Google is offering research awards to professors researching quantum computing in 2026. Two focus areas: early fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and quantum computing security. Applications close August 7, 2026.

What Is This Award?

Google Academic Research Awards fund university professors conducting groundbreaking research in computing and technology. For the 2026 funding cycle, Google has narrowed its focus to quantum computing, specifically two research areas where it wants to accelerate academic progress.

This is unrestricted research funding from one of the world’s most technologically influential companies — no equity, no IP transfer requirements for most awards, and a direct signal to the academic community about where Google sees the frontier.

Applications open: June 26, 2026
Deadline: August 7, 2026
Decisions notified: October 30, 2026

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to professors (assistant, associate, or full) at degree-granting institutions who are:

• Actively advising students
• Conducting research in technology and computing
• Proposing work that falls within one of the two 2026 focus areas

Co-PIs may join an application and must generally meet the same eligibility criteria, except for postdoctoral co-PIs.

The Two 2026 Research Focus Areas

1. Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms & Applications

Research targeting the immediate near-term frontier of quantum computing — algorithms and applications that can run on early fault-tolerant devices using a relatively small number of logical qubits to solve problems that are classically intractable.

2. Quantum Computing Security

Research into the security of quantum computing systems — particularly the underexplored area of practical exploits targeting the classical-to-quantum interface, as quantum computers become targets for IP theft and other attacks.

You cannot submit outside these two areas. If your research doesn’t fit, wait for a future cycle.

Proposal Format: Exactly

Your proposal must be submitted as a single PDF, named: [FirstInitialLastName]-2026 (e.g., JDoe-2026)

Length:

• Single PI: maximum 5 pages
• With co-PI CV: maximum 7 pages

Formatting:

• Single-spaced, 1-inch margins, minimum 10-point font

Structure:

Section 1 — Overview (max 3 pages):

• Proposal title
• PI contact information and affiliation
• Abstract
• Research goals and problem statement
• Proposed work, expected outcomes
• Relation to prior work
• Your qualifications
• How this funding enhances existing work (if an ongoing project)
• Data sharing intentions

Section 2 — CVs (max 4 pages total):

• Primary PI: 2-page CV (required)
• Co-PI: 2-page CV (optional — the only content on pages 6–7)

Do NOT include references or budget in the proposal. These go in the application form’s designated sections separately.

What Google Is Looking For

Scoring is based on four criteria:

• Faculty merit — research accomplishments, community engagement, open-source contributions
• Research merit — alignment with Google Research interests, innovation, likely impact
• Proposal quality — clarity, focus, credibility of execution plan
• AI Ethics alignment — alignment with Google’s AI Principles

Google’s own advice to applicants: define the problem compellingly, specify a concrete and achievable outcome, clearly differentiate your contribution from existing work, and write accessibly for non-experts — proposals are read by both specialists and generalists.

Quick Facts