Abstract

The vast majority of academic research computing centers in the U.S. and Europe have been focused on how best to optimize artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) workflows on supercomputers with an abundance of GPUs. While quantum simulation and methodologies are taught in most computer science curricula, few have acquired actual quantum systems. Industrial innovation and many government laboratories are moving forward with quantum algorithms for machine-assisted mathematical reasoning, for example, with applications for defense, energy, and more. While considerable government and industry funding is being spent on development in this sector, tech companies are slow to release affordable quantum computing solutions since there is a smaller market for them. Hosting them also presents a challenge for universities as they may require extreme cold temperatures or other provisions that are not commonly available. To prepare the shared workforce, academia needs greater access to systems, expertise, and curated educational content. This birds-of-a-feather (BoF) session will bring industry, government and academic stakeholders together to discuss how best to develop the global quantum workforce and prepare universities for the future. 

Key words: quantum, workforce, education

BoF Description: 

Over the past decade, the vast majority of academic research computing centers in the United States and Europe have concentrated their investments and operational expertise on optimizing artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) workflows on large-scale high-performance computing (HPC) platforms, particularly those equipped with dense GPU accelerators. These systems have enabled extraordinary advances in data-driven science, including breakthroughs in genomics, climate modeling, materials science, and large-scale simulation. Universities have built curricula, training pipelines, and research programs around these architectures, and a generation of students has emerged fluent in parallel computing, deep learning frameworks, and data-intensive workflows.

In contrast, although quantum computing theory, quantum simulation, and quantum information science are now widely taught in physics, computer science, and engineering programs, relatively few academic institutions have been able to acquire or directly operate quantum hardware. Instead, access is often limited to small experimental systems, remote cloud-based platforms, or purely theoretical models. As a result, there is a growing gap between conceptual education in quantum methods and hands-on experience with real quantum devices, programming environments, hybrid quantum-classical workflows, and operational constraints such as noise, decoherence, error mitigation, and hardware heterogeneity.

At the same time, industrial innovators and government laboratories are moving rapidly forward in exploring and developing quantum algorithms and applications that go well beyond academic proofs-of-concept. These include machine-assisted mathematical reasoning, combinatorial optimization, cryptography and cryptanalysis, quantum chemistry and materials modeling, sensing and metrology, and secure quantum communications. Potential applications span domains of critical national and economic importance, including defense and intelligence, energy generation and storage, logistics and transportation, pharmaceutical discovery, financial modeling, and advanced manufacturing.

This asymmetry — between rapid progress in research and early applications on one hand, and limited workforce readiness and infrastructure access on the other — poses both a risk and an opportunity. While governments around the world are investing heavily in national quantum initiatives, funding basic research, hardware development, and pilot programs, the commercial ecosystem remains immature. Technology companies are understandably cautious about releasing affordable, scalable quantum computing solutions, given the high cost of development, the fragility of current hardware, and the still-emerging market for quantum-enabled services. As a result, quantum remains perceived by many organizations as a distant or speculative technology, rather than as a field that already requires workforce preparation, infrastructure planning, and cross-sector coordination.

This BoF session is designed to directly address that gap by bringing together stakeholders from academia, government, and industry to explore how the global quantum workforce can be developed in a coordinated, inclusive, and technically grounded way. The session will provide a forum for participants to share perspectives, challenges, and best practices related to education, training, infrastructure, standards, and transition pathways — with the goal of accelerating responsible innovation and ensuring that quantum technologies are integrated into society in ways that are secure, equitable, and economically beneficial.

Why Now?

Quantum technologies are transitioning from a primarily academic endeavor to a strategic and economic capability. Governments view quantum as a matter of national competitiveness and security, with implications for encryption, communications, sensing, and advanced modeling. Industry views quantum as a potential source of competitive advantage in optimization, materials discovery, and complex decision-making. Academia remains the primary engine for foundational research and workforce training, but it’s behind in terms of resources and curricula to support these important missions.

Without deliberate coordination, these communities risk evolving in isolation. Academic programs may emphasize theory without sufficient exposure to real-world constraints. Industry may struggle to hire talent that understands both quantum mechanics and practical software engineering. Government agencies may find it difficult to procure, regulate, and deploy quantum systems responsibly without a shared understanding of standards, risks, and maturity levels.

This BoF recognizes that quantum is not simply a new kind of computer, but a new socio-technical ecosystem that spans hardware, software, theory, policy, ethics, and education. Building that ecosystem requires dialogue across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.

Session Goals

The primary goals of this BoF are to:

1. Map the current landscape of quantum education, infrastructure, and workforce development across academia, government, and industry.
2. Identify gaps and bottlenecks in access to hardware, software, curricula, and training opportunities.
3. Share emerging best practices for teaching quantum concepts, providing hands-on experience, and integrating quantum into existing computational workflows.
4. Discuss standards, benchmarks, and maturity models for quantum hardware and software that can guide procurement, research, and policy decisions.
5. Explore collaboration models among universities, national laboratories, startups, and large technology firms.
6. Define actionable next steps for building a sustainable and inclusive quantum workforce.

Topics for discussion (Four break-out tables) noting skills needed to support each area:

• Quantum hardware platforms: superconducting qubits, trapped ions, photonics, neutral atoms, and emerging modalities.
  Infrastructure access: cloud-based quantum services, shared academic facilities, testbeds, and national resources. Chair: Mohr.
• Software ecosystems: quantum programming languages, compilers, simulators, and hybrid quantum-classical workflows.
  Algorithm development: optimization, simulation, cryptography, machine learning, and scientific applications. Chair: Feeney.
• Education and training models: undergraduate and graduate curricula, online platforms, certification programs, and professional development. Chair: Schulz.
• Standards and benchmarking: performance metrics, error characterization, interoperability, and reproducibility.
  Policy and ethics: security implications, export controls, responsible innovation, and societal impact. Chair: Sorensen.

Format

This 60-minute BoF will combine brief lightning talks (10 minutes total) with a panel and moderated discussion (10 minutes) followed by the breakout conversations listed above (40 minutes). Participants will be encouraged to contribute actively, share experiences, and propose collaborative initiatives. The informal format is intended to foster openness and cross-pollination of ideas, rather than formal presentations. After the BoF, breakout session chairs will draft a comprehensive report that will help session chairs develop whitepaper – an artifact of the experience – that will serve as a guideline for others who wish to foster greater support for quantum within their organizations (countries, industries, universities, and more). We will propose a BoF series to continue at the Practice & Experience in Advanced Computing (PEARC27), Supercomputing Conference (SC26/27), and other HPC industry conferences so that the discussion is continued. The CaRCC Quantum Interest Group is another platform that could help carry this forward. 

Who Should Attend

This session is intended for:

• Academic faculty and research staff working in quantum information science, computer science, physics, engineering, and related fields.
• University administrators and research computing leaders planning future infrastructure investments.
• Government program managers, policymakers, and laboratory researchers involved in quantum initiatives.
• Industry professionals from startups and established firms developing quantum hardware, software, or applications.
• Educators and workforce development professionals designing training programs and curricula.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants should have:

• A clearer understanding of how quantum is evolving across sectors.
• Insight into workforce needs and skill gaps.
• Awareness of opportunities for collaboration and shared infrastructure.
• A set of community-driven recommendations for advancing education, access, and responsible deployment.

In summary, this Birds-of-a-Feather session responds to a critical moment in the evolution of quantum technologies. As quantum moves from theory to practice, from lab to marketplace, and from novelty to infrastructure, the success of the field will depend as much on people, institutions, and policies as on qubits and algorithms. By convening stakeholders across government, academia, and industry, this session aims to help shape a coherent, inclusive, and forward-looking quantum ecosystem — one that not only advances technology, but also prepares the workforce and society to use it wisely.

Facilitators

Sean Feeney is a PhD in Computing (Quantum) Fellow at Texas A&M University. He recently completed a post-graduate internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory focused on quantum algorithms. Additional interests include applications for quantum in the energy sector, variational quantum algorithms, matrix product state simulation, tensor networks, and HPC simulation. 

Bernd Mohr is Senior Researcher at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) in Germany (since 1996). For a few years now, he has served as Division Head Application Support responsible for providing the best access to JSC HPC and QC systems for the German and European community. JSC currently hosts the first European Exascale system JUPITER, the Jülich AI Factory (JAIF), and several QC systems (including one 5000 Qbit Dwave, a Pascal Quantum Simulator and several prototype systems), and makes them available to the German and European community.

Elizabeth Leake (Texas A&M University; STEM-Trek Nonprofit) has more than 20 years of experience with research computing program management, technology administration, external relations, strategic communications, workforce development, and outreach. Her specialties include international research community engagement, marketing, interdisciplinary team building, social media development, web administration, research communication, nonprofit administration, talent sourcing, and event planning. She has served as a judge for the ISC Student Cluster Competition since 2017 and has been invited to sit on an ISC’26 Women in HPC panel. Leake is a contributing editor for HPCwire, and has served as an international correspondent for cyberinfrastructure projects in the U.S., Europe and pan-Africa since 2012.

Bob Sorenson is Hyperion Research’s Chief Analyst for Quantum Computing. Bob’s areas of expertise include analysis of advanced computing hardware, architectures, interconnects, and performance metrics for both classical and quantum systems. Before joining Hyperion Research, Bob worked 30 plus years for the U.S. Federal Government as a Senior Science and Technology analyst covering global advanced computing developments to support senior-level U.S. policy makers including those in the White House, Department of Defense, and Treasury. 

Laura Schulz is the Project Lead for Innovation at Argonne National Laboratory’s Leadership Computing Facility. Laura facilitates projects that involve strategic planning and program development in HPC, AI, and Quantum. With a strong, broad background and education, she has demonstrated the ability to develop and execute initiatives that resonate with stakeholders on a spectrum from the political to technical, and to navigate big-picture strategic concepts to nuts-and-bolts execution. In her leadership roles she has prioritized development opportunities for team members that bolster their abilities as transformative leaders.