Forget the Tech - Quantum Is a People Problem

Too many people think that you have a PhD in condensed matter physics to work in quantum!

Given that quantum companies are businesses looking to generate attributable revenue, talent across a range of disciplines is needed to make the model successful.

The good news is that more and more places to acquire quantum-related skills. Many universities, as well as online providers, are offering quantum curricula, degrees, and training to help prepare and orient the evolving quantum workforce.

Prestigious academic institutions like MIT and the University of Oxford are offering online courses geared towards executives to explain the meta-concepts behind quantum technologies and how they are driving new business models and disrupting existing ones. These range from a two-day online hands-on program to more extended offerings, all designed to make executives “quantum-fluent.”

But what about catering to the needs of talent in non-science disciplines?

The Complete Quantum Computing Course for Beginners on Coursera provides this kind of solution. Terrific initial orientation perfect for journalists, PR talent, and even people interested in policy and regulatory issues – all of which are needed to drive a successful quantum business model.

QURECA offers tailored online training in quantum technologies, including "Quantum for Everyone 2.0". This course introduces quantum computing principles without requiring a mathematical or physics background.

Other entry-level courses include Q-CTRL’s Black Opal and IBM Basics.

Intermediate to advanced courseware includes Quantum Machine Learning (University of Toronto), and Quantum Mechanics & Computation (UC Berkeley). For aspiring programmers, D-Wave offers Quantum Programming Core and there is content from AWS Braket.

The message? There are lots of opportunities for talented people interested in playing a role in building the quantum economy. I encourage you to explore and get involved.

Quantum is here. Join us!