Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has announced a ¥200 million ($1.32 million) prize competition aimed at applying quantum computing to critical societal challenges. Set to begin in March 2025, the contest seeks innovative solutions from participants across disciplines, including those without prior quantum experience.
The competition will focus on three specific issues affecting Japanese society, such as managing natural disasters or addressing the aging population. These challenges will be chosen through public suggestions. Teams or individuals will compete to devise quantum-based solutions, with each winning entry receiving ¥20 million($133 thousand USD) or more.
To encourage diverse participation, NEDO is offering free preparatory courses on quantum computing for entrants without expertise. This move aims to draw talent from various fields, including corporate researchers and International Mathematical Olympiad participants, fostering creative, interdisciplinary approaches.
Applications for participants and suggestions for societal issues are open until December 13, 2024. The competition will culminate in final judging in August 2026, with the hope of generating breakthrough ideas to address pressing global problems.
For further details, refer to the original press release here.
November 29, 2024
