Celebrating the Anniversary of the TLCs' official opening: Building Quantum Talent for the Future
November 7 marks the first anniversary of the Quantum Talent and Learning Centers (TLCs), which have rapidly grown across the Netherlands' four quantum hubs, enabling a passionate community in Amsterdam, Delft/Leiden, Enschede, and Eindhoven. Over the past year, these centers have spearheaded promising educational initiatives, introducing plans for students of all levels and launching specialized programs to meet the demand for quantum talent.
The event opened with inspiring remarks from Margriet van der Heijden, who will lead Human Capital efforts for Quantum Delta NL, highlighting strategies to further quantum talent development nationwide. Laura Piispanen followed with an engaging account of Quantum Game Jams’ history, illustrating how these events have encouraged collaboration between physicists, game developers, and educators. Gunter Helms then presented the essential role of MBO programs in strengthening the pipeline of skilled quantum technicians and developers.
A key highlight was the panel discussion, which reinforced the potential of quantum games as a powerful bridge between quantum physics and the general public, breaking down complex subjects into accessible experiences.
Presentations & courses
The event was an inspiring showcase of these growth steps, featuring diverse presentations that highlighted the broad spectrum of quantum education. From the OntdekFabriek Quantum Experience and the Quantum MiniMavericks book project, both aimed at sparking curiosity in younger generations, to new programs such as the Quantum Education and Development Labs at the TLCs, offering hands-on training for HBO and MBO students, each segment demonstrated the reach and impact of these initiatives. We were also pleased to spotlight national initiatives by the Center for Quantum and Society, which continues to investigate quantum development with societal impact.
On the academic front, TLCs are advancing quantum education at all levels, with a new Applied Quantum Master for HBO students underway, alongside specialized Quantum Technology Master's courses at TU/e designed to meet the needs of future quantum professionals.
The virtual contribution of speakers added another layer of excitement:
Chris Ferrie introduced the Quokka Quantum Qubit Simulator for learning at home.
Evert van Nieuwenburg announced the 2025 Quantum TiqTaqToe Tournament, bringing quantum to a new competitive space.
Chris Cantwell from Quantum Realm Games shared insights on the upcoming Quantum Game Jam.
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EduQuation
After co-organizing this event, which included a quantum game room experience and poster session followed by inspiring lab tours, the student-led initiative EduQuation is ready to roll out Quantum Game Rooms (QGRs)— an immersive entryway for businesses into quantum! As 2025 marks the centennial of quantum, EduQuation aims to set up these QGRs for HR divisions within tech companies, empowering employees to connect with quantum concepts and industry developments.
