IBM announced a global quantum education initiative in collaboration with Yonsei University, Seoul National University, Keio University, the University of Tokyo, and the University of Chicago at the end of 2023 and shared the achievements of one year. In December 2023, IBM set a goal to train 40,000 quantum personnel over the next decade and provided quantum education to more than 2,400 students in 2024.
This education initiative aims to promote the dissemination of quantum technology by utilizing the Qiskit SDK and quantum education curriculum while addressing the shortage of quantum-related jobs and talent. Students receive advanced training throughout the semester using quantum computers with over 100 qubits and practice real quantum computing. For example, students at the University of Tokyo reproduced an experiment published in Nature using IBM's quantum computers.
Quantum computing education is becoming more accessible worldwide, enabling students, educators, and researchers to learn easily. For instance, IBM Quantum Learning offers free courses and hands-on practice for beginners, allowing the general public to learn quantum computing. In collaboration with the University of Tokyo, there is a course that allows learning quantum computing through 14 lectures and practical sessions.
Yonsei University plans to be the first in the country to introduce IBM Quantum System One in 2024, providing quantum computing education to 100 students and establishing a Department of Quantum Information Science in 2025. Seoul National University conducts quantum computing lectures utilizing Qiskit, while Keio University and the University of Tokyo are expanding quantum computing education through cutting-edge quantum computers and hands-on training. The University of Chicago offers 29 quantum courses with 21 faculty members and provides students with practical projects to build a quantum ecosystem.
IBM contributes to the global cultivation of quantum technology talent through the expansion of quantum computing education.