Quantum Entrepreneurship Lab: Training a Future Workforce for the Quantum Industry

TL;DR

The Quantum Entrepreneurship Lab at TUM is a pioneering interdisciplinary course that trains students to bridge academic research and industry in quantum technology through project-based learning and collaborative team projects.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interdisciplinary, project-based course structure combining technical and business training to prepare students for the quantum industry.

Findings

Students developed technical research reports.

Students created business white papers.

Teams presented startup pitches at Demo Day.

Abstract

The Quantum Entrepreneurship Lab (QEL) is a one-semester, project-based course at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application in the quantum sector. As part of the Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) ecosystem, the course fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between technical and business students, equipping them with the skills necessary to contribute to or lead in the emerging quantum industry. The QEL curriculum integrates two complementary tracks. First, technical students form teams where they engage in cutting-edge, industry-relevant research topics under academic supervision. Meanwhile business students in a parallel course explore commercialization strategies, risks, and opportunities within the quantum technology landscape. Midway through the semester, a selection of the business students join the technical course to form interdisciplinary teams which assess the feasibility of transforming scientific concepts into viable business solutions. The course culminates in three key deliverables: a publication-style technical report, a white paper analyzing the business potential and financial requirements, and a startup pitch presented to the quantum community at a Demo Day. This work outlines the course structure, objectives, and outcomes, providing a model for other institutions seeking to cultivate a highly skilled, innovation-driven workforce in quantum science and technology.