The Quantum Career Day, hosted by Photonics Austria and the Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), brought together a diverse audience of around 170 participants, including students and researchers in quantum physics, representatives from quantum technology companies, research institutions, funding agencies, as well as the City of Vienna and the Federal Ministry. The goal of the event was to give students and early-career researchers the opportunity to explore the broad spectrum of career paths emerging in the growing field of quantum science and technologies. It also served as a space for networking, inspiration, and practical guidance for life after graduation. The strong turnout and active engagement throughout the day clearly demonstrated the growing need for career-oriented support and a stronger sense of community in the field of quantum workforce development.
About 170 attendees joined the Quantum Career Day to learn, network, and explore career opportunities in the context quantum science and technology.
Copyright: Alexander Bachmayer
Alumni Talks
The event opened with a series of alumni talks, offering participants a valuable opportunity to hear from former students who have successfully transitioned into diverse roles across industry, applied research, and startups. Speakers included Mariana Ramos-Ferreira (AIT), Nico Einsidler (IBM), Michael Fellner (ParityQC), Andreas Poppe (PoppeQ), Mirela Selimovic (Quantum Industries), and Ivan Zorin (RECENDT), each of whom shared personal insights into their career journeys and current positions. They spoke about what their current roles entail, the challenges they face in their jobs, and the skills that proved most valuable after leaving academia. Many emphasized how important it was to stay curious, adaptable, and open to learning new things, and offered practical advice for students considering similar transitions.
Mariana Ramos-Ferreira (AIT) presenting her career journey to the audience.
Copyright: Alexander Bachmayer
Networking
During the networking session, participants had the chance to explore a career fair, where representatives from research institutions and companies showcased their work and engaged directly with attendees. Organizations such as AIT, CANCOM, Erste Group, FH Technikum Wien, IBM, ID Quantique, Joanneum Research, ParityQC, Photonics Austria, RECENDT, TU Wien, quantA, Quantum Industries, QUBO Technology, qtlabs, univie innovation, and xista set up booths throughout the venue to present internship and job opportunities, technologies, entrepreneurship initiatives, and advanced study programs.
Attendees connecting with companies and research institutions at the Quantum Career Day booth area.
Copyright: Alexander Bachmayer
In addition to the fair, the session also provided practical career support. Two CV check stations, hosted by edu:connect and the TU Wien Career Center, gave participants the chance to receive feedback on their application documents, offering a valuable opportunity to prepare for upcoming job or internship applications in both academia and industry.
CV Checks by edu:connect and TU Wien Career Center
Copyright: Alexander Bachmayer
Panel Discussion
A panel discussion featuring professionals from academia, a quantum spin-off, applied research, finance, and venture capital offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of quantum careers. Phila Rembold (TU Wien), Martin Bohmann (qtlabs), Andreas Windisch (Joanneum Research), Filippo Fratini (Erste Group), and Alexander Schwartz (xista science ventures) shared their perspectives on the future of careers in the context quantum science and technology. The discussion covered a range of timely topics, from the importance of collaborations between research and industry and interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas like AI, to the need for stronger support for graduates pursuing non-academic paths. The panel also explored opportunities in entrepreneurship, available support structures for founders, and the growing relevance of quantum in diverse industry sectors such as finance.
Panel discussion on career opportunities in quantum science and technology: From left to right: Helene Hainzer (VCQ, moderation), Filippo Fratini (Erste Group), Andreas Windisch (Joanneum Research), Martin Bohmann (qtlabs), Alexander Schwartz (xista science ventures), Phila Rembold (TU Wien).
Copyright: Alexander Bachmayer
Highlight Talk
A highlight of the day was the keynote by Tommaso Calarco, initiator of the Quantum Flagship and one of the leading voices in European quantum strategy. With charisma, clarity, and deep expertise, he shared a forward-looking perspective on the future of quantum technologies in Europe. His talk touched on the importance of maintaining Europe’s global competitiveness, fostering innovation, and supporting the growing quantum ecosystem. Beyond technical and strategic insights, Calarco conveyed a strong sense of momentum and purpose, reminding the audience why this is such an exciting and important time for quantum science and technology.
Tommaso Calarco presenting his views on the future of quantum technologies in Europe.
Copyright: Alexander Bachmayer
The Quantum Career Day highlighted not only the diversity of career paths now available to those with a background in quantum science, but also the enthusiasm and openness within the community to support one another in navigating those paths. The event underscored the importance of creating spaces where students and early-career researchers can connect, ask questions, and get advice directly from those who have walked similar roads before them.