NARASIMHAN KASTHURI
SAN FRANCISCO / WASHINGTON, DC, NOV 13
Q-CTRL, a leader in developing quantum technologies through quantum control infrastructure software, has partnered with the Quad Investors Network (QUIN) to deliver world-class training to build diverse quantum workforces in Australia and the US.
We are proud to be partnering with the Quad Investors Network (QUIN) to provide fully subsidized Black Opal quantum educational technology software to students training in TAFEs across Australia and Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the US. https://t.co/zQpGpRKaVY
— Q-CTRL (@qctrlHQ) October 25, 2023
Under the 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. The program which is expected to begin next year will be expanded to other Quad countries like India and Japan.
- Inclusive workforce development in quantum technologies will provide great access to the next generation of workforce: Karl Mehta, Chairman, Quad Investors Network (QUIN)
- Improving quantum literacy and investment will ensure we accelerate quantum technologies and make the most of this new era: Cathy Foley, Chief Scientist, Australia
- The program which is expected to begin next year will be expanded to other Quad countries like India and Japan
IBM-HBCU Quantum Center will facilitate access to Q-CTRL’s Black Opal to its member institutions.
Speaking with this correspondent, QUIN Chairman, Karl Mehta, said inclusive workforce development in quantum technologies will provide great access to the next generation of workforce. “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,” he said.
Existing initiatives in higher education have primarily targeted expanded training of PhD students. This is 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.
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 industry, according to a communique.
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.
“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.”
Q-CTRL’s quantum control infrastructure software for R&D professionals and quantum computing end-users delivers the highest performance error-correcting and suppressing techniques globally, and provides a unique capability accelerating the pathway to the first useful quantum computers and quantum sensors. Q-CTRL also operates a globally leading quantum sensing division focused on software-level innovation for strategic capability. Q-CTRL has been an inaugural member of the IBM Quantum Network startup program since 2018, and its performance management software is now being natively integrated into IBM quantum computers. The Quad Investors Network is the premier technology network for investors, industry, and innovators across the Quad nations. It focuses on ten core technical areas including semiconductors, AI, clean energy, and quantum technology. The Quad Investors Network recently announced a Quantum Center of Excellence focused on topics such as workforce development and cross-border investment in quantum technologies.
(Narasimhan Kasthuri was a veteran journalist with The Hindu and Financial Express covering business, IT etc. Now, in the US West Coast, he covers technology for NE. He can be contacted at @narasimhan.kasturi@yahoo.com, Mobile: +1 (650) 793-0056)
