CA Learning Lab; Quantum FAST (Funding for Accelerated Scale and Transformation) Challenge

Deadlines: Statements of Intent due Thursday, October 1, 2026. Full proposals due Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Award Amount: Awards are available in tiers of up to $100,000, $250,000, or $500,000, based on project scope. Visit the program website below for more information.

NOTE: The first of two technical assistance webinars for Quantum FAST will be hosted on July 28 at 11:00am. Register via this Zoom registration form.

About: California policymakers have identified quantum technologies—technologies that use the principles of quantum mechanics for computing, communication, and sensing—as a state economic priority. The Quantum FAST Challenge seeks to support the development of the quantum industry and to maintain California’s leadership in the sector by funding projects in two priority areas:

(1) Education and workforce development projects that build the talent pipeline (especially at the certificate, undergraduate, and master’s level) California’s quantum technologies require.

(2) Applied use-case demonstrations that pair faculty researchers and students in California’s public higher education segments with industry partners to produce documented, publishable results and/or intellectual property in areas including quantum science discovery, engineering, materials discovery, energy systems, logistics, and life sciences.

Proposals should fall into one or more of the following tracks:

Track 1: Expand access to quantum-relevant hands-on experiences.

Track 2: Build entry points to the quantum workforce for learners in adjacent fields.

Track 3: Advance quantum innovation, applications, and use-case demonstrations.

Track 4: This track will support projects that strengthen and broaden the talent pipeline for California’s quantum industry through approaches that fall outside Tracks 1–3, including student engagement and community-building activities and entrepreneurship and innovation activities.

Apply: The portal for submitting a will open on August 10, 2026. For a detailed program description, please see the CA Learning Lab’s Quantum FAST Challenge program page.

NOTE: If you are interested in applying or have any questions, please contact our Pre-Award Specialists Pia Gabriel at pg12@humboldt.edu, Kaz Wegmuller at kaz.wegmuller@humboldt.edu, or Jocelyne Takatsuno at jt366@humboldt.edu before September 1, 2026.