QURECA (Quantum Resources & Careers) is an international company focused on developing quantum technology skills, training the workforce, and supporting companies in creating quantum strategies. The company is at the forefront of the quantum industry, offering a wide range of training services, recruitment, and business consulting, as well as helping industry and scientific organizations prepare for the changes brought about by quantum technologies. Founded in 2019, QURECA’s CEO, Dr. Araceli Venegas-Gómez is one of the leading experts in the field, advancing quantum expertise in both companies and educational institutions. Venegas-Gómez and Content Manager Richard Kienhoefer will host a visit by a delegation from Karelia UAS to QURECA in Barcelona in September 2024.
Lecturers Olli Hatakka and Daniel Bågeberg from Karelia University of Applied Sciences and a group of students from the Y-academy participated in the visit. During the visit, special attention was paid to ways to integrate quantum technology education into Karelia’s curricula and to expand research cooperation and teacher and student exchange to increase quantum technology expertise. The students of the Y Academy were very enthusiastic about QURECA’s presentations related to the future of quantum technology and the opportunities it offers.
QURECA presented us with its versatile learning solutions, such as the QURECA Box, which brings quantum technology concretely to students. This pedagogical toolkit enables quantum technology learning through hands-on activities and an interactive learning environment. It is particularly aimed at secondary schools and higher education institutions.
The visit was an important step towards closer cooperation to bring quantum technology education into undergraduate and postgraduate education, across different fields of activity and disciplines. QURECA presented diverse learning solutions, including QURECA Box, which makes quantum technology accessible to pupils and students. This pedagogical tool enables learning quantum technology through hands-on activities and an interactive learning environment and is specifically targeted at secondary and higher education institutions.
Future Project Cooperation: 2025 Quantum Technology Learning Pathways
2025 the cooperation between Karelia UAS and QURECA will expand significantly in quantum technology education, if the 4-year DIGITAL EUROPE EU-funded project named “QUEST”, currently in the project preparation phase, is successful in obtaining funding. The project involves several European universities, colleges and research institutes.
On the other hand, there is a desire to increase the application of knowledge and the identification of added value, including from business, sustainability and accountability perspectives, and to make these factors more transparent to decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders. These courses and modules will provide students with the necessary skills either directly for industrial quantum technology roles or for further studies in quantum master’s programs. This builds a bridge between traditional disciplines and quantum technologies, equipping students with the skills needed for industrial or academic research and development.
Practical Implementation and Cooperation
The project will be implemented through close cooperation between academic institutions and leading industrial players. The aim is to develop tailor-made modules combining a strong theoretical basis with practical skills. Through partnerships, students will be offered practical courses and internships related to quantum technology applications, preparing them for employment or further studies. At the same time, a smooth transition from bachelor programs to specialised master programs in quantum technologies will be facilitated.
Quantum Technology Applications and Future Prospects
QURECA’s presentations highlighted the diverse applications of quantum technology. Quantum technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum sensors, open up new opportunities in healthcare, the energy industry, logistics and finance, among others. In healthcare, quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize drug research by accelerating the drug development process and making diagnoses more accurate. In the energy industry, quantum simulations can optimize energy consumption and reduce emissions.
Summary and Future Plans
The visit to QURECA and plans for project cooperation in 2025 will open up unprecedented opportunities for Karelia University of Applied Sciences, its teachers and students. The integration of quantum technology into bachelor’s programmes responds directly to the growing shortage of labour in the field and helps create a new generation of experts equipped to work in emerging and emergent fields of quantum technology. Deepening our collaboration with QURECA and providing new learning opportunities will help our faculty and students become part of the global quantum technology network, while forming a strong foundation for future innovation and regional economic growth.
Sources:
QURECA, Castelldefels, Barcelona. About QURECA. [Online] Available at: https://www.qureca.com/
Venegas-Goméz, A. (2024). Intro to the Quantum Ecosystem. Presentation 4.9.2024.
Venegas-Goméz, A.; Kienhoefer, R., (2024). QURECA_overwiev. Presentation 4.9.2024.
Venegas-Goméz, A. (2024). QURECA – an international company At the heart of quantum technology. Interview 4.9.2024.
Kienhoefer, R. (2024) QURECA, quantum technology competence development, workforce training, and expertise from elementary to excellence. Interview 4.9.2024.
Authors:
Olli Hatakka, Lecturer, Karelia University of Applied Sciences
Daniel Bågeberg, Lecturer, Karelia University of Applied Sciences