IBM-HBCU Quantum Center: A model for industry-academic partnerships to advance the creation of a diverse, quantum aware workforce

TL;DR

The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center fosters industry-academic collaboration to diversify and develop a quantum-aware workforce through community building, research support, and educational initiatives involving HBCUs.

Contribution

It introduces a novel partnership model between IBM and HBCUs to enhance diversity and workforce development in quantum information science and engineering.

Findings

Engaged over 400 students, faculty, and researchers.

Established multiple programs including workshops, speaker series, and hack-a-thons.

Created a sustainable research and education community in QISE.

Abstract

The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center is a first-of-a-kind collaboration between IBM and a consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that seeks to address the lack of Black representation and build a diverse and aware workforce in quantum information science and engineering (QISE). Key pillars of the Center are focused on 1) building community and fostering a sense of belonging, 2) strengthening relationships internally and with the broader quantum community, and 3) providing funding to support undergraduate, graduate, and faculty research at HBCUs. As a part of the program, students and faculty are invited to participate in grant development workshops, a QISE invited speaker series, community hack-a-thons, and other opportunities to build competencies in the growing field of QISE. Since its launch, the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center has engaged a community of over 400 students, faculty, and researchers and will continue to establish a research presence in QISE and increase opportunities for research and workforce development.