Google, in partnership with the non-profit organization “XPRIZE,” has announced a three-year global competition with a prize pool of $5 million USD to search for the best applications and practical solutions related to the world of quantum computing.
The competition, which kicked off earlier this week on March 4th, aims to find and create practical applications and algorithms in quantum computing that directly contribute to societal development, whether in the form of immediate or long-term outcomes. Google has already begun work in the field of quantum computing after announcing the creation of the Sycamore processor in 2019, but the processor has only undergone some experimental tasks and has not yet entered real-world applications.
Ryan Babush, head of Google’s quantum algorithm division, says there are many complex mathematical problems that quantum computers can solve much faster. However, until now, few have taken the initiative to use these solutions to address real-world problems, so we need to know how to effectively use quantum computing devices in practice.
To achieve this goal, both Google and XPRIZE are seeking to incentivize researchers and experts to develop new quantum algorithms within a three-year competition period. Babush points out that winning algorithms will provide effective solutions to problems we face today, such as finding better electrolytes for batteries. The algorithms don’t necessarily have to solve the entire problem, but researchers are asked to clarify how to use the algorithm and explain the necessary details related to quantum computing.
The winner of the prize will be determined based on several criteria, such as the extent of the solution’s impact, its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and its effectiveness on available devices. The total prize pool of $5 million USD will be distributed among 31 winners with varying amounts according to the ranking.
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