Grand Prize
Helios Hardware Quantum Credits
Continue developing your solution on advanced quantum computing systems.
Quantinuum SG Grand Challenge 2026
Quantum Computing for Discovery
Join the challenge to explore breakthrough applications in quantum computing across science, AI and industry.
Organised by Quantinuum | With support from the Singapore National Quantum Office and Aqora
- Global participation
- Teams of 3 or more
- Quantinuum hardware access
- Mentoring and training support
- In person finale in Singapore*
*Finalists are responsible for all travel, accommodation, visa and related expenses associated with attending the finale in Singapore.
Calling all
- researchers
- developers
- strategic thinkers and
- industry innovators
from around the world to Singapore.
The SG Grand Challenge
A Global Quantum Challenge in Singapore
A three-month challenge designed to advance quantum discovery and applications.
Take on real world challenges, collaborate with experts and explore the potential of quantum computing.
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of quantum innovation.
Challenge Themes
Six Ways Into the Challenge
Pick the theme that matches your expertise, or bring your own use case.
-
Condensed Matter
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Chemistry
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AI for Quantum
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QEC
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Optimisation
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Open Innovation
Who Should Participate?
Join Us If You Are
- Researchers
- Scientists
- Developers
- Engineers
- Industry Experts
- Graduate Students
- Start Ups
- Innovation Teams
Timeline
From First Circuit to the Singapore Stage
-
Phase 1
Jul – October 2026
Learn • Build • Collaborate
- Participant onboardings and trainings
- Mentor engagement
- Emulator access
- Project development
-
Phase 2
October – November 2026
Hardware Access • Refine • Submit
- Top 3 to 4 finalist teams receive hardware access
- Run quantum programs on Quantinuum's hardware
- Final solution submission
-
Singapore Finale
19 November 2026
Present • Network • Celebrate
- Final presentations
- Quantinuum platform presentations
- Awards ceremony and reception
Prizes
Build Beyond the Competition
Plus
- Industry Visibility
- Future Collaborations
- Ecosystem Recognition
- Networking Opportunities
Mentors
Learn From Industry and Quantum Experts
Mentor announcements coming soon.
-
Irfan Khan
Quantinuum Platform, Chemistry, Condensed Matter, QEC
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Callum Macpherson
Quantinuum Platform
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Kentaro Yamamoto
Chemistry
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Jem Guhit
AI
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Chen-Yu Liu
AI
-
Jacob Swain
AI
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Alexandre Krajenbrink
Optimization
-
Ifan Williams
Optimization
Judges: Evaluated by Leaders Across the Quantum Ecosystem
Judges to be announced.
Helios in SG
Build Capability for the Future of Quantum Computing
The challenge helps prepare the ecosystem for the arrival of Helios-2 in Singapore.
Build practical quantum computing skills and gain experience for the next generation of quantum systems.
Learn more about Helios Finale in Singapore
Present Your Solution to the Quantum Community
Finalist teams will present their solutions before judges and leaders from government, academia, research and industry.
Finalists must attend in person.
Travel, accommodation and visa expenses are the responsibility of participants.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quantinuum Singapore Grand Challenge?
The Quantinuum Singapore Grand Challenge is a global hybrid innovation challenge that aims to bring together researchers, developers, students, startups and industry professionals to explore how quantum computing could potentially address industrially relevant challenges across sectors.
It runs online on the Aqora platform over three months, and the top finalist teams present in person in Singapore.
Participants will compete for prizes, recognition and the opportunity to showcase their ideas to leaders from the global quantum ecosystem.
Who can participate?
The challenge is open to individuals and teams from around the world. We welcome participants from academia, research institutions, start-ups, industry and the broader technology community.
Whether you are experienced in quantum computing or just beginning your journey, there is a challenge suitable for different levels of expertise.
Do I need prior experience in quantum computing?
Some challenge themes are technical, participants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Teams with complementary skills often produce the strongest solutions.
Learning resources, technical documentation and mentoring opportunities will be available throughout the challenge.
Can I participate as an individual?
Individual registrations are welcome. We will provide opportunities for participants to connect and form teams through the challenge platform where possible. While we will endeavour to facilitate introductions, team formation is ultimately participant driven and cannot be guaranteed.
What challenge themes are available?
Participants may choose from six challenge themes covering real world applications of quantum computing:
- Chemistry & Molecular Simulation
- Optimisation
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Finance
- Open Innovation (Bring Your Own Use Case)
What is the challenge timeline?
The challenge begins with an online launch and runs over several weeks, allowing participants time to develop, refine and submit their solutions.
Following the evaluation process, shortlisted finalists will be granted Quantinuum hardware access and be invited to Singapore to present their solutions at the Grand Finale.
Please refer to the Timeline section for the latest key dates.
What resources will participants receive?
Registered participants will have access to:
- Challenge briefs and supporting materials
- Learning resources and webinars
- Technical documentation
- Mentoring sessions with quantum and industry experts
- Collaboration and submission tools through the Aqora platform
How will submissions be judged?
Entries will be evaluated by an expert judging panel based on criteria including:
- Solution Accuracy
- Hardware Utilization
- Commercial Impact
- Source Code Quality
- Scientific Impact
The full judging criteria will be published before submissions open.
What can participants win?
Selected finalists will receive Quantinuum Hardware Quantum Credits (HQCs) and recognition. Winning teams may also have the opportunity to showcase their solutions to industry leaders and the wider quantum ecosystem.
Prize details will be announced when registration opens.
Will I retain ownership of my intellectual property?
Yes. Participants retain ownership of their original intellectual property. By submitting an entry, participants grant the organisers the necessary rights to evaluate their submission and promote the challenge in accordance with the competition Terms and Conditions.
Is there a registration fee?
Participation in the Quantinuum Singapore Grand Challenge is free of charge.
How do I register?
Registration is completed through the Aqora platform.
Click Register Now to create your account and complete the registration process.
Who is organising the Singapore Grand Challenge?
The Quantinuum Singapore Grand Challenge is organised by Quantinuum in partnership with Singapore's National Quantum Office (NQO) and delivered through the Aqora challenge platform. Together, we aim to accelerate quantum innovation, foster talent development and encourage real world quantum applications.
Do finalist teams need to attend the finale in person?
Finalist teams are expected to present their solutions in person at the Singapore Finale.
Will travel or accommodation be provided?
Participants are responsible for all travel, accommodation, visa and related expenses associated with attending the finale in Singapore.
I have another question.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at sg-grand-challenge@aqora.io. Our team will be happy to assist.
Register Your Interest
Register as an individual or as a team. Individual participants will have the opportunity to form a team during the onboarding phase.
Register nowSpaces are limited. All applications will be reviewed and are subject to approval by the programme organisers.