Google Academic Research Awards 2026 | Research Funding for Professors in Computing and Technology

Applications are now open for the Google Academic Research Awards (GARA) 2026, a prestigious global research funding program designed to support groundbreaking research in computing and technology. Organized by Google Research, the program provides funding to university faculty members whose innovative research has the potential to make a positive impact on science, technology, and society.

For the 2026 funding cycle, Google is inviting proposals in selected research areas, with a strong emphasis on Quantum Computing, including Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms & Applications and Quantum Computing Security. Google Academic Research Awards recognize outstanding academic research while fostering collaboration between universities and Google Research.

Program Overview

• Host Organization: Google Research
• Program Name: Google Academic Research Awards (GARA) 2026
• Program Type: Research Grant
• Eligible Countries: Worldwide
• Eligible Applicants: University faculty members
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: 7 August 2026 (11:59 PM AoE / UTC−12)

Research Topics for 2026

Google is currently accepting proposals in the following focus areas:

• Early Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms & Applications
• Quantum Computing Security

Each proposal must align with one of the official research calls announced by Google Research.

Funding

Google provides research funding to selected institutions. The amount of funding varies depending on the proposal and research area, and is determined by Google. Funding is provided to support approved research projects and may not be used for overhead or indirect institutional costs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be professors or faculty members (e.g., Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor) at a degree-granting academic institution.
• Be actively advising students and conducting research in computing or technology.
• Submit a proposal that falls within one of the official Google research topics.
• Meet any additional requirements specified in the relevant call for proposals.

Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) are permitted under the program, subject to the program guidelines.

Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Research proposal (maximum 5 pages for a single PI or 7 pages with a Co-PI)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Project abstract
• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Statement explaining how the research advances the field
• Data-sharing intentions

References and budget information are submitted separately through the online application system and should not be included in the proposal PDF.

Selection Criteria

Google evaluates eligible proposals based on:

• Faculty research excellence
• Research innovation and originality
• Alignment with Google’s research priorities
• Proposal quality and clarity
• Potential impact on computing and technology
• Alignment with Google’s AI Principles (where applicable)

Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Research funding from Google
• Recognition from Google Research
• Opportunities to advance innovative research
• Increased collaboration with the global research community
• Support for impactful projects in computing and technology

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Google Academic Research Awards webpage.
2. Review the available research calls and select the topic that best matches your research.
3. Prepare your proposal according to the official formatting guidelines.
4. Upload your proposal and CV as a single PDF through the online submission portal.
5. Complete the application before 7 August 2026.

The Google Academic Research Awards 2026 provide an exceptional opportunity for university faculty members to secure research funding from one of the world’s leading technology companies. With support for cutting-edge research in computing and technology—particularly quantum computing during the 2026 cycle—the program enables researchers to pursue innovative ideas with global impact. Eligible faculty members are encouraged to prepare strong proposals and submit their applications before the 7 August 2026 deadline.