For over 30 years, Queenslanders have been pioneers in cutting-edge quantum science, contributing to technologies we use every day, from smartphones to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. Now, students have the chance to build on this legacy by diving into the second quantum revolution. This new era of advancements in quantum science, computing, sensing and communication is unlocking world-class opportunities to enhance the lives of Queenslanders.
The Queensland Quantum Challenge is an annual, statewide initiative that invites students in Years 9 to 11 to explore the exciting world of quantum technologies. Participants will delve into Queensland's quantum ecosystem; discover emerging science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways; and demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving abilities and science communication abilities by proposing their own quantum solutions.
What you need to know
How to enter
The Queensland Quantum Challenge opens on Monday 2 March 2026 and closes Friday 1 May 2026. Students will be able to register and submit their entries via the official submission portal.
The link to the submission portal will be made available in
Term 1 2026.
Submission requirements
Entries can be submitted in a high-resolution video format, including MP4, AVI, MOV and MPEG.
Students can choose how to present their video. Possibilities include a PowerPoint presentation, voiceover on slides, screen recording with narration, a poster explanation, documentary style or a roleplay interview.
The length of the video should be:
- Years 9 and 10—3 to 5 minutes
- Year 11—5 to 7 minutes
Categories
The challenge is open to all Queensland students in Years 9 to 11. Students can present their discoveries, demonstrate their learning and propose quantum solutions in 1 of the following categories:
- Year 9 individual
- Year 9 pairs
- Year 10 individual
- Year 10 pairs
- Year 11 individual
- Year 11 pairs
Key dates
- Monday 2 March 2026—Queensland Quantum Challenge opens
- Friday 1 May 2026—submissions portal closes at 5pm
- June 2026—highly commended and winning entrants invited to Brisbane to attend a quantum experience and awards ceremony
- Monday 27 July 2026—announcement of Queensland Quantum Challenge highly commended and winning entrants, quantum experience and awards ceremony
- Monday 3 August 2026—participation certificates dispatched to schools
Prizes
All participants will receive a certificate signed by the Minister for Education and the Arts.
Winners and highly commended entries will:
- attend an awards ceremony in Brisbane
- share in $25,000 worth of prizes
- connect with quantum experts and industry leaders to explore future STEM pathways.
Travel and accommodation will be provided for eligible winning and highly commended students, and a parent/carer to attend the awards ceremony.
Official rules
The 2026 Queensland Quantum Challenge requires all participants to adhere to the official rules to be in the running to win. This includes terms and conditions about eligibility, registration, entry submission, participation, AI usage, judging, prizes, intellectual property, personal information and privacy, warranties and release, discharge and immunity.
The challenge rules will be made available in
Term 1 2026.
Judging criteria
The judging criteria will help students meet all the requirements of the challenge. Judges will use these criteria to judge the entries, and choose winners and highly commended entries.
The criteria are split into 5 categories:
- effective communication and presentation
- informed and responsible decision making
- knowledge and application
- inquiry skills
- generating solutions.
The full judging criteria will be made available in
Term 1 2026.
Online drop-in sessions
Students registered on the submission portal can join online drop-in sessions throughout the challenge. These sessions offer the chance to hear from experts and industry professionals, explore future STEM career pathways and learn how you can make an impact.
Contact
If you have any questions, please email
stem@qed.qld.gov.au.