2026 Global requests for proposals now open for the Google academic research awards (up to $100k awarded)

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Closing Date: 7 August 2026

2026 Global requests for proposals now open for the Google academic research awards (up to $100k awarded)

Overview

Google holds global open calls for proposals that support groundbreaking foundational and applied research in computing and technology.This Google academic research awards funding cycle, Google is interested in topics focused on quantum computing.

This call for proposals is open to professors (assistant, associate, etc.) at degree-granting institutions who are advising students and conducting research in the field of technology and computing.

2026 global requests for proposals

Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms & Applications

Quantum computing promises to solve computational problems that are beyond the reach of classical systems. This call for proposals focuses on the immediate frontier of quantum computing: the early fault-tolerant era. This call for proposals seeks to identify algorithms and applications that can run on early fault-tolerant devices – specifically targeting research that utilizes a relatively small number of logical qubits to solve classically intractable problems.

Award details

Awards will be up to $100k, but we may consider larger amounts for exceptional proposals that demonstrate a clear and compelling rationale for the increased funding. Funds will be disbursed as unrestricted gifts to the university or degree-granting research institution and are not intended for overhead or indirect costs.

Requirements

Eligibility

Open to professors (assistant, associate, etc.) at a university or degree-granting research institution.
Applicants may only serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on one proposal per round. There can be a maximum of 2 PIs per proposal.
Proposals must be related to computing or technology.

Review criteria

Faculty merit: Faculty is accomplished in research, community engagement, and open source contributions, with potential to contribute to responsible innovation.
Research merit: Faculty’s proposed research is aligned with Google Research interests, innovative, and likely to have a significant impact on the field.
Proposal quality: The research proposal is clear, focused, and well-organized, and it demonstrates the team’s ability to successfully execute the research and achieve a significant impact.
AI ethics principles: The research proposal strongly aligns with Google’s AI Principles.

Quantum Computing Security

The potential national security applications and scientific and commercial opportunities of quantum computers have led to increased focus in the industry and amongst policy makers on the importance of protecting quantum computing efforts from IP theft and other attacks. One underexplored aspect of this security landscape is the potential for practical exploits targeting the classical-to-quantum interface.

Award details

Requirements

Eligibility

Open to professors (assistant, associate, etc.) at a university or degree-granting research institution.
Applicants may only serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on one proposal per round. There can be a maximum of 2 PIs per proposal.
Proposals must be related to computing or technology.

Review criteria

Faculty merit: Faculty is accomplished in research, community engagement, and open source contributions, with potential to contribute to responsible innovation.
Research merit: Faculty’s proposed research is aligned with Google Research interests, innovative, and likely to have a significant impact on the field.
Proposal quality: The research proposal is clear, focused, and well-organized, and it demonstrates the team’s ability to successfully execute the research and achieve a significant impact.
AI ethics principles: The research proposal strongly aligns with Google’s AI Principles.