DARPA Expands Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) with New Stage A Solicitation

DARPA has issued a new solicitation, DARPA-PA-26-02-02, inviting new participants to join Stage A of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). This expansion aims to evaluate distinct quantum computing architectures that have not yet been assessed under the program's framework. The primary objective of QBI is to rigorously verify whether any quantum system can reach utility-scale operation—defined as a state where computational value exceeds total cost—by the year 2033. Organizations selected for Stage A will undergo a six-month feasibility study to provide evidence for their full system concepts.

The initiative is also undergoing a leadership transition, with Micah Stoutimore assuming the role of Managing Director, succeeding founding program manager Joe Altepeter. Stoutimore previously served as Deputy Program Manager and assisted in developing the initiative’s evaluation metrics. This transition aligns with DARPA’s standard policy of limited tenure for program managers to maintain technical objectivity and challenge program assumptions. To date, QBI has evaluated 20 commercial companies; 11 have advanced to Stage B for risk reduction, while two have reached Stage C for system-level verification.

This renewed call for proposals reflects the rapid advancement in the quantum computing sector and DARPA's intent to assess all viable pathways to utility-scale hardware. The solicitation highlights a specific interest in underexplored or novel qubit architectures that differ from the systems currently under evaluation. Abstracts for the Stage A Quantum Benchmarking Initiative Topic (QBIT) are due by July 31, 2026, with full proposals required by September 30, 2026, as detailed on the SAM.gov platform.

For full solicitation details and submission guidelines, consult the official DARPA announcement here and the opportunity posting on SAM.gov here.

March 11, 2026