Quantum FAST Challenge

Purpose: The Quantum FAST Challenge is a competitive grant program that seeks to strengthen California's quantum ecosystem by funding projects in two priority areas: (1) Education and workforce development projects that build the talent pipeline that quantum technologies require; and (2) Applied use case demonstrations that pair researchers and students with industry partners to demonstrate applications in quantum-adjacent disciplines. Description: The Quantum FAST Challenge is a competitive grant program that seeks to strengthen California's quantum ecosystem by funding projects in two priority areas: (1) Education and workforce development projects that build the talent pipeline that quantum technologies require; and (2) Applied use case demonstrations that pair researchers and students with industry partners to demonstrate applications in quantum-adjacent disciplines. Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Other Legal Entity Public Agency California public higher education institution. Projects must be led by a faculty member or administrator from a University of California, California State University, or California Community College. ​​Note: Private industry stakeholders, relevant nonprofits, and workforce organizations may serve as partners on a project proposal, but the lead applicant must be affiliated with one of the California's public higher education systems listed above​ Eligible Geographies: Must be legally authorized to conduct business in California. Must be in good standing and have active status with the California Secretary of State. Important Dates Application deadline The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight. 10/20/26 17:00 Expected award announcement The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant. 11/30/26 Period of performance The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized. 2/1/27 - 2/1/29 Funding Details Total estimated available funding The total projected dollar amount of the grant. $2,700,000 Expected number of awards A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. Dependent Estimated amount per award Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. $50,000 – $500,000 Letter of Intent Required? Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent. Yes ( see Description for details Requires Matched Funding? Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source. No Funding Source: The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number. State Funding Method: The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly). Reimbursement(s) How to Apply State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

Purpose: The Quantum FAST Challenge is a competitive grant program that seeks to strengthen California's quantum ecosystem by funding projects in two priority areas: (1) Education and workforce development projects that build the talent pipeline that quantum technologies require; and (2) Applied use case demonstrations that pair researchers and students with industry partners to demonstrate applications in quantum-adjacent disciplines. Description: The Quantum FAST Challenge is a competitive grant program that seeks to strengthen California's quantum ecosystem by funding projects in two priority areas: (1) Education and workforce development projects that build the talent pipeline that quantum technologies require; and (2) Applied use case demonstrations that pair researchers and students with industry partners to demonstrate applications in quantum-adjacent disciplines. Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Other Legal Entity Public Agency California public higher education institution. Projects must be led by a faculty member or administrator from a University of California, California State University, or California Community College. ​​Note: Private industry stakeholders, relevant nonprofits, and workforce organizations may serve as partners on a project proposal, but the lead applicant must be affiliated with one of the California's public higher education systems listed above​ Eligible Geographies: Must be legally authorized to conduct business in California.