QBI

Summary

In the simplest terms, the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) seeks to determine whether it’s possible to build an industrially-useful computer by 2033. Specifically, QBI is designed to rigorously verify and validate whether any quantum computing approach can achieve utility-scale operation — meaning its computational value exceeds its cost.

How is it Structured?

QBI is not a competition between performers: DARPA is interested in evaluating all viable approaches for which there is available funding.

In addition to funding performers, QBI will add value to their ongoing research and development efforts by providing unbiased third-party verification and validation of an organization’s path to a utility-scale quantum computer. QBI will also effectively communicate the results of this verification and validation effort to other U.S. government stakeholders.

Who are the Performers?

Since its launch in mid-2024, QBI has evaluated over 20 organizations pursuing a range of quantum computing approaches. The following is a list of companies currently actively participating* in each stage of QBI, as well as their respective approaches to quantum computing.

Stage A

• Google Quantum AI: superconducting transmon qubits
• Quandela: hybrid spin-optical quantum computing

Stage B

• Nord Quantique: superconducting qubits with bosonic error correction
• Photonic Inc.: optically-linked silicon spin qubits
• Quantinuum: trapped-ion quantum charged coupled device (QCCD) architecture
• Quantum Motion: MOS-based silicon spin qubits
• QuEra Computing: neutral atom qubits
• Silicon Quantum Computing Pty. Ltd.: precision atom qubits in silicon
• Xanadu: photonic quantum computing

Stage C

• Atom Computing: scalable arrays of neutral atoms
• Diraq: silicon CMOS spin qubits
• IBM: quantum computing with modular superconducting processors
• IonQ: trapped-ion qubits
• Microsoft compact superconducting topological qubit architecture
• PsiQuantum: silicon-based photonics

*Note: This list reflects companies that have an active scope of work with QBI. Following completion of a given stage’s milestones, a company is not considered an active performer and will not be listed until a contract for a subsequent phase is awarded.

**This list is updated periodically, though not always in real-time. It is current as of Oct. 8, 2026. 

What Does Success Look Like?

QBI is not designed to narrow the field to a few “winners.” Rather, the aim is to evaluate each company’s approach on its own merits. Multiple, single, or even no participants will ultimately demonstrate a path to an industrially useful quantum computer. 

However, the obstacles to realizing industrially useful quantum computers are not common across technologies or across companies. As a result, QBI estimates that on balance, it is more likely than not that at least one company will be able to create an industrially useful quantum computer by 2033.