The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has announced an upcoming competition where experts from diverse fields can showcase their skills in applying quantum computing to address significant societal challenges. By offering a substantial prize of approximately $1.3 million, NEDO hopes to attract untapped geniuses and specialists who can leverage quantum computing to propose novel solutions to pressing issues facing Japanese society.
The competition will task participants with devising innovative approaches to solve concrete societal problems, such as natural disasters and the aging population, using quantum computing technology. To encourage participation from individuals outside the quantum computing realm, the contest is open to corporate researchers, International Mathematical Olympiad winners, and others with no prior experience in the field. NEDO aims to bridge talent shortages in quantum computing by inviting participants from various backgrounds to think creatively and collaboratively in addressing complex issues.