Quantum FAST Challenge

The Quantum FAST Challenge is a competitive grant program that seeks to strengthen California's quantum ecosystem by funding projects in two priority areas: (1) Education and workforce development projects that build the talent pipeline that quantum technologies require; and (2) Applied use case demonstrations that pair researchers and students with industry partners to demonstrate applications in quantum-adjacent disciplines.

Program Details

Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development is a state agency that offers the Quantum FAST Challenge grant program to support community economic and workforce. This funding opportunity is available statewide and is administered by Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development through California Grants Portal. Organizations seeking funding for community economic and workforce should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants should review the full program requirements on California Grants Portal for specific eligibility restrictions. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development or on California Grants Portal before investing time in an application.

Funding and Timeline

The application deadline is October 20, 2026 (80 days remaining). Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds.

Program Focus

This grant supports community economic and workforce. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations can apply through California Grants Portal. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for.

GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

Eligibility not specified by funder — verify requirements with Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development before applying.

Award details

Applications close on October 20, 2026 (80 days remaining).

Categories

Community Economic · Workforce