Celebrating Innovation: Inside the Hidden Quantum Champions Award
The quantum technology landscape is expanding faster than ever. While mainstream headlines often focus on tech giants, groundbreaking advancements are happening across an entire ecosystem of dedicated startups, researchers, software developers, and community builders.
To shine a spotlight on these pivotal contributors, we launched the Hidden Quantum Champions Award. As we move into the final stages of selecting the winners for our inaugural season, here is a look at what the award represents, how the selection works, and what lies ahead.
For a full breakdown, watch our official announcement video: Announcement Quantum Hidden Champions Award 2026.
What Is the Hidden Quantum Champions Award?
The award stems from the Hidden Quantum Champions video series on School of Quantum, which has covered over 120 organizations, projects, and innovators worldwide. The series was built on a simple premise: democratizing education around the quantum ecosystem and showcasing the foundational players driving real progress.
The award takes that mission one step further by formally honoring the standout entities making meaningful contributions to the field.
Who Is Eligible?
Every company, organization, or platform profiled in the Hidden Quantum Champions series is eligible for consideration, different seasons of the award will highlight different segments of the series.
To keep the playing field inclusive and representative of the global quantum landscape:
- All sizes are welcome: From solo creators and research collectives to high-growth startups and established tech leaders.
- Global reach: Nominees span North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
- Any stage of maturity: Early-stage concepts backed by novel academic research stand alongside companies with active commercial deployments.
- The full quantum stack: Consideration extends across physical hardware, quantum control, developer tools, algorithms, and ecosystem builders.
How the Selection Process Works
Selecting winners across such a diverse landscape requires rigorous, objective evaluation:
- A Distinguished, Jury: Evaluation is led by a panel of vetted quantum physicists, academic researchers, and industry specialists. The panel is curated to maintain balance and keep corporate bias as low as possible.
- Deep-Dive Data & Research: Beyond the published video profiles, the jury evaluates candidates using our internal database of structured research, technical overviews, and ecosystem mapping.
- Dedicated Award Categories: Nominees are assessed within targeted categories that recognize specific technical achievements, ecosystem impact, and innovation.
A One-of-a-Kind Trophy
Winners will receive a unique, bespoke physical trophy. Handcrafted specifically for the Hidden Quantum Champions Award by craftsmen and artist, the design mirrors the creativity and precision inherent to quantum mechanics.
What’s Next?
Our jury is currently (beginning of November 2026) reviewing nominations and finalizing the winners. We will announce the winners on our YouTube Channel, open to quantum enthusiasts, researchers, and industry professionals across the globe.
Stay tuned for our upcoming announcement about categories and the finalists. In the meantime, catch up on all the background details by watching Announcement Quantum Hidden Champions Award 2026.