InstituteQ joins €20M European Quantum Academy initiative

InstituteQ, represented by the University of Helsinki, is part of a new pan-European project to strengthen quantum education throughout the continent – one of the largest initiatives of its kind and backed by nearly €20 million in funding.

As of May 1, 2026, InstituteQ has joined the newly established European Quantum Academy (EQA), a Digital Europe Programme project. This four-year educational project connects over 70 partner institutions and more than 100 affiliated organizations across Europe, covering activities from school outreach and harmonized Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes to doctoral training, professional upskilling and lifelong learning.

EQA is coordinated by Aarhus University, Denmark, and its concrete targets include training at least 600 quantum professionals through EQF level 7 and level 8 programmes by the end of the project. Additionally, it aims to train 5,000 students through EQA activities, reserving 20% of student travel grants for those from underrepresented groups.

The University of Helsinki has taken the role as EQA project partner. Accrodingly, all InstituteQ member organizations are recognized as affiliated partners and can thus participate in EQA activities. InstituteQ has previously participated in the Quantum Flagship projects QTIndu and DigiQ in a similar capacity.

EduQ operations lead and University of Helsinki Professor Kimmo Tuominen says this project is a great opportunity for InstituteQ to contribute to international quantum educational efforts.

“Through pan-European collaboration, the project lets us share best practices and strengthen quantum education across the continent. The InstituteQ partners will play an important role in contributing to this development,” Tuominen says.

According to the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the global quantum sector is projected to exceed €155 billion by 2040 and create thousands of highly skilled jobs, but Europe’s quantum capabilities are currently unevenly distributed across the continent. The EQA aims to reduce these disparities by expanding access to training, infrastructure and industry opportunities.

Read more about European Quantum Academy in the Quantum Flagship press release.