Submissions closed

Quantum Creative Challenge

Quantum computing is buildable today. Not in five years, not in a research lab, but right now, in your browser. For the Creative Challenge, we backed a small number of projects with a monetary grant, IonQ compute credits, hands-on support, and a spotlight for their work.

See what people built →All programs

The submission window closed on April 7th, 2026 and this call is no longer accepting proposals. The requirements below stay published for reference.

Qollab is a community of developers, designers, and creative technologists figuring out what quantum software looks like by actually making things and sharing every step in the open. If you have got an idea, come build it with us.

Project requirements

Technical
  • Use the Qiskit framework.
  • Open source, hosted in a public repository (for example, GitHub).
  • Listed on Qollab with runnable code examples.
  • Documentation sufficient for others to understand, replicate, or extend the project.
  • Basic accessibility standards (for example, color contrast and legible fonts for UI projects).
  • Publicly available for at least 12 months after completion.
Creative

Projects should leverage quantum's unique attributes. We are looking for work that:

  • Demonstrates quantum speedups, especially across exponentially large solution spaces.
  • Uses superposition, entanglement, interference, or probabilistic outputs as part of its storytelling.
  • Inspires curiosity through design, interactivity, or narrative.
  • Shows creativity, originality, and community value.
  • Encourages others to learn from or remix the work.
  • Bonus points for quirky and playful.

Note: Building on existing projects is fine, provided your proposal includes a meaningful new twist and the original work is either yours, explicitly permitted, or open-source licensed.

Submission and timeline

What to submit

Each proposal must include:

  • Project title.
  • Concept description: what you plan to build (up to 200 words).
  • Technical approach: how quantum computing will be used, plus other technologies involved.
  • Creative or educational value: how it contributes to the community or field (up to 200 words).
  • Budget and compute resource estimates.
  • Timeline and deliverables through June 2026.
  • Team information: bios and highlights (up to 200 words per member).

Deadline: April 7th, 2026 via the application form. The call is now closed and is no longer accepting submissions.

Review criteria

Qollab and IonQ evaluate proposals on:

  • Creativity and originality.
  • Technical feasibility.
  • Clarity of idea and potential impact.
  • Alignment with our open, accessible ethos.

Spots are limited. We expect to fund only a handful of projects this round, so strong proposals that are clear, creative, and ready to execute will stand out. Selected participants were notified the week of April 13th, 2026.

Delivery timeline

Apr 27Kickoff and initial payment
Wk of May 18Midpoint check-in
Jun 8Final delivery: code, docs, demo
Wk of Jun 8QA review and final payment (50%)
TBDPublic launch and co-marketing
Jun 20271-year maintenance ends

Budget

Selected teams receive:

  • Up to $5,000 USD (less applicable tax).
  • Up to $50,000 in IonQ compute credits, solely for the funded project. Credits expire after 60 days. The first three funded projects receive an additional $20,000 in credits from IonQ, so early, strong proposals have a real advantage.
  • Promotion and a feature on our website.
  • Weekly support from IonQ experts.
  • Virtual access to IonQ executives to present your work.

Participants must provide a payment method and are solely responsible for tax reporting.

Additional requirements

Selected participants agree to:

  • Post at least once on their social channels when their project goes live on Qollab.xyz.
  • Allow Qollab and IonQ to feature their work and profile.
  • Release code and documentation under an MIT license. IP remains with the creator.
  • Include the attribution: "This effort is supported via compute credits from Qollab and IonQ."

Eligibility

Open to participants based in:

  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Individuals and teams may submit multiple proposals. Credits and funding are awarded per project, not per person.

Examples

We previously ran a challenge in Winter of 2025. These are the two projects that came out of it:

Quantum Garden

Quantum Garden

An interactive generative art installation by Amber Pincar and Justin Pincar, where digital plants exist in quantum superposition until observed.View the showcase →Quantum Algorithm Visualization Engine (QAVE)

Quantum Algorithm Visualization Engine (QAVE)

A scientifically rigorous quantum circuit and algorithm visualization engine built for teaching and conceptual clarity.View the showcase →

Questions

Reach out at hello@qollab.xyz.

This challenge is closed

The submission window has ended and we are no longer accepting proposals. If you have a project you would like to talk to us about, email hello@qollab.xyz — and keep an eye on Programs for the next open call.

See what people built →Back to news

Stay in the loop.

Get the latest tutorials, demos, and project showcases straight to your inbox. No noise, just the good stuff.