The latest milestone in the Quantum Applications competition offers a rare window into an emerging frontier. After months of deep technical evaluation, a select group of teams has demonstrated approaches that push beyond theoretical potential and begin to outline credible pathways toward future quantum advantage. Their work is captured in the newly released Finalist Teams Book, which offers a deeper view into the innovations shaping this next phase of progress.
XPRIZE Quantum Applications, a 3-year, $5M global competition supported by Google Quantum AI, Google.org, and GESDA, has announced the selection of seven Finalist teams from 133 submissions worldwide. These teams are developing novel algorithms, new real-world applications of existing algorithms, or major performance gains that sharply reduce the resources needed to achieve quantum advantage.
Announced during Q2B Silicon Valley, this milestone is the result of a deep, evidence-based review from a cross-sector panel of quantum experts. The seven Finalists - selected from 20 Semifinalists - reflect a field moving from conceptual promise toward clear use cases with the potential for meaningful societal benefit.
Why this milestone matters
Launched in March 2024, XPRIZE Quantum Applications aims to develop quantum computing algorithms that can be implemented on future quantum devices to help achieve societally beneficial goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This Finalist announcement helps illuminate the path forward. Finalist teams were selected through a thorough evaluation of their submissions, which demonstrated plausible pathways to quantum advantage, clear technical novelty, and strong algorithmic rigor.
What's next: A closer look at Phase II
Finalist teams now move to Phase II, which shifts the focus from promising ideas to evidence-driven performance assessments and real-world impact. New teams and teams not selected as Finalists may enter and re-enter through the Phase II wildcard round, opening in early 2026.
To explore the innovation behind the seven Finalists, download the XPRIZE Quantum Applications Finalist Teams Book. To learn more about the Finalist teams, the competition guidelines, or how to participate in the Phase II wildcard round, visit the XPRIZE Quantum Applications page.
The next breakthrough may come from anywhere, and we invite you to be part of what comes next.