We in Quantum Development (WIQD) Impact Fund

Do you want to help build a more inclusive and sustainable quantum ecosystem, one where talented people from all backgrounds can fully develop their potential and contribute to breakthroughs that benefit society?

Quantum technologies promise computational power far beyond today’s classical and supercomputers. They are expected to enable major advances in chemistry, medicine, materials science, and secure communications. Realising this potential requires not only scientific excellence, but also diverse perspectives and strong interdisciplinary collaboration. Besides scientists, also engineers and other workforce professionals need to be attracted and educated to build and sustain this emerging field.

If you believe the future of quantum should be shaped by a broad range of voices and experiences, consider contributing to the WIQD Impact Fund.

Why this is needed

Despite progress in science and technology, structural inequalities persist across physics, engineering, and quantum-related fields. Representation of women and other underrepresented groups remains limited, and is even lower in quantum.

At the same time, many talented individuals, across gender identity, ethnicity, neurodiversity, disability, and sexual orientation, face barriers to entry, recognition, and long-term participation.

This contributes to the well-known “leaky pipeline,” where talent is lost at critical transition points in education and careers. This loss is not only a matter of fairness, but also a direct limitation to innovation capacity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term societal impact.

From early education onwards, narrow narratives about who “belongs” in quantum continue to shape identity formation and reduce belonging. Combined with limited visibility of diverse role models and structural barriers in academic and industry environments, this leads to early attrition.

Without intervention, the quantum ecosystem risks losing a significant portion of its potential talent base.

About WIQD

Building on its origins as Women in Quantum Development, WIQD has evolved into We in Quantum Development, reflecting a broader and more intersectional understanding of inclusion. Professional identity, access, and long-term participation in quantum are shaped by multiple, overlapping aspects of identity, not gender alone.

WIQD works to strengthen a sustainable and inclusive quantum ecosystem by focusing on:

  • Building a strong sense of belonging and identity across the quantum community
  • Improving equitable access to opportunities and supporting smooth transitions throughout education and careers
  • Fostering inclusive environments, cultures, and leadership practices that support long-term retention
  • Strengthening visibility, community connection, and peer-to-peer support across disciplines and sectors

Your donation makes an impact

The WIQD Impact Fund supports initiatives that strengthen inclusion, visibility, and retention across the quantum field. Your contribution helps turn awareness into concrete action.

Funding supports initiatives such as:

  • Community-building activities that foster belonging, connection, and peer support
  • Mentoring and networking initiatives across academia, industry, and policy
  • Educational workshops, masterclasses, and events on inclusive leadership, team dynamics, and career development
  • Activities that raise awareness of structural barriers and support evidence-based change
  • Development of scalable tools that connect and support individuals across the quantum ecosystem

Become a WIQD friend

By supporting WIQD, you help build a quantum ecosystem where talent is not lost due to structural barriers, but nurtured and sustained across all stages of education and career development.

You can contribute through a donation or sponsorship.

Together, we can ensure that quantum development reflects the diversity of the society it serves, and unlock the full potential of the field for sustainable, long-term impact.

Join us in shaping an inclusive future for quantum development.

👉 Detailed sponsorship packages and partnership agreements are available as a downloadable document.