Upcoming student information sessions
Be the first to discover everything you need to know about the 2026 Queensland Quantum Challenge.
Register for student information sessions.
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 9–11 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.
The
2026 Queensland Quantum Challenge task is:
'Produce a short video to explain how an emerging quantum technology can provide opportunities or address a problem in Queensland.'
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 can register and submit their entries via the official submission portal link below.
Submission portal
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: 3–5 minutes
- Year 11: 5–7 minutes
Categories
The challenge is open to all Queensland students in Years 9–11. 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 5.00pm
- 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.
Download the
official rules.
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.
Download the full
judging criteria.
We encourage you to use this
A3 poster to help promote the challenge within your school.
Curriculum alignment
Curriculum links have been provided to help teachers integrate the 2026 Queensland Quantum Challenge into the classroom. These suggestions are designed to help with lesson planning and assessment, while inspiring students to explore the exciting possibilities of quantum technologies.
In Prep to Year 10, schools implement the Australian Curriculum, which includes a range of learning areas and subjects that support the introduction of quantum technologies. In Years 11 and 12, schools follow syllabuses developed or approved by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), offering senior subjects and pathways where students can extend and apply these concepts in more specialised contexts.
For teachers, the 2026 Queensland Quantum Challenge can be adapted as part of teaching and learning in a range of learning areas/subjects provided below, aligning to domains where applications of quantum and advanced technologies are being harnessed to solve problems.
Years 9 and 10:
Year 11:
Student information sessions
2026 Queensland Quantum Challenge: Creating a submission
Thursday 12 March—3.15–3.45pm—register
Students are invited to an interactive online session designed to discover what makes a strong submission, how to choose and explain a quantum technology, what to include in their video, and how to use the official submission portal.
Meet the experts: Quantum tech in sport
Thursday 19 March—8.00–8.30am—register
Students will hear directly from 2 guest speakers working at the forefront of quantum and wearable sensor technologies. They will share an inside look at their research project, explore future STEM careers, and spark ideas for quantum-based solutions.
If you have any questions, please email
stem@qed.qld.gov.au.