DARPA Invites Quantum Computing Firms to Proposers Day for New Benchmarking Initiative

Insider Brief

• DARPA is hosting a Proposers Day on September 3, 2024, for quantum computing firms interested in developing industrial-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• The event will introduce the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) and offer sidebar discussions with QBI Program Manager Joe Altepeter.
• Registration is open until August 27, 2024, with a formal QBI solicitation expected on SAM.gov before the event.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is set to host a Proposers Day on September 3, 2024, for companies in the quantum computing sector as part of its newly launched Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), according to a statement from the agency.

The event, which will be held both in-person and virtually, aims to bring together quantum computing firms that are attempting to develop industrial-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. These next-generation systems have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of scientific and industrial applications.

The Proposers Day is designed to introduce the research and development community to the QBI program’s vision and goals, outline the mechanics and milestones of the forthcoming solicitation, and provide a platform for attendees to ask questions. Additionally, DARPA will offer individual, brief sidebar discussions with QBI Program Manager Joe Altepeter, allowing for more in-depth, private conversations about specific approaches to quantum computing.

“Fault-tolerant quantum computers, if they can be developed, could be transformative for a variety of scientific and industrial applications,” said Altepeter. “We’re eager to hear from and work with an expanded pool of quantum computing firms, both small and large, in the United States and around the world, to determine which approaches show the most promise for success and then help advance those approaches. The proposers day and private sidebars will give us a chance to hear from you and have a brief discussion about your approach. We especially encourage teams who previously applied for our US2QC program to apply for QBI funding, as we anticipate making a larger number of awards under QBI.”

The Proposers Day is open to U.S. and international quantum computing companies and organizations. Sidebar discussions, scheduled following the Proposers Day on September 3 and extending virtually through September 4 and September 6, will provide an opportunity for firms to present their ideas directly to DARPA.

Selected companies and organizations will focus on a range of tasks depending on the maturity of their approach and technology, according to the statement. These include developing utility-scale quantum computer concepts, which are systems that offer computational value exceeding their cost and have a realistic path to near-term realization. Other tasks may include crafting robust R&D plans to mitigate risks associated with constructing such systems, identifying and validating useful quantum applications and algorithms, and collaborating with the government to ensure the proposed systems can be built and operated as intended.

Registration for the Proposers Day is open until August 27, 2024, or until capacity is reached. Full details are available in the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) Proposers Day Special Notice.

A formal solicitation for QBI, detailing how to submit proposals, is expected to be published on SAM.gov prior to the Proposers Day.