Potential of quantum computers: What skills do engineers* need?

Last Monday, at the event held under the series “Start me up Monday”, experts from industry discussed the topic “Training Quantum Engineers”, how quantum cryptography can already be used to protect sensitive data and what potential quantum computers have in general.

With the development of quantum technologies, a new professional field is opening up. This evening, the emerging job market was analyzed and the required skills of engineers were discussed. The event was moderated by Günter Essl (Occupational Field Research, UAS Technikum Wien).

Quantum Engineering: New Master’s program at UAS Technikum

In his introductory remarks, Alexander Mense (Head of Faculty Computer Science, UAS Technikum) pointed out that UAS Technikum Wien (especially Gerd Krizek and Lukas Mairhofer) has already dealt with this topic in great detail. Soon there will be the first information on the Master’s program Quantum Engineering, which is scheduled to start in the fall of 2024.

Gerd Krizek (Head of Departmend Applied Mathematics and Physics) talked about how Vienna was not known as a hotspot for quantum technology until recently. Among other things, this has already changed fundamentally due to the Nobel Prize of Anton Zeilinger, who proved quantum teleportation, and the commitment of some universities and companies. In Vienna, he said, an ecosystem surrounding quantum technology has emerged in recent years. Krizek also shared some details about the master’s program in quantum planned at the FH Technikum, which will offer three options for specialization, Quantum Communications, Quantum Computing and Coherent Systems.

Creating an industry around quantum computing

David Alber (David Alber (IBM, Quantum Ambassador) then gave a rough overview of the current scientific status of quantum computing and its current problems. IBM, he said, wants to IBM wants to push the creation of an industry around quantum technology and to get as many partners as possible on board who cooperate very openly with each other, for example in the area of open source software.

According to Jürgen Schiefer (Raiffeisen Bank International AG, Retail Innovations), we are already moving away from the laboratory in quantum technology, towards “real” problems that are relevant for a possible business around quantum computing. Explaining why Raiffeisen is interested in quantum in the first place, he said, “We need to continue to provide data security for our customers. If codes can be broken with quantum computing, then this must also be prevented with quantum computing. Online banking must also be quantum ready. To remain competitive, we as a bank must also use cutting-edge technologies so that we don’t lose out.”

Quantum technology: software developers needed in addition to physicists

Martin Bohmann (qtlabs) was particularly pleased about the fact that there will soon be a separate course of study for quantum computing at UAS Technikum Wien. In his view, many different technical skills are needed in industry in the field of quantum technology: In addition to physicists and mathematicians, software developers and electrical engineers are also needed.

Nika Mizerski (techstory.at, TBC) presented a completely different perspective on the topic. A generally high level of interest in a new technology does not generate sales. You also need partners, different ecosystems and, above all, a good story that explains why you should definitely be in this growing industry system right now. According to Mizerski, VR and AR were only just beginning about 5-8 years ago. Since then, an industry worth billions of dollars has already developed in this area. Companies that started very early to tell good stories and take advantage of the market now have a big advantage. It will be similar in the field of quantum technology, he said.

For Christoph Henrichs (Technikum Wien Academy), quantum technology is no longer science fiction. Faster than one might think, this technology will change many different industries, such as banking, trade, technology and logistics, in a very sustainable way. Already now, one should have one’s finger on the pulse and also be able to speak and explain to company partners what this topic is all about in concrete terms.

To this end, the Technikum Wien Academy is offering a practical seminar on the topic of „Quantentechnologie – Get Quantum Ready“.

Further links:

Quantum Technology: Summer School with 100 participants and a strong network

Practical Seminar at the Technikum Wien Academy: „Quantentechnologie – Get Quantum Ready“

At the group picture: (from left to right) David Alber (IBM, Quantum Ambassador), Nika Mizerski (techstory.at, TBC), Martin Bohmann (qtlabs), Günter Essl (Professional Field Research, FH Technikum Wien), Gerd Krizek (Department Head Applied Mathematics and Physics, FH Technikum Wien), Rafael Rasinger (Innovation, Scaleups & Networks, FH Technikum Wien) and Jürgen Schiefer (Raiffeisen Bank International AG, Retail Innovations).