At Microsoft, our quantum mission is clear: to build a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer capable of solving problems that are intractable for classical systems. Achieving this requires more than incremental progress—it demands breakthroughs in physics, engineering, and computer science. Our approach is rooted in topological quantum computing, a paradigm that promises inherent error resilience by encoding information in global properties of matter rather than local states.
Topological quantum computing offers a fundamentally different path to scalability, but realizing its full potential requires innovation across every layer of the stack. One promising direction is measurement-based quantum computing, which leverages adaptive measurements on entangled resource states to implement quantum logic. This approach could simplify control, enhance robustness, and accelerate the path to fault tolerance.
Introducing the 2026 Quantum Research Pioneers Program
To advance this frontier, we are launching the 2026 Quantum Pioneers Program (QuPP). Through this program, we invite leading academic researchers to explore the next generation of measurement-based techniques for topological quantum computing.
Research Focus Areas
We seek proposals that address key challenges in this space, including:
- Novel simulation approaches for topological qubit dynamics
- Innovative readout and control techniques for measurement-based systems
- Quantum error correction and circuit compilation tailored to measurement-based paradigms
- Early fault-tolerant and NISQ experiments demonstrating practical feasibility
- Measurement-based methods for quantum characterization, verification, and validation (MB-QCVV)
These areas represent critical steps toward building a quantum computer that can transform science and industry. We welcome proposals that envision collaboration with the Microsoft Quantum team where appropriate.
Program Details
- Awards: Up to $200,000 USD per selected proposal
- Application Window: November 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Decisions Announced: March 15, 2026
- Program Start: August 1, 2026 (12-month duration)
Proposals should include an executive summary, a five-page project description, and a short CV for each PI. For full submission guidelines, email clarebozzo@microsoft.com with the subject line:
“2026 Quantum Pioneers Program.”
Eligibility
Open to professors at global universities or degree-granting research institutions. Each applicant may serve as PI or co-PI on one proposal per year (maximum two PIs per proposal). Proposals must be directly related to measurement-based quantum computing.
The future of quantum computing will not be built by any one organization alone—it will be a collective achievement. If you share our vision for a fault-tolerant quantum world, we invite you to join us in this endeavor. Together, let’s pioneer the next era of quantum technology.