Learning Lab, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), has announced a new grant opportunity: the Quantum FAST Challenge.
The competitive microgrant program will provide up to $2.7 million in funding for grants between $50,000 and $500,000 over an 18–24 month implementation cycle, supporting projects that strengthen California’s quantum talent pipeline and advance the state’s quantum innovation ecosystem. GO-Biz and Learning Lab will jointly lead the program, with Learning Lab performing day-to-day management and the Foundation for California Community Colleges serving as grants manager.
The Quantum FAST Challenge seeks proposals in two priority areas: education and workforce development projects that build the talent pipeline for quantum technicians and specialists, and applied use-case demonstrations that pair faculty researchers and students with industry partners to produce publishable results or intellectual property.
Faculty and administrators at the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges are invited to apply. The Statement of Intent is due October 1, 2026, and the full proposal is due October 20, 2026.