Quantum Commercial Pilot Challenge

Frequently asked questions

What does Archer provide, and what do I need to bring?

Archer provides two hours or more of quantum compute access per selected pilot, payment of the approved quantum computing costs, access administration, and commercial and technical proposal assessment. Applicants provide the commercial problem and a named problem owner, a quantum and classical technical team, data and authority to use it, a credible classical benchmark, and the software development, project management and delivery resources to run the pilot. The program does not provide cash grants or fund an applicant's internal delivery costs.

How will proposals be screened, and how are they assessed?

Screening checks Australian eligibility, submission before the deadline, completed mandatory fields and acceptance of program terms, a named problem owner, suitable technical capability and data readiness, a credible classical benchmark, basic quantum relevance and feasibility, and fit with the available compute allocation.

From there, a proposal may move to scored assessment, need limited clarification, or be declined if it's ineligible, materially incomplete or unsuitable.

Proposals that pass screening are scored out of 100:
Commercial importance (25 points), technical feasibility (20), classical benchmark quality (20), team and problem-owner readiness (20), fit with the compute allocation (10), and pathway to a larger pilot (5).

The proposed minimum threshold is 70, alongside a committed problem owner and no critical technical feasibility concerns. Meeting it doesn't guarantee selection. Final decisions also weigh comparative merit, available capacity and management approval.

Can we apply as a consortium, and do we need our own quantum team already?

Yes to both, with conditions. Collaborative proposals are encouraged where the consortium combines a commercial problem owner, relevant industry expertise and suitable quantum and classical capabilities. Each proposal needs to name a lead organisation and describe every consortium member's role. You don't need an existing in-house quantum team, but you do need to show access to appropriate quantum and classical technical capability, whether that's through employees, consortium members, universities, research organisations or specialist partners. Archer won't form or fund your technical team.

Can one organisation submit more than one proposal?

Yes. Each application should address a distinct commercial problem and be submitted separately. Archer may factor in your organisation's capacity to deliver multiple projects when making final selections.

Do I need to prove quantum computing will outperform classical methods?

No. You're not expected to demonstrate quantum advantage before the pilot. Explain why quantum computing may be relevant and describe a fair comparison with an appropriate classical method. A useful pilot can just as easily show current limitations or confirm the classical method remains preferable for now. You don't need to be ready to run on quantum hardware immediately either. The program is simulator-first: selected teams may need to refine the formulation, prepare data, implement the classical benchmark, test through simulation and prepare an approved run plan before quantum compute access is authorised.

Are research-only proposals eligible?

The challenge is focused on commercial and operational problems, but universities and research organisations are encouraged to apply. Just make sure your proposal names a credible problem owner and sets out a defined pathway to practical use.

Can we include confidential or sensitive information in our proposal?

Please leave out passwords, credentials, personal information, security-classified or export-controlled information, sensitive datasets, and any commercially confidential detail you don't need to share. Data and security requirements can be described at a high level here, then worked through properly before technical work begins.

When do applications close?

Applications close at 5:00 pm AEST on 15 October 2026. Late or materially incomplete applications may not progress to assessment.

How many projects will be selected, and who makes the final call?

Archer expects to select a small number of high-quality projects. The exact number depends on proposal quality, technical readiness, available capacity, project requirements and management approval, and Archer may also keep a reserve list. Selected proposals go through commercial and technical assessment, moderation and management review. Archer may select, conditionally select, reserve, defer or decline any proposal.

Who owns the IP, and will results be made public?

You keep ownership of your pre-existing intellectual property. Ownership and use of anything newly developed during the pilot, including software, results and project materials, is governed by the final program terms and any project-specific agreement. Any publication, case study, media announcement or use of your name and logo needs written approval and follows the applicable program terms. Confidential technical or commercial information won't be published without proper authorisation.

Does participation guarantee a quantum advantage or commercial outcome?

No. Participation doesn't guarantee quantum advantage, improved performance, commercial success, further funding, a larger pilot, deployment or procurement. The program is designed to generate credible evidence so you can make an informed decision about whether and how your project should continue.

Quantum Commercial Pilot Challenge

What is the Quantum Commercial Pilot Challenge?

How do I apply?

What makes a good pilot problem?

Complete your application for the Quantum Pilot Challenge

Frequently asked questions