Jul 30, 2025
School meets high-tech: TUD-coordinated QUARKS project launches mentoring program on quantum technologies – register now
Students in grades 10-13 and industry representatives can get to know quantum communication, quantum computing and the practical application of this high technology together at ten events.
The “QUARKS“ project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR) and coordinated by TU Dresden (TUD), aims to make quantum technologies accessible to the general public. Its new mentoring program will start on September 25, 2025. This program gives secondary school students a chance to meet people from the industry. The goal is to talk about the tech possibilities of quantum communication in a way that's easy for school students to understand. Interested high school students are welcome to register now until September 10, 2025.
Conducive and future-oriented
As part of the mentoring program, participants form tandems—linked by their shared interest in quantum technology—ranging from quantum communication to digital security. . Participants will discover the world of quantum computing and the fields of application for this high-tech technology, flanked by researchers from TUD.
Diverse program spread over ten months
In ten afternoon workshops between September 2025 and June 2026, participants will focus on a different aspect of quantum communication in technical applications each time, including:
- Conducting scientific experiments
- Excursions to labs and companies
- Creative workshops on quantum communication
Registration for the mentoring program:
- Email to ; Subject: “Tandem Mentoring Program”
- Deadline for applications: September 10, 2025
- Who is it intended for? Secondary school students (grades 10-13) with an interest in the future of communication technology
- Time frame: September 25 to June 2026
- Program: Ten events with workshops, experiments, and excursions
Information about the event: Joint project “QUAntenkommunikation netzweRke Kompetenz für die gesellSchaft” (QUAntum communication netwoRks Expertise for the Society -QUARKS)
The QUARKS joint project, coordinated by TU Dresden and jointly responsible with TU Munich (TUM), has been dedicated to quantum communication since June 2024 and makes the application potential of this high technology tangible for business and society. It will be funded by the BMFTR with EUR 4.47 million as part of the Quantum Active Measure. In addition to providing accessible information for the general public, QUARKS also includes modules for skilled workers and school students in Dresden and Munich, both of which are science hubs for quantum communication networks. In this way, the project aims to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the field of quantum communication.
The new mentoring program aims to bring quantum communication closer to schools and industry. At the same time, the project ensures the expansion of participatory research on quantum computers and a 5G quantum network on campus.