Investing in Türkiye’s Quantum Future: More Than 3,500 Students Introduced to Quantum Technologies

Investing in Türkiye’s Quantum Future: More Than 3,500 Students Introduced to Quantum Technologies

The Quantum Technologies Awareness Program, implemented through the collaboration of the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) and Q&CO Quantum Computing Technology Inc., and hosted by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, concluded with a closing event held in Istanbul. As part of the program, which was conducted in 13 pilot provinces across Türkiye, more than 3,500 students and teachers were introduced to quantum technologies, with the aim of increasing young people's awareness of the critical technologies of the future.

The Quantum Technologies Awareness Program, launched under the cooperation protocol signed between the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) and Q&CO Quantum Computing Technology Inc., came to an end with a closing event hosted by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education. Throughout the program, high school students in 13 pilot provinces across different regions of Türkiye—Ankara, Antalya, Çanakkale, Erzurum, Gaziantep, İzmir, Konya, Kahramanmaraş, Malatya, Samsun, Şanlıurfa, Trabzon, and Istanbul—were engaged through educational activities, reaching more than 3,500 students and teachers.

During the seminars and training sessions organized throughout the program, participants learned about the fundamental principles of quantum science, the operating logic of quantum computers, and the transformative impact quantum technologies are expected to have in fields such as healthcare, defense, communications, and information technologies. Through interactive sessions, the program also aimed to strengthen students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technology development skills.
 

The Future of Quantum Technologies Discussed in Istanbul

The closing event began with a comprehensive seminar delivered by Prof. Dr. Serkan Topaloğlu, Faculty Member at Yeditepe University, who addressed the current state of quantum technologies and the opportunities they are expected to offer in the future.

Following the seminar, a panel discussion was held featuring Dr. Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the T3 Foundation; Abdurrahman Keklik, Chairman of the Board of ComPro; Prof. Dr. Erkcan Özcan, Faculty Member at Istinye University; and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ataç, Faculty Member at Marmara University. The panel focused on the impact of quantum technologies across various sectors, development opportunities, and future perspectives.

The discussion highlighted global developments in quantum technologies, Türkiye’s strategic goals in this field, the growing need for qualified human resources, and the role of young people within the technology ecosystem. Panelists emphasized that quantum technologies will become one of the key factors determining countries’ competitiveness in the coming years and stressed the importance of engaging young people in this transformation process from an early age.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the T3 Foundation, stated: “At the T3 Foundation, we believe that the most important strength of countries that develop technology is their human capital. Therefore, our primary goal is to contribute to cultivating the talent Türkiye needs in critical technology fields in line with the National Technology Initiative. Young people are at the center of our efforts in quantum technologies as well. We attach great importance to building an ecosystem that can identify young people’s potential at an early age, connect them with the right opportunities, and support their development. We believe that the steps we are taking today will help raise a strong generation capable of positioning Türkiye among the leading countries of the quantum era.”
 

Laying the Foundations for the Next Phase

With the closing event in Istanbul, the education and awareness activities carried out in the pilot provinces were successfully completed. The outcomes and insights gained throughout the program have provided an important framework for future initiatives in the field. As part of the next phase, a Quantum High School Hackathon and talent development programs are planned to encourage students interested in quantum technologies to participate in project development processes and engage with the research and development ecosystem.

The collaborative program carried out by the T3 Foundation and Q&CO Quantum Computing will continue to contribute to the discovery of young talent in the field of quantum technologies, increase scientific awareness, and support the development of Türkiye’s future technology leaders.