A Canadian quantum computing systems pioneer is concerned about escalating demand for skilled quantum programmers paired with a lack of supply in the talent pipeline.
Burnaby-born D-Wave announced this week that it has launched a six-module quantum training course called “Foundations for Quantum Programming.”
The self-paced online course equips learners with essential mathematics and Python skills, laying a solid foundation for success with D-Wave’s flagship course, “Quantum Programming Core,” according to the company.
“Foundations for Quantum Programming” encompasses video presentations, quizzes, and hands-on programming activities, requiring roughly 10 hours to complete.
Upon completion, learners will have gained skills such as: identifying optimization problem objectives and variables, representing problem objectives as mathematical expressions, converting constraints to penalty functions, and writing basic Python programs for quantum programming, according to D-Wave.
“Quantum computing isn’t just for specialists,” says Victoria Goliber, global head of technical advising at D-Wave. “We’re equipping employees across roles to take advantage of this technology now.”
The new course stems from the success and feedback of over 500 students who completed “Quantum Programming Core,” a mid-level course designed for individuals with intermediate skills who want to accelerate their application development.
Students can take a self-assessment to determine which course is most appropriate for them to start their quantum training journey, the company offers, but recommends “Foundations” as a prerequisite for “Core.”
D-Wave also offers a library of free resources with case studies, white papers, videos, and more to boost learning opportunities for students.
“From students to experienced professionals, our expanding learning programs are key to building a quantum-ready workforce to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies,” Goliber said.
D-Wave has been advancing quantum science since its inception at the University of British Columbia in 1999. The firm raised $40 million in 2021 from the federal government before going public in 2022.
In 2023, D-Wave unveiled a new quantum training program in conjunction with BC-based Quantum Algorithms Institute in a bid to accelerate the development of a quantum-ready workforce, as well as a partnership with the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.
“We need to train the workforce to be quantum ready now to ensure we can realize the benefits of this promising technology,” Jobs and Innovation Minister Brenda Bailey stated last year.
