IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE)
Forging Pathways: Quantum Computing Initiatives in Mexico
Alberto Maldonado-Romo, Claudia Zendejas-Morales, Boris Escalante Ramírez, Jimena Olveres, I. Pedraza, Javier Maldonado-Romo, Jesús Yaljá Montiel-Pérez
This work presents establishing a nationwide university network to address the relevance of quantum computing, where challenges and opportunities for industry and academia focus from undergraduate to doctoral levels. The network comprises a series of talks on opportunities in the quantum computing ecosystem and potential collaborations and development opportunities aimed at Latin American countries. A total of 240 Spanish speakers registered, with 30% identifying themselves as introductory level and 4% as experts in quantum computing. The outcome underscores the importance of creating opportunities across various domains of the quantum computing ecosystem for a country showing initial interest in this field. Additionally, the current work presents the educational levels of the participants, including their proficiency levels in quantum computing, their areas of interest within this field, and the topics and trends they consider relevant when engaging in quantum computing. The event was hosted by the Center for Computing Research of the National Polytechnic Institute (CIC-IPN) and organized by a consortium of institutions including CIC-IPN, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Superior School of Computing (ESCOM), the Interdisciplinary Professional Unit in Engineering and Advanced Technologies (UPIITA), the Center of Studies in Advanced Computing of UNAM (CECAv), Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing of the Technological Institute of Monterrey, Benemérita Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP), Tecmilenio University, Superior School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Unit (ESIME) Zacatenco, and Quantum Universal Education. The event was made possible through collaboration with industry partners such as IBM Quantum, Xanadu, Haiqu, Unitary Fund, qBraid, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Kipu Quantum, Pasqal, Quantinuum, Womanium, and BQB, each contributing their unique expertise and resources to the event.
This work presents establishing a nationwide university network to address the relevance of quantum computing, where challenges and opportunities for industry and academia focus from undergraduate to doctoral levels. The network comprises a series of talks on opportunities in the quantum computing ecosystem and potential collaborations and development opportunities aimed at Latin American countries. A total of 240 Spanish speakers registered, with 30% identifying themselves as introductory level and 4% as experts in quantum computing. The outcome underscores the importance of creating opportunities across various domains of the quantum computing ecosystem for a country showing initial interest in this field. Additionally, the current work presents the educational levels of the participants, including their proficiency levels in quantum computing, their areas of interest within this field, and the topics and trends they consider relevant when engaging in quantum computing. The event was hosted by the Center for Computing Research of the National Polytechnic Institute (CIC-IPN) and organized by a consortium of institutions including CIC-IPN, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Superior School of Computing (ESCOM), the Interdisciplinary Professional Unit in Engineering and Advanced Technologies (UPIITA), the Center of Studies in Advanced Computing of UNAM (CECAv), Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing of the Technological Institute of Monterrey, Benemérita Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP), Tecmilenio University, Superior School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Unit (ESIME) Zacatenco, and Quantum Universal Education. The event was made possible through collaboration with industry partners such as IBM Quantum, Xanadu, Haiqu, Unitary Fund, qBraid, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Kipu Quantum, Pasqal, Quantinuum, Womanium, and BQB, each contributing their unique expertise and resources to the event.
We discuss the challenges and findings of organizing an online event in Spanish, consisting of a series of introductory workshops leading up to a quantum hackathon for Latin America. 220 Spanish speakers were registered, 66% of whom self-identified as being at an introductory level of quantum computing. We gain a better picture of the impact of quantum computing in Latin America, and the importance of generating educational resources in Spanish about quantum computing. Additionally, we report results on surveying the participants by country; educational status; self-reported levels of quantum computing, linear algebra, and Python competency; and their areas of interest within quantum.This event was organized by Quantum Universal Education with the Centro de Investigación en Computación del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CIC-IPN) as the host institution, in collaboration with a number of organizations and companies: IBM Quantum, Xanadu, Multiverse Computing, Quantum Universal Education, Quantum Hispano, QMexico, Haq.ai, Dive in Learning. This was part of a larger event, the Qiskit Fall Fest 2021, as one of several hackathons organized around the world in a similar span of time. In each Qiskit Fall Fest hackathon, participants were challenged to form teams of up to 5, to develop in 5 days a project using the IBM Qiskit framework.
Quantum computing is a rapidly advancing field with the potential to drive scientific, educational, and technological development. However, it faces a significant shortage of qualified experts, creating an urgent demand for skilled professionals. In Latin America, quantum education remains in its early stages, further widening the regional talent and access gap due to limited educational infrastructure and financial constraints. This work presents an initiative to integrate quantum computing into higher education in Latin America through the application of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies, which offers a standardized approach to defining competency requirements and assessing essential skills in the field. We propose introductory courses aligned with the frameworks guidelines, designed to meet industry standards and reach a broad audience. Additionally, we introduce supplementary resources, including team dynamics and evaluation methodologies, to enhance the educational ecosystem. These initiatives aim to create a sustainable and comprehensive quantum education model across Latin America, to close the regional skills gap, foster inclusivity, and prepare a diverse workforce to contribute innovative solutions on the global stage.
Abstract Quantum computing represents a revolutionary computational paradigm with the potential to address challenges beyond classical computers’ capabilities. The development of robust quantum software is indispensable to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. Like classical software, quantum software is expected to be complex and extensive, needing the establishment of a specialized field known as Quantum Software Engineering. Recognizing the regional focus on Latin America within this special issue, we have boarded on an in-depth inquiry encompassing a systematic mapping study of existing literature and a comprehensive survey of experts in the field. This rigorous research effort aims to illuminate the current landscape of Quantum Software Engineering initiatives undertaken by universities, research institutes, and companies across Latin America. This exhaustive study aims to provide information on the progress, challenges, and opportunities in Quantum Software Engineering in the Latin American context. By promoting a more in-depth understanding of cutting-edge developments in this burgeoning field, our research aims to serve as a potential stimulus to initiate pioneering initiatives and encourage collaborative efforts among Latin American researchers.
The accelerating global development of quantum technologies strengthens the case for introducing quantum computing concepts before university. Yet in Latin America, there is no consolidated, region wide integration of quantum computing into secondary education, and the feasibility conditions for doing so remain largely unexamined. This paper proposes a qualitative, comparative framework to assess academic readiness for quantum education across six countries - Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia - grounded in the relationship between curriculum compatibility and enabling conditions spanning institutional capacity, teacher preparation, infrastructure, and equity. Using official curricula, policy documents, national statistics, and educational reports, we apply structured qualitative coding and a 1-5 ordinal scoring system to generate a cross country diagnosis. The findings reveal substantial regional asymmetries: among the six countries studied, Chile emerges as the most institutionally prepared for progressive quantum education integration, while the remaining countries exhibit varying combinations of curricular gaps and fragmented but promising enabling conditions. Building on this diagnosis, we propose a country sensitive, regionally coordinated roadmap for staged implementation, beginning with teacher development and pilot centers, leveraging open source platforms and local language resources, and scaling toward gradual curricular integration. This work establishes a baseline for future quantitative and mixed method studies evaluating learning outcomes, motivation, and scalable models for quantum education in Latin America.
As quantum computing advances toward practical implementation, the urgency to prepare our technological infrastructures and research ecosystems becomes critical. This presentation explores two interconnected dimensions of quantum readiness: protecting critical systems through post-quantum cryptography and building collaborative regional networks to accelerate quantum and AI research.The talk will introduce the synapsIA model—a successful regional network of AI experts connecting academia, industry, and government across Latin America—as a framework for fostering quantum computing and AI ecosystems in emerging regions. We will examine how collaborative, multidisciplinary networks can accelerate knowledge transfer, reduce technological dependency, and create sustainable pathways for quantum education and research in underrepresented regions.This session offers practical insights for students and researchers interested in: quantum technologies applications, cybersecurity in the quantum era, regional innovation ecosystems, and multidisciplinary collaboration strategies. Attendees will gain understanding of both technical solutions and organizational models that can be replicated in their own communities.Keywords: Post-quantum cryptography, Artificial Intelligence, Regional innovation networks, Quantum readiness, Critical infrastructures, Collaborative ecosystems
Recent advancements in quantum computing have sparked tremendous interest among students, professors, and enthusiasts, driving a surge in exploration and inquiry. To harness this momentum effectively, collaboration between research institutions, universities, and enthusiast communities is imperative. Furthermore, there's a pressing need to enhance quantum literacy among students and experts from allied fields such as engineering and computer science, which necessitates the development of educational programs specifically tailored to their needs. This paper delves into the collaborative initiatives orchestrated between the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), universities, and enthusiast communities to bolster quantum education and awareness in the Philippines. Through presentations delivered to five universities, a hackathon co-hosted with OneQuantum Philippines, and a lecture series in alliance with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) engineering faculty, these initiatives aim to ignite interest, offer hands-on experience, and foster a sustainable ecosystem for quantum education and research. By emphasizing the pivotal role of multi-stakeholder engagement, this paper underscores the transformative potential of collective efforts in propelling quantum science and engineering education not only within the Philippine context but also on a broader global scale.