Happy World Quantum Day from the Google Quantum AI team!

Today marks a celebration of quantum science and technology. Whether it’s the prospect of tackling big challenges like reducing emissions from industrial processes, improving battery design or even designing new medicines — our team is excited to help unlock ways this technology could help people. We’re thrilled to use today as an opportunity to help anyone understand and contribute to quantum computing — and support the education of the next generation of quantum technologists.

Last year, we launched The Qubit Game on World Quantum Day. In partnership with the National Q12 Partnership, the Qubit Game is now available as a classroom activity to introduce K-12 students to quantum computing concepts and experiments. This year, we’re pleased to announce a new, $50,000 grant to the Santa Barbara Education Foundation to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM)-focused teacher grants, giving students more access to STEM resources and activities and helping to build their excitement to enter STEM (including quantum!) careers. We’re also sharing a new glimpse into the quantum computing laboratory, based in Santa Barbara, where our researchers will host a group of middle school students at our lab to share their career paths and introduce the students to quantum computing.

The quantum computing industry is growing rapidly. In addition to public and K-12 outreach, targeted workforce development efforts will enable a diverse group of people to develop the skills to enter the quantum computing workforce. We’re actively advising, supporting, and collaborating with academic institutions around the world including UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, UC Berkeley, MIT, Harvard University, CU Denver, Leiden University, Oxford University, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and many more. These relationships allow us to explore important research questions, expand access to quantum computing education, and develop the next generation of researchers. As part of this approach, we’ve also released open source tools ¹ to ensure quantum computing resources (including software for quantum computing algorithm development and simulation) are widely accessible.

Emily Edwards, science communication expert at the University of Illinois and co-lead at the National Q12 Education Partnership, says, “Quantum information is just part of the broader story of science and engineering. That’s why success in quantum education really means infusing quantum science concepts into STEM classrooms, or strengthening the material that is already there. We also want to remove silos and support actions that translate into a more diverse and equitable workforce. To make this happen, the National Q-12 Education Partnership is working with teachers, professional societies, decision makers, government, employers, community organizations and more."

World Quantum Day is not only a celebration of science, but — as importantly — the students, researchers and hobbyists everywhere who may one day contribute to its development. And if you are just starting out, try out The Qubit Game and other activities at QuanTime. We also encourage you to visit Q12’s website, where you can learn about various quantum careers.

Happy World Quantum Day!