Quantum CARLA 2026: Exploring careers in Quantum Science and Technology

On March 20th, ICFO hosted a the fifth edition of Quantum CARLA: the Quantum Careers Symposium, held in the iconic setting of La Pedrera in Barcelona and streamed online to a broad international audience. The event brought together students, early-career researchers, and professionals interested in exploring the fast-evolving landscape of quantum science and technology.

Throughout the day, participants engaged with a diverse programme combining expert talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. The symposium offered a comprehensive overview of career paths in the quantum field, spanning both academia and industry, while fostering meaningful exchanges between attendees and speakers.

The event received very positive feedback from participants, with an overall rating of the event 4.4 out of 5; they highlighted the diversity of perspectives, the accessibility of the speakers, and the valuable networking opportunities as key strengths of the symposium. 96% of the participants would recommend Quantum CARLA to a friend, and over 80% stated that they benefited by attending the event.  

The programme opened with welcome remarks by Silvia Carrasco (ICFO), followed by an introduction to the current quantum science and technology landscape by Verònica Ahufinger (ICFO), setting the stage for the sessions ahead.

The Academia panel, moderated by Verònica Ahufinger, featured Anna Sanpera (UAB), Bruno Juliá (UB), Luis Trigo Vidarte (ICFO), Morgan W. Mitchell (ICFO), and Tania Belabbas (Université de Sherbrooke). Together, they shared insights into academic career paths, research directions, and the challenges and opportunities within the field. This was followed by the Industry panel, moderated by Sergi Ferrando (ICFO), where Carlotta Ciancico (Quside), Elisabeth Ortega (Qilimanjaro), Josefina Cresta (Luxquanta), and Samuele Grandi (ArQ Quantum Technologies) discussed how quantum technologies are being translated into real-world applications, as well as the skills and profiles currently in demand across the sector.

After a networking coffee break in the exhibition space, the symposium continued with the Quantum Testimonials session, moderated by Lydia Sanmartí-Vila (ICFO). Alexandros Stavrinadis (Balder IP), Ismael Almazan (Big Sur Ventures), Paraskevi Ganoti (European Commission), and Shaeema Zaman (Science Melting Pot) shared their personal journeys, offering first-hand perspectives on navigating careers across research, entrepreneurship, policy, and communication.

A technical highlight of this year’s edition was the session on Trends in Quantum Science and Technology, moderated by Jordi Pinyol (ICFO), featuring Sergi Ferrando (ICFO), who presented on photonic integrated circuits and the European pilot line PIXEurope, showcasing their role in advancing photonics integrated circuits and quantum applications.

The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Lydia Sanmartí-Vila, followed by a networking lunch where participants had the opportunity to connect with speakers, sponsors, and fellow attendees in an informal setting.

The symposium was organised within the 360 CARLA project, in the framework of the European project Digitally Enhanced Quantum Technology Master (DigiQ) and of the Master in Quantum Science and Technology Barcelona, in collaboration with within the European Quantum Flagship and the Catalonia Quantum Academy (CQA). The symposium was also sponsored by GMV, Luxquanta, Nu Quantum and Quside. 

Quotes from participants: 

“I think it was a very well organised event. I was particularly fond of the diversity of speakers invited, and found it very useful that industry speakers shared opportunities and encouraged discussions during networking.”

“I think it was a wonderful event and it brought my hopes up on the matter of my professional future.”

“This event was truly inspiring and reinforced my interest in quantum technology. It encouraged me to deepen my knowledge and explore new aspects of the field.”

“I enjoyed the event and would recommend it as a great introduction to the field, both in academia and industry.”