Through the IBM Quantum Credits program, IBM allows eligible academic researchers to apply for free quantum computing time and technical support as part of defined research projects that require resources beyond those available through the free IBM Quantum Open Plan. The program targets new research seeking to test practical-scale quantum applications, rather than merely conducting preliminary experiments or basic learning.
IBM says the program has so far awarded more than 30,000 hours of quantum computing, and that the work it supported has contributed to more than 5.8 thousand citations in published research papers. The initiative dates back to 2016, when the company began inviting researchers from the quantum computing community to apply for free access to its computers.
What does the program provide?
The credits go beyond the usage time available for free through the Open Plan and may give accepted projects access to specific quantum processors reserved for research purposes. The benefits also include guidance on publishing results, technical support from IBM experts, and connections with the research community.
Acceptance of a project does not mean that access will be open or unlimited; the credits are valid for a specified period communicated to the researcher when they are awarded. If the project requires additional time after the period ends, the researcher must submit a new application subject to the usual review.
Who can apply?
The program requires the project to be affiliated with an eligible research institution, and the application must be submitted by a faculty member or research lead, or by a permanent or tenured research employee at the institution. The project should also focus on a new scientific question using quantum computing and explain why it requires additional access to the hardware.
IBM accepts applications from multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and materials science. An initial idea that is not ready is not sufficient; the company expects a clear plan and the ability to make tangible progress using the requested resources.
What does this mean for researchers?
The program’s practical value lies in moving researchers from limited experimental access to implementing a project whose progress and results can be measured. IBM indicates that successful proposals typically address problems at a scale exceeding approximately 30 qubits, target high-impact results, and demonstrate scalable quantum methods or clear innovation. They should also show the potential to make progress within between 3 and 10 hours of quantum processing unit (QPU) time.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the review period varies according to the volume of applications and the complexity of the proposals. Therefore, estimating computing time is an important part of the application, and IBM’s platform provides a duration-estimation service for projects that use IBM Quantum primitives.
For students and beginners, IBM directs them to the Open Plan and educational materials before applying for Credits, while the company provides classroom accounts for instructors and paid plans for institutions that need dedicated resources and commercial support. Researchers retain ownership of the results of their experiments and may publish them, while being required to acknowledge the program’s support according to the citation guidelines IBM provides for accepted projects.