Education and Training

Boeing Quantum Creators Prize

Program Description

The Boeing Quantum Creators Prize recognizes early-career researchers for work that moves the field of quantum information science and engineering in new directions and aims to increase diversity in the field. 

The program began in 2021 and expanded in 2023 thanks to a commitment from Boeing. Prizes are awarded at the annual Boeing Quantum Creators Prize Symposium hosted during the Q2B26 x Chicago Quantum Summit on December 8–10, 2026. 

In recognition of accomplishment, awardees receive a $3,500 monetary prize, a trophy, and reimbursed travel to the Q2B26 x Chicago Quantum Summit.

Past Winners

Apply for the 2026 Boeing Quantum Creators Prize.

The deadline for applications and letters of recommendation is September 18, 2026.

Eligible applicants include graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and scholars, and early-career researchers in industry, national labs, or nonprofit research organizations whose work is in quantum information science and engineering. Early-career industry applicants should generally be within five years of receiving their terminal degree, with reasonable exceptions for career interruptions or nontraditional career pathways. Undergraduate students, tenure-track faculty, or tenured faculty are not eligible. 

The following is typically requested:

  1. A C.V.
  2. A brief research statement (500 words) outlining research interests and achievements.
  3. A brief personal statement (300 words) describing your vision for a future career in STEM research/education and how it has been shaped by your own perspectives and experiences working in the STEM research/education community.
  4. Applicants should also request a recommendation letter from an advisor to be submitted through the link provided here.

The Boeing Quantum Creators Prize Program Committee:

  • Co-chair: Jay Lowell, Principal Senior Technical Fellow, Boeing Corporation
  • Co-chair: Kate Smith, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University

Additional members coming soon.

We expect everyone in our community to follow these guidelines when interacting with others both inside and outside of our community. Our goal is to keep ours a positive, inclusive, successful, and growing community. 

The monetary prize for the Boeing Quantum Creators Prize is in recognition of accomplishment. The Prize does not benefit an outside organization and is not considered employment.
Questions can be directed to quantum@uchicago.edu.