The GPS and photosensors in your phone – in fact most devices you are reading this on – would not exist without our current understanding of the development of quantum technologies. New discoveries are made every day and the development of quantum technologies is by no means completed. Quantum computing, for instance, offers diverse and ambitious fields of study, but is unfortunately still prone to errors and poses big challenges for engineering, security, and regulation. But perhaps you or one of your students could be the one to make the next breakthrough discovery?

In workshops organised by the German educational NGO TüftelLab (“tüfteln” is German for “to tinker”), students and teachers alike will get the opportunity to experience quantum effects and explore new quantum technologies through playful learning. You will participate in a week-long camp filled with input, excursions and a chance to conceptualise your own projects to be presented at the end of the week. To simplify these complex concepts, you will be able to influence and shape the programme with your own ideas and creativity. Contemporary and future quantum problems will be explored, and your own prospects will be discussed. As students, you will also receive specifically developed German classes to further capture your imagination and allow you to create a potential path toward future study or professional opportunities – both in this field and in Germany. As a teacher, you will receive input during this time on how to implement quantum content in class. As well as this, the camp is framed by a rewarding leisure programme.

Throughout the week, all participants will be staying in the same accommodation (teachers: single rooms, students: shared rooms, split by gender), regardless of their place of departure, in order to promote intercultural exchange and preserve the group experience.

 

- To motivate interest in the topic of quantum technologies
- To deepen knowledge around quantum physics and problems
- To strengthen opinion-forming and expression in a technical framework
- Expansion of a specialised technology in Germany
- To promote the development of future professional fields
- To promote an interest in Germany as a location for further study and professional development

We explicitly want to invite students and teachers of all genders, races, religious, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds and welcome neurodiversity. We are looking forward to a great time with a diverse group of people with varying ideas and perspectives that will shape this creative, hands-on experience. Do reach out to us with questions or requests if you need any further accommodations to facilitate your participation in this programme.

If you are a teacher who feels that you can benefit from quantum-inspired lesson plans, then this project is for you! The students and teachers should ideally have an interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), however, advanced expertise in quantum physics will not be required. A pre-existing interest in STEM subjects is an advantage, but teachers and students from all subjects are welcome to apply! Please note that teachers are active participants in the Karriere Quantum camps.

Only teams consisting of two students and one teacher can apply for the camps. The students should be 16-18 years of age at the time of the camp. During the camp, they will learn and spend time with other student-teacher groups from around the EU and the UK.
The students and teachers should preferably have an existing interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), however, advanced expertise in quantum physics will not be required. Teachers and students from all subjects are welcome to apply! 
Students as well as teachers need to have English proficiency at least at B2 level, and additionally, students require A1 proficiency in German (the teachers do not require any proficiency in German).

Camps last one week, from Saturday to Saturday.

2024 dates:
Dublin, Ireland: Saturday 17 August – Saturday 24 August 2024.*
Rome, Italy: Saturday, 2 November – Saturday, 9 November 2024.

*Please note that each camp includes a German online course – this will usually be 1 week prior to the course and 1 week after the course

2025 dates:
These will be confirmed once finalised.

London, UK:
Madrid, Spain:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands:

There are five camps, distributed throughout Europe: London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, and Dublin will each host a camp with a sophisticated programme around quantum technologies and the German language.  
2024: Dublin, Rome
2025: London, Madrid, Amsterdam
 

The interactive workshops will be through English to facilitate exchange between students and teachers around the topic of quantum technologies. Thus, all participants (students and teachers) are required to have a minimum English proficiency level B2 or higher. In addition, there will be German lessons tailored to the topic, to build a base and an interest for possible study or working abroad. Germany is heavily invested in expanding their field of research in the quantum area and German universities offer a good foundation for a promising career in quantum technologies. Basic German skills at level A1 would be required for the students.  
 

The week-long camps are comprised of hands-on quantum technology workshops, interactive German language lessons, a public event exhibiting the students’ work at the end of the week, as well as programme activities and leisure time.
Please note that each camp also includes 3 weeks of a German online course - 1 week prior to the course and 2 weeks after the course. The workload per week is approx. 5 hours.
Please be aware that by agreeing to participate in a camp, you also commit to staying in the provided accommodation, even if you reside in the same city or nearby. Additionally, it is essential to participate in the leisure activities, as they are a key part of fostering interaction with other camp participants and ensuring a truly unique intercultural experience.
 

Groups of three (2 students and an accompanying teacher) can follow the respective application links for participation in one of the Karriere Quantum camps, which will be uploaded as soon as fixed dates are published.

While your group can apply to more than one camp, it is not possible to take part in multiple Karriere Quantum camps.  

As part of the application process you will be asked to explain your motivation for participating in this project in a short video and why we should choose your group to join the Karriere Quantum camps.  

 

First, please verify the video's length: If it exceeds the recommended duration, you may encounter issues with uploading, or it may only upload partially. To avoid this, ensure that your video is no longer than 90 seconds. If the problem persists, you can create a WeTransfer link to share the application video instead.
 

Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask for your patience. Please refrain from inquiring about the status via email - we will reach out to you as soon as we have thoroughly reviewed your application.