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As quantum technologies continue to move from research laboratories into real-world applications, the demand for highly qualified specialists is growing rapidly across Europe. At the Abbe School of Photonics, this development is already reflected in the international M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology programme, which prepares students for careers at the intersection of quantum science, engineering, and innovation.
The growing demand for quantum talent has also led to new efforts to coordinate education and training at the European level. A major step in this direction is the launch of the European Quantum Academy (EQA)External link. As part of the broader Quantum FlagshipExternal link initiative, the EQA brings together more than 70 partner institutions and over 100 affiliated organisations from across Europe. Its mission is to coordinate and strengthen quantum technology education on a European scale, supporting the development of the skilled workforce needed as quantum technologies increasingly move from the laboratory into industrial and commercial applications.
To achieve this goal, the Academy will operate through six Regional Quantum Academies covering Northern, Western, Southern, Eastern and Iberian Europe. Together, they will support the full educational pipeline: From school outreach and harmonised Bachelor's and Master's programmes to doctoral training, professional upskilling, and lifelong learning.
By the end of the project, the Academy aims to train at least 600 quantum professionals through advanced degree-level programmes and reach more than 5,000 learners through its educational activities.
The need for such coordinated action is clear. According to projections by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the global quantum sector could exceed €155 billion by 2040. However, access to quantum education and infrastructure remains uneven across Europe. While some regions benefit from strong research environments and established training pathways, others are still developing the foundations required to participate fully in the emerging quantum economy. The EQA addresses these disparities by promoting collaboration, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion throughout the European quantum education landscape.
The Academy also aligns with the EU Quantum Europe Strategy and the Digital Decade objectives, both of which highlight quantum technologies as a strategic priority for Europe’s future competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
The EQA builds on the achievements of earlier Quantum Flagship initiatives, including QTEdu, DigiQ, QTIndu, and QUCATS. These projects have established shared educational frameworks, developed teaching resources, and created a growing network of educators, researchers, and industry partners across Europe.
The Abbe School of Photonics has been actively involved in this European effort for several years. As an affiliated partner of DigiQExternal link, the ASP contributes to strengthening quantum education and training across Europe. It has also hosted the Quantum Ideas Factory twice, bringing together around 40 participants for intensive weekend hackathons focused on developing new ideas in quantum science and technology. These activities highlight the collaborative and interdisciplinary character of modern quantum innovation.
The goals of the European Quantum Academy closely align with the ASP’s M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology programme. The programme combines a strong foundation in quantum physics with training in applications such as quantum computing, communication, sensing, and imaging. Embedded in Jena’s internationally recognised optics and photonics ecosystem, students benefit from close links to cutting-edge research and an international learning environment.
The launch of the European Quantum Academy therefore marks an important step in Europe’s efforts to build a coherent quantum education ecosystem. For students interested in becoming part of the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and innovators, the ASP’s M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology provides a direct pathway into one of the most dynamic fields of modern science and technology.