--- title: "QuEra Computing Issues Call for Researchers to Run Projects on its Quantum Processors" description: "QuEra Computing has announced a call for global researchers to access its quantum processors through the 2026 Quantum Computing Access at NERSC (QCAN) program. This initiative, supported by the U.S. D" type: "news" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/276155906.md" published_at: "2026-02-17T18:04:03.000Z" --- # QuEra Computing Issues Call for Researchers to Run Projects on its Quantum Processors > QuEra Computing has announced a call for global researchers to access its quantum processors through the 2026 Quantum Computing Access at NERSC (QCAN) program. This initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to advance hybrid quantum-classical research. Selected researchers will run projects on QuEra's Aquila and Gemini systems, focusing on hardware-aware workflows integrated with high-performance computing. The program will select up to six projects, with evaluations based on technical feasibility and research commitment. Proposals are due by February 28, 2026, and results must be open and publishable. QuEra Computing, the Boston-based neutral-atom quantum pioneer, has proposed a call for global researchers to access and run projects on its Quantum processors through its 2026 Quantum Computing Access at NERSC (QCAN) program. The initiative, run by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), is designed to advance hybrid quantum–classical research. ### President's Day Sale - 70% Off - Unlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions - Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis and maximize your portfolio's potential ## **QuEra Opens Aquila and Gemini Systems to Researchers** In a recent LinkedIn post, QuEra Computing said the proposed 2026 call allows selected researchers to run projects on its Aquila (analog) and Gemini (gate-based) neutral-atom quantum processors. The program is explicitly designed to move beyond exploratory demonstrations, focusing instead on hardware-aware workflows integrated with high-performance computing (HPC) environments. The structure aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science priorities across quantum computing, materials science, chemistry, energy systems, and fundamental physics. According to the outlined framework, up to six projects will be selected across the Aquila and Gemini platforms. The initiative will run in two stages. Stage A, scheduled for April through June 2026, will focus on workflow development, simulation, and initial hardware runs on Aquila. Subsequently, Stage B, which will run from July through Dec. 2026, will provide full hardware allocations to teams that successfully advance from the first phase. ## **QuEra Outlines Hardware Allocations and Evaluation Criteria** Under the program's allocation model, Aquila will provide up to approximately 37.5 total QPU-hours, operating at roughly three shots per second. Gemini, on the other hand, will offer up to 10 QPU-hours at around one shot per second, following a simulation-first validation process to ensure readiness before hardware execution. All results generated through the program must be open and publishable, reinforcing its scientific research orientation, as stated by QuEra Computing. The proposals, which are due Feb.28, will be evaluated based on technical feasibility, statistical rigor, clearly defined success metrics, and demonstrated full-time research commitment. The evaluation criteria reflect what QuEra Computing described as "growing maturity" in the field, treating quantum processors as scientific instruments integrated with classical HPC systems rather than experimental novelties. ## **Is QuEra a Private Company?** QuEra Computing is a privately held company, meaning only accredited and institutional investors may invest in its shares before it goes public. For more information on QuEra Computing and other private companies in the quantum and tech space, visit TipRanks' private company center. ### Related Stocks - [QUBX.US - Tradr 2X Long QUBT Daily ETF](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/QUBX.US.md) - [QSX.US - Tradr 2X Long QS Daily ETF](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/QSX.US.md) - [QTUM.US - Defiance Quantum](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/QTUM.US.md) - [QUBT.US - Quantum Computing](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/QUBT.US.md) - [QSU.US - Defiance Daily Target 2X Long QS ETF](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/QSU.US.md) - [RGTI.US - Rigetti Computing](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/RGTI.US.md) - [QPUX.US - Defiance 2X Daily Long Pure Quantum ETF](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/QPUX.US.md) ## Related News & Research | Title | Description | URL | |-------|-------------|-----| | Rigetti Computing: Quantum leader or overhyped stock? | After nearly tripling over the last year, what comes next for Rigetti Computing stock? | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/272998543.md) | | Quantum Secure Encryption Corp. 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