Date: 28–30 April 2025
Location: ICFO, Barcelona
In a week that began with an unexpected nationwide blackout across Spain, the QTIndu & DigiQ Collaborative Event at ICFO in Barcelona proved that flexibility and collaboration are at the heart of Europe’s quantum education community. From 28 to 30 April 2025, participants from across the continent gathered to exchange ideas, foster connections, and explore the practical steps needed to build a future-ready quantum workforce.
Strengthening Collaboration Behind the Scenes
The first and third days of the event were dedicated to internal working sessions for the DigiQ consortium and QTIndu project members. These sessions provided an opportunity to align strategies, reflect on progress, and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration. Discussions ranged from long-term sustainability planning to strengthening networks and ensuring inclusivity across education programmes. Despite the technical challenges caused by Monday’s blackout, the spirit of cooperation was evident throughout.
Spotlight on Day 2: Engaging the Wider Quantum Community
Tuesday 29 April was the event’s public-facing day, bringing together a diverse audience from academia, industry, education, and policymaking. The goal was clear: open the doors to broader collaboration and share practical tools and insights that can accelerate Europe’s quantum readiness.
The morning featured a series of thought-provoking keynote talks and interactive discussions, beginning with a shared vision from DigiQ and QTIndu on the transformation of quantum education. A particular focus was placed on the Quantum Competence Framework, which provided the foundation for much of the day’s dialogue. Participants engaged in open conversations around how educational content can better reflect industry needs, how we define quantum-related roles, and where current curricula may fall short in delivering real-world value.
One standout session explored how to build a quantum-ready workforce through innovative, accessible learning formats. Discussions included the integration of games and interactive tools, strategies for tackling common misconceptions, and ways to ensure content is not just advanced, but also inclusive and engaging. The recurring theme was practical relevance: many students and professionals want to understand what quantum technologies can do, not just how they work.
The afternoon featured a well-attended workshop on the practical use of generative AI in the quantum sector, highlighting the crossover between emerging technologies and quantum innovation. This session was especially relevant for organisations either involved in quantum or preparing to launch their efforts. In parallel, participants could attend sessions tailored to educators or policymakers, covering the use of AI in teaching quantum topics and the transition from research to practice in quantum learning environments.
A dedicated competency framework corner ran throughout the day, allowing attendees to explore skills pathways, future career profiles, and ask targeted questions in a more informal setting.
The day concluded with reflections on the importance of collaboration between universities, training providers, and industry. A strong consensus emerged: Europe’s quantum ambitions will only be realised if education and innovation evolve hand in hand.
Looking Ahead
The QTIndu & DigiQ event was more than a meeting—it was a clear signal that the quantum education landscape is changing, and that this change is being shaped through openness, shared vision, and resilience.
Whether navigating an unexpected power cut or navigating the future of skills development, the message was the same: we’re stronger when we work together.