Quantum computing promises to unlock enormous business value — up to nearly $700 billion by one estimate — but a severe talent shortage threatens to stall progress. As of 2022, there was only one qualified candidate for every three quantum computing jobs. At this rate, barely 50 percent of quantum jobs may be filled by 2025. Organizations must urgently develop a quantum-ready workforce or risk missing the technology’s potential.
4 Ways to Build a Quantum-Ready Workforce
- Invest in upskilling and education.
- Build talent pipelines through partnerships.
- Broaden hiring criteria.
- Start early with pilot projects.
Surging Quantum Demand and Shifting Skillsets
Demand for quantum talent is rising rapidly as companies move from research labs to real-world usage. Yet the expertise required — spanning physics, computer science and engineering — remains scarce. Contrary to popular belief, quantum computing careers are not limited to physicists with doctorates. Industry data indicates more than half of quantum technology jobs are open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree or less.
As an IBM researcher notes, professionals with standard computer science or engineering backgrounds can already apply their skills to quantum projects. In practice, companies are assembling teams that include quantum software developers, quantum hardware specialists, and “quantum translators” — tech-savvy domain experts who bridge the gap between quantum science and business needs. Many organizations find it faster to upskill talent from adjacent fields into these roles than to hire rare candidates with doctoral-level quantum training.
Educational Initiatives Building Quantum Expertise
Universities and industry consortia are ramping up quantum education to expand the talent pipeline. Today, only 29 out of 176 university quantum programs worldwide offer a graduate degree in quantum computing, but new academic paths are emerging. The University of Maryland, for example, launched a professional certificate in quantum computing for non-specialists, and other schools are integrating quantum topics into standard computer science and engineering curricula.
Non-profits and companies have stepped in as well. The Coding School’s Qubit by Qubit initiative has already trained more than 22,500 students and professionals in quantum computing across 130 countries, aiming to make quantum literacy accessible globally. Major quantum firms are offering their own training programs too. D-Wave, for instance, saw an 85 percent jump in enrollments for its quantum programming courses in early 2024. Meanwhile, corporate-academic collaborations are creating talent pipelines through internships and joint research. SandboxAQ, for example, has partnered with more than 30 universities to co-train graduate students and upskill corporate employees on real quantum projects.
Upskilling the Current Workforce for Quantum Tech
With few seasoned experts available, companies are turning inward to reskill and upskill existing employees. Although there are not enough doctoral-level quantum specialists in the job market, many engineers and developers are eager to learn. In one survey, 95 percent of tech employees said they want quantum computing training.
Forward-thinking firms are tapping into this enthusiasm by providing access to courses, workshops and hands-on projects. A wealth of learning resources, such as MIT’s online quantum courses, is available at little or no cost. Simply giving talented staff time and support to explore quantum technology can pay off, especially since your employees already understand your business domain. Industry experts advise that companies focus on internal upskilling efforts and forge strategic partnerships to share knowledge and accelerate learning.
Recruiting and Retaining Quantum Talent
Even with these efforts, recruiting specialized quantum talent from the outside remains challenging. Competition is fierce — multiple sectors and governments are vying for the same small pool of experts, leading to bidding wars and rising salaries. For certain niche roles (e.g. quantum hardware engineers or cryogenics specialists), qualified candidates are extremely scarce. The breadth of skills required is challenging to recruit and retain for any single organization.
Retaining quantum talent can be equally tough. Top practitioners seek cutting-edge projects; if a company fails to provide its employees exciting opportunities and growth, they may be lured away by research labs or better-funded competitors. Companies need to create an environment where quantum scientists and engineers can continue to innovate — offering clear career paths, access to advanced tools, and a culture of R&D — to keep their quantum teams intact.
Recommendations for a Quantum-Ready Workforce
To prepare for a quantum-enabled future, business leaders should begin taking concrete steps today. Key recommendations include the following.
Invest in Upskilling and Education
Dedicate budget and time for quantum training to develop internal talent. Encourage engineers and analysts to take online courses and workshops and bring in experts for targeted training. Employees are eager to learn these skills. Supporting that ambition will fill skill gaps and improve retention.
Build Talent Pipelines Through Partnerships
Collaborate with academia and industry groups to access quantum expertise. Partner with universities on research projects and internships and join consortia to share knowledge. Such partnerships create a steady talent pipeline and expose your team to the latest advancements.
Broaden Hiring Criteria
Don’t limit recruitment to those with doctorates. Seek candidates with strong fundamentals in software, mathematics or engineering who can be trained in quantum concepts. Prioritize adaptability and diversity in building your team. Interdisciplinary “quantum translators” plus domain experts often outperform a single specialist.
Start Early With Pilot Projects
Launch a small internal “quantum lab” or pilot team now, even if the technology is still maturing. Identify a few potential use cases and let your team experiment on available quantum cloud platforms. Many companies are already testing algorithms on today’s quantum systems, so getting hands-on experience now will ensure your workforce is prepared when quantum breakthroughs arrive.
By acting now to cultivate quantum skills and partnerships, executives can future-proof their organizations. The race for quantum advantage is not just about technology; it’s about people. Companies that invest in talent today will be poised to translate quantum innovation into competitive business results in the years ahead.
