Yesterday evening marked the grand finale of the QUARKS Tandem Mentoring Program. Over the past ten months, this pioneering initiative has successfully bridged the gap between school education, cutting-edge science, and high-tech industry. To celebrate the graduation, participants were treated to an exclusive look into the future, featuring guided tours through our brand-new Holodeck and the recently opened Quantum Lab.

An Inspiring Closing Evening: From Science Fiction to Reality

The atmosphere yesterday evening was filled with excitement, pride, and scientific curiosity as our mentees—enthusiastic senior high school students, their mentors from the industry and their families gathered for the final event. The highlight of the evening was a hands-on journey into tomorrow’s tech infrastructure.

For the first time, the tandem groups stepped into our newly opened Holodeck, experiencing an immersive, multi-sensory environment that visualizes complex technological frameworks. Following this, the groups were guided through our state-of-the-art 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐐𝐂𝐂𝐒) 𝐋𝐚𝐛, where researchers showcased where the actual magic happens. Seeing real-world quantum communication equipment and experimental setups up close provided the perfect, concrete conclusion to ten months of theoretical and practical training.

The Tandem Mentoring Program has proven that quantum technology doesn’t have to remain abstract. By pairing the curiosity of the next generation with the expertise of industry professionals under the guidance of researchers from TU Dresden and TU München, QUARKS has fostered a unique ecosystem of knowledge transfer. Mentees gained valuable personal growth and career guidance, while our industrial partners enjoyed direct access to the bright minds of tomorrow, securing a vanguard position in an emerging technological era.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to all the incredible mentors, the passionate students, and the dedicated team who made this journey possible. While this cohort has officially graduated, the bridge built between education and the quantum future remains stronger than ever.

© Sebastian Weingart