Army’s Quantum Next Generation 2022 Radar Challenge

Event date: 07 November 2022, 9:00am - 07 December 2022, 5:00pm
Location: Online - you will receive a unique login for the challenge website

What is Quantum Next Generation (QNG)?

The Army Quantum Technology Roadmap outlines Army’s aim to build sovereign capability and leverage Australian research to gain and retain an early quantum advantage. 

As part of this journey, Army is challenging Australian industry and academia to identify the most disruptive applications of quantum technology.

Quantum Next Generation (QNG) is a series of technology challenges that Army has created to help develop the next generation of quantum thinkers and drive the growth of Australia’s quantum industry.

QNG2022 Radar Challenge (NOW OPEN)

Army’s Quantum Next Generation (QNG) Radar Challenge is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students and early career researchers (within 6 years of higher degree award) associated with Australian institutions, and current Defence personnel or APS members.

2022 Challenge: find the optimal technique for employing quantum sensors in radar.

Army uses radar in variety of ways, including mobile radar systems to detect and target land and air threats, including enemy artillery fire, planes and tanks.

As military technology evolves and threats diversify, Army wants to know if quantum microwave sensors can enhance existing radar systems to detect smaller and weaker scattering targets that are moving faster and are further away, while emitting less power.

Quantum sensors operate completely differently to existing sensors. Finding the optimal employment technique is critical to accurately assess the advantages of quantum sensors. 

QNG2022 Challenge teams

QNG Challenge teams will explore the optimal sequence of radar pulses and quantum sensor configurations that estimates the range, velocity and cross-section of target objects with highest precision within a given amount of time and radar power.

Teams will require an intermediate knowledge of programming and data analysis. Possible solutions might involve the application of machine learning techniques.

Teams could be made of any of the following mix of skills and disciplines: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, and Computer and Data Science.

Why get involved?

Challenge teams will have the opportunity to meet like-minded quantum thinkers, build networks and develop skills. The top six teams will also have the chance to pitch their solution at PitchFest and make new connections in the quantum world. 

The solutions pitched by QNG Challenge teams will help Army assess the advantages offered by quantum-enhanced radar and will frame future opportunities to develop the technology.

Each team will also receive a piece of Quantum Next Generation 2022 Radar Challenge merchandise and thankyou pack as a souvenir. 

The Prize 

The QNG2022 winning team at Pitchfest will receive:

• a special invitation and admission to Army Quantum Technology Challenge 2023 (QTC23) (subject to security and admission policies) 
• an invitation to submit a proposal to further develop and exhibit their solution at Army QTC23 up to $50,000.

The details

5 October - 2 November
Team nominations open

4 November
Teams registered and provided with login details

7 November - 7 December
The 2022 Radar Challenge

8 December
Results published and shortlisted teams announced for PitchFest

9 - 16 December
PitchFest and winner announced

Think you’ve got what it takes?

Get a team together and gain hands-on experience in building and pitching innovative quantum solutions!

Team nomination

• Teams must consist of 2 - 4 players.
• Players must be current Defence personnel or APS members, undergraduate student, postgraduate student or early career researcher enrolled at an Australian institution (will be required to nominate with your institutions email address.
• The first 50 teams will be selected to participate.
• You'll find best success with a team with a broad set of skills.

Entry information

View more information on the Australian Army Research Centre's website: https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/event/quantum-next-generation-radar-challenge-2022