
• Omitting the required data-sharing policy.
• Proposing research outside the specified focus areas.
• Not explaining expected outcomes or research impact.
• Providing insufficient methodological detail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Google Quantum Computing Research Awards program?

It is Google’s global research funding initiative supporting academic research in quantum computing and related technologies.

What research areas are supported?

The current funding cycle supports:

• Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms & Applications.
• Quantum Computing Security.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include professors and other faculty members at degree-granting institutions who supervise students and actively conduct research in computing or technology.

Can postdoctoral researchers participate?

Yes. Postdoctoral researchers may participate as Co-Principal Investigators where permitted under the program’s eligibility requirements.

What should a proposal include?

Applications should include a title, abstract, research goals, methodology, expected outcomes, prior work, applicant qualifications, funding justification, and a data-sharing policy.

Why is quantum computing security included as a focus area?

As quantum computing advances, protecting quantum systems from cyber threats, intellectual property theft, and vulnerabilities at the classical-to-quantum interface has become increasingly important.

Does the announcement specify the funding amount?

No. The current call for proposals describes the research priorities and eligibility requirements but does not specify an award amount.

Conclusion

The Google Quantum Computing Research Awards 2026 offer researchers an opportunity to contribute to some of the most important challenges in quantum computing. By supporting innovative work in fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and quantum computing security, the program encourages academic excellence, technological innovation, and the development of secure, practical quantum technologies that could shape the future of computing.