Insider Brief:
- EPRI launched the Fusion Quantum Challenge 2025, inviting researchers to develop quantum-based solutions for fusion energy, with a $22,500 prize pool and an opportunity to contribute to an industry white paper.
- The challenge focuses on two key areas: designing radiation-resistant materials for extreme reactor conditions and optimizing plasma stability for sustained fusion reactions, leveraging quantum computing for improved efficiency.
- Participants must submit proposals by April 2, 2025, with winners announced on June 1, 2025, receiving cash prizes and the chance to showcase their solutions to industry leaders and policymakers.
The Electric Power Research Institute has announced the Fusion Quantum Challenge 2025, inviting researchers, scientists, and innovators to develop quantum-based solutions for advancing fusion energy technology. The challenge offers a $22,500 prize pool, with the winning teams having the opportunity to contribute to an EPRI white paper highlighting their solutions.
Addressing Key Challenges in Fusion Energy
Fusion energy has the potential to provide clean, safe, and abundant power, but significant technical hurdles remain. The challenge focuses on two critical areas:
- Radiation-Resistant Structural Materials – Fusion reactors operate under extreme conditions, requiring materials that can withstand high temperatures, radiation damage, and structural degradation.
- Fusion Plasma Control – Maintaining plasma stability at millions of degrees Celsius is essential for sustained fusion reactions. Quantum computing may help optimize plasma control, reducing energy losses and improving reactor efficiency.
Challenge Details
Participants must submit a quantum use case proposal addressing one of the following:
- Designing Fusion-Resistant Materials – Propose how quantum technologies can aid in designing materials that endure the extreme conditions of fusion reactors.
- Controlling Fusion Plasma – Develop a quantum-based approach for improving plasma stability and optimizing fusion performance.
Proposals will be judged on scientific feasibility, novelty, realism, and maturity. The top three teams will receive:
- 1st Place – $10,000
- 2nd Place – $7,500
- 3rd Place – $5,000
The submission deadline for the EPRI Fusion Quantum Challenge is April 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Once submissions close, the evaluation period will begin immediately, during which proposals will be assessed based on feasibility, innovation, and applicability. The winners will be announced on June 1, 2025, with the top teams receiving cash prizes and the opportunity to contribute to an EPRI white paper, showcasing their work to industry leaders and policymakers.
This challenge provides an opportunity to: compete for financial rewards and recognition, contribute to a publicly available fusion energy research paper, and collaborate with experts shaping the future of clean energy. For more information or to submit a proposal, visit the EPRI Fusion Quantum Challenge page.
