FAQ: Applications to the Azure Quantum Credits program

In this article you'll find the answer to the most common questions about the Azure Quantum Credits program.

When you create a new Azure Quantum workspace, you automatically get $500 (USD) free Azure Quantum Credits for use on quantum hardware. In addition, Microsoft offers up to $10,000 (USD) extra Azure Quantum Credits. To receive this credit, you can apply for the Azure Quantum Credits program.

The Azure Quantum Credits program provides sponsored access to quantum hardware through Azure. You will not be charged for usage created under the credits program, up to the limit of your credit grant.

Who can apply for the Azure Quantum Credits program?

Educational institutions, companies, and some other approved organizations may apply for Azure Quantum Credits. Applicants may be based in the United States, or in any other market that is currently served by Microsoft Azure. For more information, see the Azure Quantum Credits program terms.

What are the terms of use for Azure Quantum Credits?

You can find the terms of use for the Azure Quantum Credits program at this link: aka.ms/aq/credits/terms.

To use Azure Quantum Credits you must also accept the relevant usage terms for Microsoft Azure, as well as the terms from the providers you would like access to.

How long are credits valid for?

Credits are valid six (6) months from your project start date. Extensions are optionally available on a case-by-case basis.

How long after I apply will it take to hear back on my application?

We try to respond to all applications for credits within one (1) month of the application date.

I received my approval notice. What happens next?

Your approval notice will contain a link to an onboarding survey, which you will need to fill out completely. Once you have completed the survey, your credits will be made available within two (2) weeks or on the start date of your credits grant, whichever is later.

When your credits are available to be used, you will receive detailed instructions on to do so.

My credits are available to use. What is the onboarding process?

Instructions for configuring your Azure Quantum workspace to access Azure Quantum Credits program:

1. Create a new Azure Quantum workspace in the Azure portal.
2. On the Basics tab while configuring your workspace, ensure the selected Subscription matches the subscription you supplied in your onboarding information. The subscription information is also copied in the onboarding mail you received.
3. On the Basics tab while configuring your workspace, ensure the selected Region matches the subscription you supplied in your onboarding information. The region information is also copied in the onboarding mail you received.
4. On the Providers tab, select the provider for which you have been granted credits. When the plan/pricing selector opens, ensure you select Azure Quantum Credits. If you have received grants towards more than one provider, you may add all of them to the same Azure Quantum workspace or you may create multiple workspaces.

Tip

Not sure how to find the subscription with the ID specified in the email? View the list of your Azure subscriptions to identify which should be selected.

Important

If you select any plan other than Azure Quantum Credits, you may be charged for usage. If you do not see the Azure Quantum Credits plan, please double check that you have selected the correct Subscription and Region, then send an email to the support email address specified in your credits onboarding email if you cannot see the plan.

My application was rejected. Can I appeal the decision or reapply?

Rejections may be made for a number of reasons, including the contents of the application or other business reasons, and may not be appealed. In the event of substantial changes to your proposed project, or the group carrying out the project, you may reapply.

In some cases, your rejection notice may specify that insufficient information was provided to evaluate the application, or note that resources that were linked to in the application were not accessible to reviewers. In this case, you may reapply to the program while providing more information.

I couldn't find an answer to my question, how can I get support?

If you have an Azure support subscription, we recommend connecting with Azure support for the fastest resolution to your question.

If you have any questions regarding the workspace creation process, or any issue using Azure Quantum, you can contact AzureQuantumInfo@microsoft.com.