Federal Grant Award Summary

Arizona State University received a $199,998 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Mathematical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) awarded July 1, 2026, with completion scheduled for June 30, 2029. The grant funds collaborative research on noise-aware optimization algorithms for hybrid quantum computing, addressing critical limitations in variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) that underperform under severe noise conditions and computational uncertainty. The project develops mathematically rigorous and scalable optimization frameworks—including advanced noise-aware, derivative-free, and factorization-free algorithms—designed to enhance the reliability and scalability of quantum algorithm training and evaluation. These computational advances will enable systematic assessment of when quantum computing provides practical advantages over classical methods, thereby strengthening the mathematical and computational foundations necessary for trustworthy quantum technology deployment.

In addition to advancing quantum computing capabilities aligned with national scientific priorities, the research delivers tangible products including open-source software, benchmark test problems, and educational materials to accelerate technology adoption across the scientific community. The project supports workforce development through interdisciplinary training for undergraduate and graduate students in computational mathematics, optimization, and quantum computing, contributing to the emerging U.S. quantum technology workforce. By addressing fundamental challenges in quantum algorithm optimization under realistic noise constraints, this research removes significant barriers to practical quantum computing applications in artificial intelligence, molecular simulation, biotechnology, and secure information processing.