SandboxAQ funds two Quantum Science and Technology MSc scholarships for under-represented students

Continuing its mission to support quantum education and train a diverse future quantum workforce, SandboxAQ today announced it will be funding two full scholarships for Trinity College Dublin’s MSc programme in quantum science and technology. 

The two $50,000 US “Trinity AQ Scholarships” will enable under-represented students from the Global South to gain the advanced practical skills and knowledge needed to pursue future careers in AI and quantum (AQ) technologies. 

Launched in 2021, Trinity College Dublin’s MSc in Quantum Science and Technology degree comprises two semesters of intensive classes and a summer internship in a leading quantum hub such as the United States, Canada or France.

Starting in the Autumn 2024 semester, the Trinity AQ Scholarship Program will cover tuition, living expenses, visa fees, and travel, providing a comprehensive support system for recipients throughout the one-year programme. Students can find more information about the scholarships, including how to apply by visiting the scholarship website.

The scholarship programme continues to strengthen the existing collaboration between SandboxAQ and Trinity, which focuses on growing a more diverse quantum workforce. In February, the two organisations co-hosted a two-day Diversity in Quantum event with DiviQ, providing participants from under-represented groups with the information, communities, connections, and opportunities necessary to pursue quantum careers. 

Felix Binder, Assistant Professor in Trinity’s School of Physics, said: “As quantum science and technology is advancing around the globe it is crucial to reduce entry barriers for students who are keen to become tomorrow’s experts in the field."

“Sandbox AQ’s generous scholarship contribution, which covers tuition as well as subsistence, provides a wonderful opportunity for scholars from the Global South to embark on their journey into Quantum Science together with their peers from around the world. We look forward to welcoming them to Trinity.”

John Goold, Director of Trinity Quantum Alliance and Associate Professor in Trinity’s School of Physics, who delivered the scholarship programme on the Trinity side, and who has worked closely with Sandbox AQ over the past year, added:

“Creating greater opportunities for women and under-represented communities in STEM and technology careers is incredibly important to Trinity, and for the growth and sustainability of the quantum ecosystem and technology sector overall.

“We’re grateful to have visionary partners like SandboxAQ who understand the need for advanced STEM education and are investing in the future success of our students.”  

Marianna Bonanome, Head of External Education Programs at SandboxAQ, said: “It’s an honor to support Trinity College Dublin in helping shape the future leaders of the AQ industry,” said 

“The Trinity AQ Scholarship Program is part of a larger initiative to help address the increasing global need for highly skilled AQ professionals. Through partners like Trinity, we aim to foster greater diversity and innovation in quantum education, which will benefit the students and the entire quantum ecosystem.”

Jack D Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, said: “To address the growing quantum skills gap, we need to utilize all available human capital by reskilling and upskilling existing talent and extending education opportunities to traditionally underrepresented groups." 

“We hope this scholarship program with Trinity College Dublin will inspire others in the quantum industry to invest directly in increasing access and opportunity for more underrepresented groups to pursue a quantum education, which will help grow the quantum ecosystem.”   

Professor Lorraine Leeson, Associate Vice Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Trinity College Dublin, added: “I greatly welcome SandboxAQ's commitment to fostering diversity in Quantum Science and Technology education through these two Trinity AQ Scholarships.

"This initiative aligns with Trinity’s mission to create inclusive opportunities that provide opportunities for students to flourish and excel, and, through the Trinity AQ Scholarships, work towards ensuring a quantum workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of global talent.”  

SandboxAQ’s education initiatives include relationships with dozens of universities and other organisationsaround the world. These institutions collaborate with SandboxAQ - either formally or informally - to expand their AI, quantum and STEM curricula; sponsor quantum labs and PhD candidates; host educational seminars; and provide students and postdoctoral researchers with grants, fellowships, mentorship, and hands-on experience working with cutting-edge AQ solutions.

SandboxAQ has trained hundreds of graduate students and postdocs from 15 countries via its Residency Program, which embeds students directly into a SandboxAQ team using AQ technologies to solve real-world business and societal challenges.  

For more information about SandboxAQ’s education and corporate upskilling initiatives, please visit https://www.sandboxaq.com. For more information on Trinity’s MSc in Quantum Science and Technology degree, please visit https://www.tcd.ie/physics/quantumtech/.

Media Contact:

Thomas Deane | Media Relations | deaneth@tcd.ie | +353 1 896 4685