Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

The great promise of quantum technologies lies in enabling commercially relevant products and services. In the years ahead, applications are expected in quantum computation and simulation, quantum communication networks and in quantum sensing devices. Companies and organizations are preparing for this and are exploring the potential benefits and risks for their business.

In this course, we will zoom in on the potential applications, and on the process of transferring the relevant academic knowledge to society. How can businesses profit from quantum technology, and what impact will this have? What skills are needed to achieve a positive impact, other than a thorough understanding of the underlying science?

Students bring their knowledge into practice by conceiving a plan for a startup, complete with a business plan, a concrete product pitch, and a strategy to engage a first customer. During the course, students receive relevant reading materials, hear from invited experts, engage in brainstorming sessions, and work in teams to shape a successful business idea. At the end of the course, groups of students present their business case in a live pitch and hand in a written business proposal.

Study materials

Syllabus

Syllabus (provided on Canvas).

Other

Students are expected to consult a wide range of resources by themselves.

Objectives

Evaluate how technological innovations can be brought to the market, with an appropriate business model, product type and strategy to engage clients and investors.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively cooperate in a professional setting. This includes brainstorming, collaborating on a client deliverable, and pitching business ideas in an effective way.
Explain the current status of quantum technology, and understand different predictions of the impact it will have on businesses and organizations.
Explain how companies (startups and established enterprises) approach the field of quantum technology today.
Explain the main characteristics and challenges of start-up organizations, and recognize opportunities to become an entrepreneur.
Recognize that certain sources may contain overhyped or unbalanced information on novel technologies.
Recognize etiquette and unwritten rules in business interactions.

Learning activities

Activity	Hours
Hoorcollege	6
Laptopcollege	2
Presentatie	4
Werkcollege	6
Self study	66
Total	84	(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Additional requirements for this course:

Active participation in all aspects of the course is required.

Students can miss no more than 1 out of 8 live contact sessions.

Assessment

Item and weight	Details
Final grade
Active participation	Must be ≥ pass, Mandatory
Startup deliverable: Business Proposal	Must be ≥ pass, Mandatory
Startup deliverable: Investor Pitch	Must be ≥ pass, Mandatory

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

	First session	Homework assigned (done by next session)	Second Session	Homework assigned (done by next session)
Week 1	[2 June 9am] Lecture: Course overview Lecture: Real-world applications of ‘quantum’	Reading: Ch3 of introtoquantum.org + your own online research. Form a group (4-5 students)	[ 5 June 9am] Lecture: Brainstorming a quantum solution. Guest lecture 1	Finish brainstorm, create a shortlist of 3 solutions.
Week 2	[11 June 9am ] Lecture: Forming a business plan (business model canvas, value proposition canvas). Guest lecture 2: Philippe Bouyer (UvA, Quantum Delta NL)	Business Model Canvas Value Proposition Canvas [by Fri 13th, 17:59, but sooner is better!]	[12 June 9am] Tutorial: Pitch your early business plan. Lecture: What should be part of a startup pitch	Write a Business Proposal
Week 3	[16 June 13pm] Hand in: Business proposal Lecture: Startup phases, estimating market size. Guest lecture 3: Anne-Marije Zwerver (Groove Quantum)	Formulate a plan for the next 1.5 weeks.	[18 June 11am] Update meeting between startup team + teacher Lecture: Profitability, product pricing, matching USP to client/VC.	Dry-run your presentation.
Week 4	[26 June 9am] (Open for overflow)		[27 June 9am] Student pitches

Owner	Master Quantum Computer Science
Coordinator	Koen Groenland
Part of	Master Physics and Astronomy, Master Mathematics, specialization Algebra and Geometry, year 1 Master Mathematics, specialization Analysis and Dynamical Systems, year 1 Master Mathematics, specialization Stochastics , year 1 Master Mathematics, specialisation Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information, year 1 Master Quantum Computer Science,

Quantum in Business