Building an Inclusive Future in Quantum: A Conversation with Burçin Ülgen, COO of QphoX

On our journey to create an inclusive quantum ecosystem, we are sitting down with people who share our mission. In the Netherlands, a leader in creating an inclusive workplace is QphoX, a pioneering quantum technology company working in quantum networking that prides itself with its diverse team consisting of 45% women and over 20 nationalities.

Recently, we sat down with Burçin Ülgen, Chief Operating Officer of QphoX to talk about her career journey, her approach to inclusive leadership, and her vision for QphoX’s place in the rapidly evolving quantum ecosystem.

From Pharmaceuticals to Quantum: An Unexpected Journey

Burçin’s path into quantum was unexpected. “I’m a pharmacist by education, so I do not come from the quantum background.” she explains. “I spent several years as a scientist across different companies and projects, gradually taking on more complex work. Along the way, I developed strong soft skills in organization, people, and project management and that’s where I found my forte. I really enjoyed it and decided it was time to take the next step.”

That curiosity led her to the quantum world, and eventually to QphoX. “It was almost this magical field. This buzzword sci-fi sounding space that was just way too mysterious for me. But the more I understand, the more I see what it is, I get fascinated with it and what it can do. I feel like we are witnessing the start of something and I’m very happy to have found a place in it.”

As COO, Burçin now plays a key role in building the company’s internal structure and translating scientific vision into strategic execution. But beyond the technology, it’s her team that drives her:

“One of my proudest responsibilities is creating an environment that’s not only high-performing, but also a great place to work. That is the only way that we create successful companies.”

Leadership Through Listening

“Inclusion for me starts with listening,” she says passionately. “And I specifically use the word ‘listening’, not ‘hearing.’ Because active listening is fundamentally different. It’s about truly creating a safe space, a judgement-free zone, where people feel they can come to you with anything. Whether it’s a frustration, a suggestion, or even a criticism.”

Burçin explains how she cultivates psychological safety in her team. “I want to hear what people are saying. And also what they’re not saying. That requires observation without taking sides. Are people comfortable asking questions in meetings? Are they encouraged to challenge the status quo? These are things I’m always watching for.”

This reflective, people-first approach is part of how she closes the loop in her role.

“I interact with people, I pay attention to what they’re telling me, and then I work to bring resolution. But the bottom line is: I want people to be themselves. You don’t need to act like someone you’re not. Especially in a startup, we need to feel like pieces of a puzzle. Each one different, but fitting together.”

Turning Challenges into Fuel

Burçin’s drive to make QphoX a safe place is also personal. She is no stranger to feeling like an outsider.

“During the early days of my career, I often struggled with the assumptions and comments that came with being a woman in male-dominated environments,” she recalls. “Some were subtle, like a colleague saying, ‘Congrats on the promotion. It’s a great role for a woman.’ Others were more blatant. I lost a contract renewal while pregnant, and during job interviews, I was asked how I planned to manage a demanding career with a young family.”

At first, these experiences were deeply frustrating. Not because she doubted herself, but because they overshadowed the work, effort, and success she had poured into her career. “It took me a long time to figure out what to do with those feelings. But eventually, I found a way to use them as fuel. These moments now empower me. They remind me that those who doubted me simply misunderstood who I was and what I could do. I’ve taken that power back.”

Burçin’s advice to others navigating similar challenges is simple, yet powerful: “Do not shrink yourself to make others comfortable.” It’s not always easy, but it leads to growth that’s stronger than the setbacks.

Inclusion as Culture, Not a Campaign

For Burçin, inclusivity cannot be performative or occasional. “It takes time and consistency. It must be turned into culture. It cannot be incidental.”

She stresses that inclusive environments are built intentionally, brick by brick, every day.

“We need a culture where people can speak up. Where they don’t fear judgement. That’s what drives creativity and innovation.”

It’s also how QphoX reflects the broader quantum ecosystem they hope to build.

Connecting the Ecosystem: Literally and Figuratively

“At QphoX, our technology forms a bridge between different platforms,” Burçin explains. “That gives us the opportunity to play a foundational role in the quantum ecosystem. We’re literally enabling communication across the system.”

She emphasizes that by creating this connectivity, QphoX is inherently fostering inclusion. “We’re allowing all players; companies, service providers, vendors, to participate. Those who contribute today are shaping the norms of tomorrow. So inclusion isn’t just important. It’s essential.”

Looking ahead, Burçin envisions QphoX as a kind of “adhesive” for the quantum ecosystem. “We want to help the entire field scale, collaborate, and move forward. We’re not just building technology. We’re building the backbone of something much bigger.”

The Role of Inclusive Leadership in the Quantum Future

Burçin shares with us advice she has for future leaders, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

“Don’t create limitations for yourself,” she says with conviction. “Often, especially when you come from a background that’s not well represented in your field, you end up creating your own limitations. You underestimate yourself. You stay in your comfort zone because it feels safe.”

Burçin shares a relatable example: “I have friends who don’t apply for jobs unless they match 100% of the job description. I tell them to apply anyway. Maybe you don’t get it, but what if you do? I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t applied for a job I thought was too ambitious.”

She also acknowledges the pressure to be perfect, especially for women. “Expecting perfection holds us back. It’s uncomfortable to take risks or bite off more than you can chew, but that’s often where growth happens. The process can be painful. But how else can we grow without stepping out of our comfort zone?”

A Field Still in the Making

Reflecting on the state of quantum, Burçin agrees that the field is still new enough that we have a chance to build it right. It’s clear to her that inclusion is not a side note. It’s essential to innovation. It’s how you build better teams, stronger companies, and a quantum ecosystem that benefits everyone.

As we wrapped up the interview, Burçin left us with a final reminder to push boundaries, even if it feels uncomfortable.

“Bite off more than you can chew. Make mistakes. Learn from them. That’s how you grow. Being overwhelmed, being intimidated and making mistakes are a part of the growth process.”

👉 Interested in more stories from the quantum world? Read more on our website or join our next Inspirational Talk!