Quantum Needs You! Connecting Quantum Talent and Quantum Employers

On November 20th, 2025, our Quantum Needs You! career event created a space for early-career talent to connect with quantum industry and academia professionals and to create a more inclusive and open quantum ecosystem.

Inspiring keynote by Amber Geurts

The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote by Amber Geurts (TNO), who explained the relevance of quantum innovation, connecting tech to society with the example of the energy transition and emphasizing the importance of inclusive teams with diverse skills and perspectives.

“We might be able to let communities bridge and meet each other, talk to each other, and realise a mutual language together.”

2-minute company and academia pitches

The keynote was followed by a series of 2-minute pitches by companies and institutions explaining their work in quantum. We were happy to welcome representatives of Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), Delft Circuits, QphoX, Orange Quantum Systems, Groove Quantum, Delft Networks, Cosine, Microsoft, Qubion, Leiden University, TU Delft, and TU Eindhoven. The pitches introduced participants to the many pathways in the quantum ecosystem, from hardware to software engineering and research. After the pitches, there was a networking space with a business market. This gave students, early-career professionals, and industry and academia representatives an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the quantum ecosystem.

Workshops

The event continued with three parallel workshops. The Talent Track: Career Clinic by Lucienne Stavenuiter (NWO-I) supported early-career talent with practical advice on navigating the professional field. The Employer Track: Inclusive Recruitment & Interviewing workshop facilitated by Carolin Ossenkop (Connectify) focused on building inclusive recruitment practices and improving interview skills, essential for a connected and diverse quantum ecosystem. The Mentoring Orientation session hosted by our Head of Programmes, Judith Kreukels united mentors and mentees of the WIQD Mentorship Programme for the first time, providing paired mentors and mentees with an opportunity to get to know each other.

Milestone: Launch of the WIQD mentorship cohort

One of the most meaningful moments of the afternoon was the launch of the first cohort of the pilot WIQD Mentorship Programme. The programme matches young talent in quantum with experienced mentors from academia and industry, creating structured support for career exploration, professional development, building confidence, and finding a sense of belonging in the ecosystem.

Wrapping up and new connections

The event concluded with networking drinks and bites, which was a last opportunity for participants to reflect on the event and build on conversations sparked earlier in the day. What stood out across the event’s programme was the collective commitment to supporting talent, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that the quantum ecosystem is a place for everyone.

A warm thank you to all speakers, partners, mentors, and participants for contributing to such an inspiring afternoon. We look forward to continue building a more inclusive quantum community together.

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