WASHINGTON, DC , October 25, 2023 – Quantum computing company Q-CTRL has announced a partnership with the Quad Investors Network (QUIN) to deliver quantum technology training to build diverse quantum workforces in Australia and the US.
This announcement coincides with Q-CTRL’s CEO, Professor Michael J Biercuk, attending the arrival of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the White House during his visit to the US.
Under this agreement, fully subsidized licenses for Q-CTRL’s Black Opal quantum educational technology software will be provided to students training in Technical and Further Education (TAFE) vocational training institutions in Australia and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the US. Rollout of this program will commence in 2024, with plans to expand and grow it across the other Quad countries in collaboration with partners there. In support of the initiative, the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center will facilitate access to Q-CTRL’s Black Opal to its member institutions.
“Inclusive workforce development in Quantum Technologies provides great access to the next generation of workforce,” QUIN Chairman Karl Metha said. “Q-CTRL’s Black Opal quantum educational technology tool is a great example of how the quantum technology industry and the Quad Investor Network are committed to building the workforce of the future.”
This proposal reflects the shared priority of Quad partners to both build a skilled workforce and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all parts of the quantum technology ecosystem. The full potential for transformational impacts arising from quantum technologies cannot be realized without a skilled workforce bringing diverse experiences to the growing quantum industry.
According to Australia’s Chief Scientist Cathy Foley, “This partnership is a great example of leadership from the private sector. Improving quantum literacy and investment will ensure we accelerate quantum technologies and make the most of this new era. This is just what the Quad Investor Network was designed to do.”
“The QUIN is very excited by Q-CTRL’s cross-border workforce development across the QUAD countries,” QUIN Executive Director Asif Bhatti said. “We strongly support the program’s focus on enabling access to a broad range of students through collaboration with HBCUs and TAFEs.”
Existing initiatives in higher education have primarily targeted expanded training of PhD students. This is the first initiative specifically focused on enabling post-secondary students from non-quantum backgrounds to enter the industry sector. Workforce development of this kind represents a strategic, long-term investment in a sector poised to deliver transformational capabilities from finance and pharmaceuticals through to defense and cybersecurity.
“We know that we need employees with backgrounds from machining and coding through to business and politics to support the growth of the quantum sector,” said Q-CTRL founder and CEO Prof. Michael Biercuk. “As a flexible tool crafted specifically for learners seeking to enter the field from adjacent areas, we’re excited to help remove barriers from the realization of a truly diverse quantum workforce through broadened access to Black Opal.”
