Policy areas
Focus areas of research and analysis
Education, skills and workforce development
Public and private sector stakeholders are developing a growing array of educational content and tools aimed at improving quantum literacy and workforce preparedness
Emergent practices to boost quantum technology education, skills and workforce development
Across the globe, organisations and national agencies are actively working towards building the skills and talent base required to advance quantum technology to its full potential. Our recent report on this topic found that achieving this goal requires looking beyond traditional pathways offered by higher education, especially as quantum technology matures and becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and applications-oriented. We identified a growing body of initiatives implemented around the world, illustrating a wide range of approaches. Check out the dashboard below to explore a living library of these emerging practices.
How are organisations supporting the development of the quantum technology workforce outside of traditional higher education pathways?
Education and training pipeline
With quantum technologies gradually nearing the development of practical applications and commercial viability, education and training pathways are becoming more diverse, expanding beyond conventional entry-points such as PhD-level and specialised degrees. Emerging practices to develop the education and training pipeline include new types of initiatives within higher education that cross disciplinary boundaries, often delivered in collaboration with industry. Others are focusing on attracting future talent into quantum technology through initiatives targeted at primary and secondary education levels. We also observe an increase in open source, modular and online education tools and programmes, alongside targeted programmes aimed at facilitating the entry of experts from other fields into quantum.
Ecosystem building
Many of the initiatives we identified are focused on building the underlying ecosystem necessary for individuals to enter and thrive within the quantum workforce. Such efforts include raising public awareness and engagement to help people better understand the opportunities and impacts of quantum technology. We also note active efforts in network and community building, which bring together different stakeholders in quantum and facilitate the connections needed to sustain a vibrant ecosystem.
Knowledge and intelligence
We identified several approaches used by organisations that take an evidence- and intelligence-based approach to developing the quantum workforce. This includes frameworks that set out core ideas and principles to guide workforce development efforts, monitoring activities that provide insights into the dynamics of quantum skills supply and demand, and key research that assesses what works and what doesn't in this space.
Emergent practices to boost quantum technology education, skills and workforce development
| Initiative | Organisation(s) | Location | Theme(s) | Focus Area(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Ambassadors Programme | STEM Learning | UK | Education and Training Pipeline | Primary and Secondary Education | The UK Quantum Ambassadors Programme initiative aims to inspire students aged 16 to 19 to pursue careers in quantum by engaging them in the latest science and technology developments. It supports teachers in leading quantum physics activities with STEM Ambassadors, covering advancements from the ‘first quantum revolution’ to future technologies. |
| Girls in Quantum | Girls in Quantum | Global | Education and Training Pipeline | Primary and Secondary Education; Online/Modular Learning | Girls in Quantum is a student-led, non-profit initiative dedicated to advancing efforts in quantum education globally, and 'inspiring and empowering girls' and students more broadly to 'get involved' in quantum computing by providing free educational content and resources (e.g. webinars and videos, courses, games, textbooks, etc.) At the time of writing, the organisation’s activities have reached roughly 5,000 students from 27 countries globally, and include learning seminars, community and network-building activities, and a series of collaborations with organisations and companies to provide students with a variety of opportunities in quantum technology. |
| Quantum Technologies Courses for Industry (QTIndu) | QURECA | EU | Education and Training Pipeline | Bridging Expertise | The QTIndu Project aims to bridge the industry quantum knowledge gap, in particular in quantum-relevant fields like pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defence, and finance, among others. To achieve this, a consortium made up of academic, public sector, and industry institutions is creating a short-term training program, designing and delivering a suite of courses, and developing guidelines to help scale the work throughout Europe. |
| Quantum Technologies Education (QTEdu) Coordination and Support Action | Quantum Flagship | EU | Ecosystem Building | Network and Community Building | The Coordination and Support Action (CSA) for Quantum Technology Education (QTEdu) project is a part of the European Quantum Flagship initiative and is dedicated to creating 'the learning ecosystem necessary to inform and educate society about quantum technologies'. QTEdu brings together a network of over 440 members (including researchers, educators and science communicators) across 50 countries. It seeks to achieve its goal by compiling a set of learning and communication tools and resources and supporting pilot projects across a range of themes, including school education outreach, higher education, lifelong learning and retraining, education research, and equity and inclusion. |
| Qubit by Qubit | The Coding School | US | Education and Training Pipeline | Primary and Secondary Education; Higher Education | Qubit by Qubit is an initiative of The Coding School, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to equipping the future workforce with skills in emerging technologies. It has educated over 22,500 students and professionals in quantum computing across 130 countries. Qubit by Qubit provides various educational activities, including bootcamps, courses, workshops, research projects and internships, for students in primary and secondary education. It also trains high school teachers to deliver quantum education. The organisation works in partnership with several universities and companies, and is guided by an academic board of advisors. |
| European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies | QTEdu Coordination and Support Action | EU | Knowledge and Intelligence | Skills Frameworks | The European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies—first released in 2021 and most recently updated in April 2025—provides a structured taxonomy of quantum-related knowledge and skills. Developed by the QTEdu CSA with extensive input from industry, the Framework offers a unified language for planning, mapping and comparing education, qualifications and job requirements in the quantum field. Its core features include a proficiency triangle covering quantum concepts, hardware and software engineering, and applications and strategies; a set of proficiency levels ranging from awareness to innovation; and profiles reflecting different skill combinations, such as quantum engineers, product strategists and core innovators. By aligning with broader standards such as the European Qualification Framework and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, the Framework supports individuals in identifying training needs, companies in articulating workforce requirements, and policymakers and educators in planning and standardising programmes to meet real-world demand. |
| International Year of Quantum | UN | Global | Ecosystem Building | Public Awareness and Engagement | Recognising the 100-year milestone since the inception of quantum mechanics, the International Year of Quantum Science & Technology (IYQ) 2025 is a UN-endorsed initiative that aims to raise public awareness around quantum science and technology and its applications. During 2025, events of varying format and covering different topics have been delivered across the globe to celebrate IYQ. Participation in the initiative is guided by a set of principles for public engagement with quantum technologies – including 'recognise consensus, honour dissent, and admit ignorance' and 'help others find reliable quantum information,' among others – indicating commitment to a purposeful and inclusive approach to public engagement. |
| CUDA-Q Academic | NVIDIA | Global | Education and Training Pipeline | Modular and Online Learning | CUDA-Q, developed by NVIDIA, is an open-source, hardware-agnostic platform designed to facilitate the development of hybrid quantum-classical applications. It integrates several elements – including quantum processing units, quantum emulation, graphics processing units (GPUs), and central processing units (CPUs) – within a unified programming model. This is aimed to be accessible to domain scientists transitioning into quantum application development. As part of the CUDA-Q Academic initiative, NVIDIA also collaborates with several academic institutions, providing resources such as self-paced online modules, interactive coding exercises and videos. |
| NEDO Challenge | New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) | Japan | Education and Training Pipeline | Bridging Expertise | Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) launched a ¥200m challenge prize competition looking for use cases where quantum computing can help solve societal challenges. The NEDO Challenge is designed to be inclusive of diverse participant profiles and to foster interdisciplinarity. It is open to individuals without prior quantum expertise (who will be offered free preparatory courses), or who come from various fields, such as 'corporate researchers and International Mathematical Olympiad participants.' |
| Danish Quantum Community | Danish Quantum Community | Denmark | Ecosystem Building | Network and Community Building | Founded in 2021, the Danish Quantum Community is a multistakeholder initiative dedicated to building a cohesive quantum ecosystem in Denmark and enhancing Denmark’s capabilities and efforts in quantum research and technologies. Its mission is to 'increase knowledge about quantum technology, improve conditions for research and innovation and illustrate applications of quantum technology'. It consists of over 50 partners from the wider Danish quantum ecosystem, encompassing startups, established firms, universities, funding bodies, industry associations, quantum end users and others. Education and talent are key focus areas of this initiative. |
| South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTI) | SA QuTI (consortium of 5 universities), funded by DSTI | South Africa | Ecosystem Building | Network and Community Building | Funded by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation in South Africa, the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTI) aims to 'create the conditions for a globally competitive research environment in quantum technology and grow a local quantum technology industry in South Africa. The initiative conducts several network and community initiatives in South Africa. |
| We in Quantum Development | We in Quantum Development (WIQD) | Netherlands | Ecosystem Building | Network and Community Building; Public Awareness and Engagement | We in Quantum Development (WIQD) is a professional network operating in the Netherlands’ quantum technology sector. Its mission is to 'connect and retain underrepresented groups in the quantum sector in the Netherlands through support, networking, and community growth'. It regularly organises activities and events such as hackathons, symposia, talks and mentoring programmes. |
| Science Melting Pot | Science Melting Pot | Denmark | Ecosystem Building | Public Awareness and Engagement | Science Melting Pot is a grassroots initiative based in Denmark that focuses on providing training and consulting to improve equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM and medicine fields. It also supports science communication efforts, helping researchers engage with the public and disseminate their work more broadly. The organisation’s project portfolio encompasses several quantum science and technology-focused initiatives such as game design, workshops and videos. |
| High5Girls | High5Girls | Denmark | Education and Training Pipeline | Primary and Secondary Education | High5Girls is a Denmark-based organisation that encourages women into science and technology through a variety of activities such as facilitating connections with role models working in STEM, organising camps, mother/daughter evenings, and community building activities. |
| Quanthathon (Open Quantum Institute Hackathon in a Box) | Open Quantum Institute (OQI) | Switzerland | Education and Training Pipeline | Bridging Expertise | The ‘quantathon’ approach aims to 'mitigate the quantum digital divide' and help 'develop applications for the benefit of humanity' by focusing ideation efforts on addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through quantum computing, particularly in low resource settings. The method is supported by a toolkit that enables anyone to plan and deliver an event in quantum underserved regions. |
| Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) | UK Digital Catapult | UK | Education and Training Pipeline | Bridging Expertise | The UK Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) is a programme aimed at industry leaders working in sectors relevant to quantum technology applications. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to develop use cases relevant to their business area, receive training, access cutting-edge software and hardware, and receive support from quantum industry partners. |
| The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) | European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) | EU | Ecosystem Building | Network and Community Building | The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) is a non-profit association founded in 2021 to support the growth of Europe’s commercial quantum technology sector. Bringing together hundreds of members, including SMEs, large corporations, investors, research organisations and academic institutes. QuIC acts as a collaborative hub to strengthen the European quantum ecosystem. Its activities are organised through working groups and expert groups covering areas such as standards, intellectual property, education, market intelligence and strategic roadmapping. |
| Decide Game Quantum Technologies | INCF | Spain | Ecosystem Building | Public Awareness and Engagement | The Quantum Decide Game is a card game designed to engage the public with the principles of quantum physics and their implications for society. By using interactive gameplay, the game aims to make complex concepts more accessible to non-experts, and helps participants explore how quantum technologies might shape the way we understand and interact with the world. |
| QWorld | Qworld | Global | Ecosystem Building; Education and training pipeline | Network and Community Building; Public Awareness and Engagement; Primary and Secondary Education | QWorld is a non-profit global network dedicated to popularising quantum technologies and building skills for the next generation of quantum scientists. It operates through a series of programmes, including QCousins, which supports local quantum groups worldwide; QEducation, which develops tutorials and hands-on workshops; QResearch, which fosters collaboration and short-term research projects (including through online internships); QWomen, which promotes women’s participation in STEM; and QJunior, which engages high school students. To date, QWorld has organised hundreds of events across nearly 30 countries, combining community-building with education, outreach and research. |
| Quantum Diplomacy Game | Open Quantum Institute (OQI); Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) | Switzerland | Ecosystem Building | Public Awareness and Engagement | The Quantum Diplomacy Game is a serious game designed to explore the governance challenges and opportunities of quantum computing through a fictional scenario. Open to the public, it promotes anticipatory and inclusive science diplomacy by engaging participants in multilateral discussions on how to shape future rules, standards and governance frameworks. |
| Qiskit and IBM Quantum Learning | IBM | US (with global scope) | Education and Training Pipeline | Online/Modular Learning | Qiskit, developed by IBM, is an open-source software development kit (SDK) that helps people learn about quantum computing by allowing them to create and experiment with quantum circuits. It supports both IBM’s quantum computers and other hardware, giving learners the chance to explore various quantum computing concepts. IBM also offers Qiskit tutorials and other educational resources to help users learn about quantum computing through the IBM Quantum Learning platform. |
| Black Opal | Q-CTRL | Australia | Education and Training Pipeline | Online/Modular Learning | Black Opal is an online learning platform that introduces learners to the fundamentals of quantum computing through ten structured modules covering topics such as qubits, circuits, superposition and entanglement. It combines interactive exercises with opportunities to practise coding in a quantum environment, allowing participants to build skills gradually and at their own pace. The platform also offers digital badges and certification to help learners demonstrate progress and competencies in quantum computing. |
| IQM Academy | IQM | Finland | Education and Training Pipeline | Online/Modular Learning | IQM Academy is an online learning platform that provides structured modules on the foundations and applications of quantum computing. Learners can progress from introductory material to more advanced content, including coding exercises and interactive notebooks that allow direct experimentation with IQM quantum computers. The Academy also offers practical resources such as tutorials, tools to explore qubits, and quantum computing cheat sheets to support independent learning. |
| UK Quantum Skills Taskforce | Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) | UK | Knowledge and Intelligence | Monitoring; Research | The UK Quantum Skills Taskforce was established in 2023 to support the goals of the National Quantum Strategy by ensuring that the UK develops the skills and workforce needed for a thriving quantum sector. It brings together senior representatives from government, industry, academia and professional societies, supported by a secretariat in the Office for Quantum. The Taskforce operates through five thematic working groups covering apprenticeships and technical education, higher education, researcher skills, international recruitment, and schools and outreach. Its role is to develop a shared understanding of current and future workforce needs, identify barriers and risks, and guide the design of initiatives to build a resilient and diverse quantum workforce. |
| QURECA | QURECA | UK | Education and Training Pipeline | Online/Modular Learning; Bridging Expertise | QURECA is an organisation established in 2019 to support the development of the quantum workforce. It provides professional services, training and recruitment through an online platform, as well as tailored programmes for individuals and businesses across different sectors. QURECA’s activities include online and in-person courses, bootcamps, case studies and customised training modules designed to build quantum skills and knowledge at multiple levels. |
| The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Quantum Programme | National Physical Laboratory (NPL) | UK | Education and Training Pipeline | Higher Education; Online/Modular Learning | The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Quantum Programme supports the development of the UK’s quantum workforce by providing training in practical skills for testing, measurement and evaluation alongside scientific research expertise. The programme hosts apprentices, postgraduate students and secondees, and has co-funded or co-supervised nearly 90 PhD students since 2014, many embedded within NPL’s research teams. It currently supports students from a range of UK universities and offers online courses and short modules on topics such as quantum measurement, clock performance and device characterisation, helping to build capacity across academia, industry and government. |
| Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) Education and Outreach Group | Novo Nordisk Foundation | Denmark | Education and Training Pipeline | Bridging Expertise | The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) Education and Outreach Group carries out a range of activities targeted at helping build a 'quantum-ready workforce' and 'creating quantum awareness' (NQCP 2024). For example, it is currently working on an initiative focused on teaching quantum technology concepts to non-specialists such as 'investors, IT professionals, lawyers, and state organisations,' with the goal of increasing the accessibility of quantum knowledge to a wider audience (NQCP 2024). |
| Quantum Delta NL Talent & Learning Centres (TLCs) | Quantum Delta | Netherlands | Education and Training Pipeline | Higher Education; Bridging Expertise | Quantum Delta NL Talent & Learning Centres (TLCs) are regional hubs in Delft/Leiden, Amsterdam, Twente and Eindhoven that support the development of a skilled quantum workforce in the Netherlands. The centres facilitate internships and projects for students and teachers, translate scientific knowledge into practical applications across different levels of education, and promote lifelong learning through labs, educational materials and professional development opportunities. By linking universities, vocational education and industry partners, the TLCs aim to strengthen the Dutch quantum ecosystem and align education and training with societal and industrial needs. |
| Quantum Delta NL Top Talent Initiative | Quantum Delta | Netherlands | Ecosystem Building | Network and Community Building | The Quantum Delta NL (QDNL) Top Talent Initiative provides personal grants to attract and retain highly skilled individuals within the Dutch quantum ecosystem. Established to strengthen the country’s position in the global quantum sector, the initiative supports researchers, educators, entrepreneurs and policy professionals who contribute to the goals of the QDNL programme. Grants can be used flexibly to advance projects in research, education, innovation or societal engagement, with the aim of fostering excellence, diversity and long-term capacity building in quantum technologies. |
| Quantum Delta NL Visitor's Programme | Quatum Delta | Netherlands | Education and Training Pipeline | Higher Education | The Quantum Delta NL (QDNL) Visitor Programme provides flexible opportunities for researchers, students and professionals to engage with the Dutch quantum ecosystem through sabbaticals, exchange visits and specialist workshops. The programme supports knowledge exchange by enabling international experts to contribute to QDNL activities, while also allowing Dutch researchers and stakeholders to gain experience abroad. By funding collaborative stays, research visits and training events, the initiative helps strengthen international partnerships, promote talent mobility and expand the reach of the Dutch quantum community. |
| Qlabs | Quantum Delta | Netherlands | Education and Training Pipeline | Primary and Secondary Education | Qlabs are regional education hubs located at the five Quantum Delta NL centres in Delft/Leiden, Amsterdam, Twente and Eindhoven that make quantum science and technology accessible to students under 18. They provide hands-on workshops, lesson materials, school programmes and teacher training to raise quantum literacy and spark interest in STEM careers. Through their national network, Qlab-NL, the centres collaborate to share resources and develop educational content, helping to connect primary, secondary and vocational education with the Dutch quantum ecosystem. |
Source: The material presented here is based on, and adapted from, the research and analysis conducted for this report.
Do you know of an example we could showcase on QTOPS? Get in touch with us at qtops@randeurope.org.
How did we develop the list of examples?
The majority of examples presented here originally appear in our report, Navigating skills and talent development for quantum technology: Current insights and future horizons, which built on discussions that took place at an in-person roundtable in Copenhagen organised by RAND Europe and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. We have updated the original list from our report with a few additional examples. This is intended to be a living list, and we will endeavour to continually update the database of examples.
The report was developed based on insights generated during the roundtable, which was conducted under the Chatham House Rule and brought together participants from academia, industry, government and the third sector. Through a mix of presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions, participants explored barriers, enablers and future strategies for developing quantum technology skills and talent.
The findings (including the examples presented here) reflect diverse perspectives and aim to inform and inspire further policy debate and contribute to the broader stakeholder discourse on quantum technology skills and talent, as policy on these key issues develops.
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