NERSC Issues 2026 Call for Proposals for Neutral Atom-Based Quantum Computing - HPCwire

NERSC Issues 2026 Call for Proposals for Neutral Atom-Based Quantum Computing February 5, 2026 Feb. 5, 2026 — As part of its Quantum Computing Access at NERSC (QCAN) program, the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (Berkeley Lab) is seeking project proposals to conduct research using neutral atom quantum processors from QuEra Computing, including Aquila (analog) and Gemini (gate-based) systems. (Detailed specifications can be found at the bottom of each platform’s web page.) Gemini gate-based neutral-atom computer at the AIST G-QuAT facility in Japan. Image credit: QuEra Computing. Quantum computing platforms offer unique advantages for challenging problems critical to DOE’s mission in energy systems, materials science, and fundamental physics research. By providing researchers with access to this emerging technology, NERSC aims to accelerate scientific discovery in this space. Awards Up to six projects will be chosen between the Aquila and Gemini platforms. Work is expected to commence in April 2026, with a preliminary, three-month Stage A aimed at demonstrating the potential for quantum hardware runs. To complete this preliminary stage, Aquila teams will receive up to 12.5 QPU-hours of initial hardware access, while Gemini teams will focus on simulation and workflow development without hardware access. Teams that successfully demonstrate potential for quantum hardware runs during Stage A will proceed to Stage B of the program and will receive their full allocation to complete their research projects. In the unlikely case that a team does not advance to Stage B, surplus hours will be redistributed to advancing teams. During Stage B, Aquila teams are eligible for up to an additional 25 QPU-hours each, and Gemini teams up to 10 QPU-hours each. (Aquila is typically capable of 3 shots/sec, while Gemini is typically capable of 1 shot/sec.) All projects will be completed by the end of 2026. Eligibility This is an open call. Proposals from all areas of quantum information science are welcome. Applicants do not have to be current NERSC users. However, because NERSC is a Department of Energy Office of Science national user facility for open scientific research, all research results must be published in open scientific journals or presented in open forums. Requirements To be successful, a project must have a clearly defined scope aligned with the DOE Office of Science mission. Topics encouraged include, but are not limited to, materials science, chemistry, high-energy physics, scientific simulation, and computational workflows relevant to HPC-integrated quantum computing. Successful applications will demonstrate the ability to commit sufficient worker hours to complete the project, ideally the equivalent of at least one full-time employee (FTE). Selected projects must target one quantum processor, either Aquila or Gemini, and team members must complete the mandatory training before starting their project. Additionally, teams will be required to plan their work according to the following schedule: January 30–February 28, Proposals accepted by NERSC. March 1–March 31, Review and approval process. Winners will be announced by the end of this period. April 1–June 30, Stage A: Application development, numerical simulations, and possible initial hardware runs for teams running on Aquila. July 1–December 31, Stage B: Full hardware runs on Aquila and Gemini, data processing, and reporting. Selected teams must complete QuEra’s qbook training course to confirm participation. Selected teams that fail to fulfill the training requirement in a timely manner will be placed on a waitlist. Teams are expected to actively participate in office hours and provide regular project status updates. Export Controls Proposed work must be open and fundamental research intended for publication. The use of NERSC and Berkeley Lab resources to store, manipulate, or remotely access information, software, or data that may affect the legal or security status of NERSC or Berkeley Lab or that requires additional controls require prior written approval from Berkeley Lab, which may be withheld at Berkeley Lab’s sole discretion. Such materials include, but are not limited to, export-controlled software or technical data, e.g. under EAR (Export Administration Regulations) or ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), personally identifiable information or health information (including data covered by HIPAA, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act), and information subject to “Controlled Unclassified Information” (CUI) designation or similar governmental restrictions. Selection Criteria Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria: Prior Experience: Teams with hands-on experience using quantum hardware—especially in statistical analysis—require less onboarding and are more likely to succeed. Accountability: Projects led by postdoctoral researchers or senior personnel, and with significant FTE commitment, demonstrate stronger ownership and alignment with objectives. Defined Scope: Proposals with clearly articulated goals, success metrics, and resource requirements enable better planning and time management. Relevance to research areas supported by the DOE Office of Science. Technical feasibility. Online applications are currently being accepted through February 28, 2026. Apply here. 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