Episode 17: Building a Quantum Workforce: Curiosity Required

In this episode of 'The Quantum Spin by HKA', Veronica Combs discusses upskilling and reskilling with Professor Dr. Helena Liebelt from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). Dr. Liebelt shares her extensive experience in both academia and industry, highlighting the importance of upskilling and preparing a workforce capable of advancing in the quantum and HPC sectors. At DIT, Dr. Liebelt founded the first master’s degree in HPC and quantum computing, designing a program with workforce needs in mind where students spend half the week in classes and the other half working with quantum industry leaders. The episode also covers the challenges and opportunities within the quantum computing landscape, the role of HPC in quantum's future, and practical advice for those seeking to enter the field.

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast

00:36 Introducing Professor Dr. Helene Liebelt

01:02 Overview of the New Master's Program

02:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Quantum Computing

03:34 Building the Quantum Workforce

06:01 Professor Liebelt's Industry Experience

09:40 The Role of HPC and Quantum Computing

10:33 Insights on Quantum Chips and Mass Production

12:19 Details of the Master's Program

15:09 Germany's Investment in Quantum Technology

16:37 Advice for Aspiring Quantum Professionals

17:57 Conclusion and Application Information

Professor Dr. Helena Liebelt

Helena founded her first digital start-up company at the age 18, while still studying Computer Science. She started her Intel career in 2005 as an Application Engineer within the Software and Solutions Group (SSG), developing good understanding of software products and the ISV market. She moved on building a SW lab supporting internal engineering community as well as external customers. Initially starting out as a local service unit, she lastly was managing a worldwide operating SW enabling lab, supporting, with her constantly growing team, a variety of SSG and SMG (as in press and marketing support) departments along the way. She gained marketing experience during a 6-month rotation to Portland where she was responsible for the definition of an application harvesting process for scale media apps and games, definition of benefits and the design and implementations of a program for ISVs and Intel.

Since 2010 Helena was leading the HPC Market in Germany. Working with the in-country resources as well as collaborating and leveraging off the central enabling, marketing and platform teams to grow German HPC business.

In 2018 Helena received the prestigious Intel Achievement Award for her contribution to HPC. She has Doctorate in Economics (“Strategic change management in post crisis environment”) as well as formal education in Business Administration and Computer Science. In 2018 Helena received a tenured position as a full Professor of Computer Science at her Alma Mater, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), where she is building a new HPC department. Helena is also the director of the IT-Centre in charge of University IT.

Helena founded the first HPC/QC Technology master courses at the DIT in autumn 2021 with a high demand of students.

As of 1st of June 2023, Helena founded a new Institute of Future Technologies in Deggendorf as part of the DIT, being its director since then.

Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years.

Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HKA Marketing Communications⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://hkamarcom.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠