Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 Announcement

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative approaches to address challenges related to quantum computing. The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) 2026 program seeks specific solutions to targeted challenges related to developing utility-scale quantum computers. Proposed research should investigate approaches that enable revolutionary advances in design, engineering, test, and evaluation of such systems. Key aspects of the job include: • Describing a USQC concept that has a plausible path to realization in the near term • Describing a research and development plan capable of realizing the USQC • Providing tools to the Government to verify and validate that the envisioned USQC concept can be constructed as designed and operated as intended • Augmenting the capabilities of the QBI Independent Verification and Validation team through the development of quantum computer testing and evaluation tools and/or concepts