Early Quantum Career Immersion Program

Training the next generation of quantum leaders

Virtual Training plus Virtual or Hybrid Mentored Research or Internship
Grades: Undergraduates (+ rising college freshman)

June 29 - August 7, 2026

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Meet and be mentored this summer by leading quantum experts at some of the world’s most innovative quantum companies:

  • error-corp
  • patero-logo
  • data-warehouse-gmbh
  • xeeq
  • neoquortex-logo

Program Overview

This first-of-its-kind program brings together undergraduate students interested in quantum cybersecurity. It provides foundational quantum computing skills with an emphasis on cybersecurity applications through intensive training and practical experience while also building essential research and internship skills such as professionalism, communication, and networking. Students will then be mentored by professionals from a range of quantum companies to contribute to real-world quantum cybersecurity projects.

Dates

Training: June 29 - July 17, 2026
Project: July 20 - August 7, 2026

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Time

Training: 25+ hrs/ week

Project: 40 hrs/week

Program Components:

Virtual Lecture & Lab for training and skills-building weeks

Hybrid, virtual, or in-person mentored research or internship experience at a partner company

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After participating in this program:

86%

of students had NO prior quantum computing knowledge.

100%

of students believed they belong in quantum after this program.

98%

of students were interested in pursuing quantum careers after this program.

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Logistics

Dates

June 29 - August 7, 2026

*1-2 additional weeks may apply for in-person internships

Training will be 5-8 hours/day (inclusive of lecture, lab, small group sessions, and other programming)

Research/Internship is 40 hours/week.

Prerequisites

Completion of an introductory computer science course or have basic fluency in Python programming (variables, functions, loops).

Cost

FREE + $1600 stipend for all accepted students.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you:

  • Are currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year undergraduate institution or are a graduating high school senior in 2026; and
  • Are authorized to work in the U.S; and
  • Are enrolled in a school located in the DMV area or your permanent residence is in the DMV area; and
  • Have completed an introductory computer science course and/or have basic fluency in Python programming (variables, functions, loops).

*DMV area = the region encompassing the D.C. and its surrounding suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.

Details

This program consists of 3 weeks of intensive training in the foundations of quantum computing followed by 3 weeks of a quantum research or internship experience with one of our host organizations.

The training component of the program will be virtual.

The research or internship component may be virtual, hybrid, or in-person.

Students will need to reside in the DMV area for the duration of the program regardless of in-person, hybrid, or virtual project placement.

Application Deadline

Acceptances will be made on a rolling basis until the course reaches capacity. Once to capacity, applications will be closed.

Support for EQCI is proudly provided, in part, by National Institute of Standards and Technology financial assistance award 70NANB25H155

Tech Requirements

Summer programs are instructed live in English virtually during the EST time zone over the dates listed. Students will require access to reliable broadband on a device that is audio and video capable, ideally from a quiet and distraction-free environment. Devices may include computers, laptops, notebooks, and Chromebooks. Students will need to access Zoom and Google Co-lab from their devices to participate fully in the course.

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Program Benefits

  • Learn the foundations of quantum cybersecurity
  • Develop relationships with mentors from top companies
  • Engage in real-world applications to your field of study
  • Build tangible computer science skills
  • Enhance your professional development skills
  • Increase future internship competitiveness