In our February Pledger Share & Connect meeting , we listened to presentations from our Pledgers Funding Box, Université of Technology of Troyes, Fujitsu and Qureca who provided insights into the realm of Quantum technology and bridging the skills gap. The Deep Tech Talent Initiative currently has 44 quantum-based courses started available through our course catalogue.
Presentations began with Almudena Escrich, Senior Project Manager at Funding Box, who outlined opportunities available for funding and tech, including upskilling and training, and Professor Faicel Hnaien, Chair of Industrial Engineering from Université of Technology of Troyes who provided insights on his research into modelling and approaches for quantum optimisation in industrial engineering.
Bridging the quantum skills gap
Alejandro Borrallo Rentero, Technical Lead, and Cora Vinagre Sendino, Innovation Manager, from Fujitsu International Quantum Centre provided an insight into what the Centre does and how Fujitsu is helping to prepare the workforce for the quantum era.
Fujitsu Research has a quantum lab where all quantum research is performed, and the International Quantum Centre bridges the gap between research and business, acting as an acceleration mechanism for the development, use, promotion, and commercialisation of quantum technologies at EU level.
Bridging the skills gap
“Attracting talent into quantum computing is crucial.”
Quantum computing is evolving fast and, in terms of training talent, is facing the same challenges as machine learning faced. Collaboration between industry and universities is vital to ensure the skills that industry expects is being provided.
Fujitsu is collaborating with universities on Masters’ degrees, co-directing thesis, providing internships, and organising hackathons. They are also training different actors in the quantum computing ecosystem:
Industry and Enterprise
- Workshops tailored to technical teams addressing the company’s areas of interest
- Executive sessions to help companies understand the impact of quantum technologies and identifying actions to take to prepare for the quantum revolution
Technical and Supercomputer Centres
- Good practices for ensuring scalability in quantum emulation
- Quantum Computer operations & monitoring
- Uses cases identification
With the Quorum project Fujitsu aims to promote a Spanish ecosystem of quantum technologies with the aim of generating knowledge, improving technology transfer, developing local talent, identifying useful use cases for the industry, etc.
Qureca: Empowering the next generation in quantum
Dr. Araceli Venegas-Gómez, Founder and CEO, Qureca, explained that with any emerging technology, it’s important to convince people that it’s coming, and stressed that this quantum revolution will change everything; not just software, but hardware, applications, communication, simulation and imaging, and sensors, meaning it’s vital to prepare the infrastructure.
Qureca provides a range of educational products and services in quantum technologies, and the solution to the quantum workforce skills bottleneck. It’s the first online platform for quantum training and resourcing, to support individuals and businesses to be part of the quantum revolution
Its three pillars are:
- Quantum Training
E-learning courses and customised professional training programs for all levels to support the development of the quantum workforce - Business Consultancy
Professional services to support in the development of strategy, creation of the long-term value, and transformation of your business with our integrated approach to quantum technology. - Community Building
Offer on-site and virtual events for networking with professional expertise as well as assistance with integrating technical resources to bridge the gap between different stakeholders in the quantum technologies ecosystem
Following a rebrand in 2024, Qureca have a range of options for talent to approach quantum, including online courses, games, experimental set-ups, and hands-on learning experiences. The courses available are from a range of providers, and Qureca are aiming to be the ‘go-to’ place for quantum training.
ADvanced End-to-end QUAntum computing TEchnical course (ADEQUATE)
Has been developed through funding by the EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative and provides a complete overview of the established quantum algorithms and computational techniques, accessible to a broad audience, with no requirement of prior familiarity with quantum physics.
Following a hands-on, interactive learning approach using quantum programming languages such as Qiskit and PennyLane, it provides a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of quantum computing, building the necessary skills to independently apply it to solving specific problems.
The course takes the approach of learning by application and problem solving, consisting of content and projects which are suitable for testing on actual quantum computing hardware. The training contextualises the historical development of quantum computing as well as its current and future applicability to scientific and industrial challenges.
Opportunity for Pledgers
Funding Box, offers access to over 780M€ public and private funding opportunities as well as to +250 Funding and tech opportunities, that include upskilling and training in quantum technologies.
Partners
