EPRI’s Fusion Quantum Challenge 2025

Fusion energy offers the potential for clean, safe, and abundant power for future energy needs. Overcoming materials and plasma control challenges is key. This Challenge aims to tackle these barriers.

Hosted by

EPRI

This competition ended on April 18, 2025. You can still make submissions to collect points and appear on the leaderboard, but you will not qualify for any prizes.

EPRI's Fusion Quantum Challenge

Win Up to $10,000 for Groundbreaking Fusion Quantum Solutions

EPRI Quantum Challenge Fusion Energy Prizes.png

Are you ready to push the boundaries of physics and materials science? The EPRI Fusion Quantum Challenge is your chance to showcase your ideas for advancing fusion energy technology while competing for a share of $22,500 in total prize money.

1st Place: $10,000
2nd Place: $7,500
3rd Place: $5,000
Beyond the monetary rewards, the winning teams will also have the unique opportunity to contribute to a publicly displayed white paper published by EPRI, spotlighting their groundbreaking solutions.

Overview

Fusion energy represents a significant opportunity in clean, abundant energy generation. However, realizing its potential requires overcoming significant challenges, such as:

Radiation-Resistant Structural Materials
Structural materials must withstand:

Extreme temperatures
Embrittlement, creep, corrosion, and swelling

Fusion Plasma Control
Plasma, essential for fusion reactions, exhibits complex and unstable behaviors, influenced by:

Extreme temperatures (millions of degrees Celsius)
Energy bursts from the plasma’s edge
Fuel supply, heating, and impurities EPRI's Fusion Quantum Challenge seeks innovative proposals leveraging quantum technologies to address these hurdles, accelerating the path toward sustainable fusion energy.

The Challenge

Submit a proposal that proposes a quantum use case addressing one of the following prompts:

1. Designing fusion-resistant materials

Propose a quantum use case for designing materials capable of withstanding extreme radiation, heat and stress conditions within a fusion energy system.

2. Controlling fusion plasma

Propose a quantum use case for optimizing fusion plasma control and stability, addressing instabilities to enhance reliability and efficiency.

The Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

Scientific and Technical Feasibility: Can the proposal be realistically implemented?
Novelty and Creativity: Does the idea bring fresh, innovative perspectives?
Realism: Is the proposed use case achievable with current or near-term capabilities?
Maturity Level: Is the proposal well-developed and thoughtfully presented?

Winning Teams

The top three proposals will be selected by the Challenge Advisors. The winning teams will receive monetary prizes and an invitation to contribute to a white paper for public display. This collaboration will highlight how your use case can be applied to real-world challenges, driving innovation in fusion energy.

Timeline and Submission

Deadline: April 18, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
Evaluation Period: Begins immediately after the deadline.
Winners Announcement: June 30, 2025 Prepare your materials and submit your proposal today for a chance to lead the charge in fusion energy innovation.

Why Participate?

Compete for $10,000 in prizes
Contribute to a thought leadership white paper published by EPRI
Collaborate with industry experts driving the future of clean energy Unleash the power of quantum innovation and bring fusion energy closer to reality.

Have Questions?

Please visit the Discussion tab on the challenge page to post any questions you have about the challenge. We are here to help!