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Quantum Entrepreneurship Laboratory

Module WI001258

This Module is offered by Chair of Strategy and Organization (Prof. Welpe).

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Basic Information

WI001258 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered every semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Catalogue of soft-skill courses
Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
180 h 30 h 6 CP

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

The Quantum Entrepreneurship Laboratory is a project-based learning experience that brings together students of different backgrounds with reputable industry partners and selected quantum specialists to explore new commercial applications of quantum computing.

Teams are presented with challenges from industry partners, for which they will have to develop prototypes of quantum software and commercialization strategies for these. Students will be supported with lectures from professors and invited experts as well as from interactions with teaching assistants, in both technical and entrepreneurial topics.
The student teams will consist of a balanced combination of physics, management and informatics students.

The students registering to the course at the School of Management will receive tailored lectures on the foundations of quantum technologies and the early applications of quantum computing. All roles will go through classes on use-case identification, business plan development, as well as classes on prototyping, pitching, and funding. A large part of the self-study for the quantum specialist and full-stack specialist entails finding and applying the right methods and algorithms to the identified use-case.

The available slots will be allocated based on academic fit and relevant experience. After registering, please visit "https://www.pushquantum.tech/qel" and fill in the application form stating why you want to join the course, and why you would be a good fit."

Learning Outcome

At the end of the module, students are able to apply the product development process to quantum technologies and its application domains.

In terms of business knowledge, they are able to analyze markets
and user needs, and respond with suitable product features - specifically in the context of deep tech. Furthermore they understand the factors that are relevant for creating a new business opportunity with emerging technologies and especially quantum technologies.

In terms of technical knowledge, students are able to conduct a
technology assessment and to develop a prototype.

Due to the fact that students work in interdisciplinary teams, they
learn how to work with and manage interdisciplinary teams.

Furthermore, by working directly with an industry partner, the students will learn to manage stakeholders in a business-to-business product development context.

Preconditions

Students can apply to the course based on their preferred role in the interdisciplinary project:
Business specialist: Not mandatory but highly recommended: Business plan elaboration, pitching, rapid prototyping, design thinking, financial modeling
Quantum specialist: [Please see course at Informatics]
Full-stack specialist: [Please see course at Informatics]

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

Learning and Teaching Methods

The course consists of lectures and a project conducted by the students. The lectures will be held by university professors and guest lecturers who are leading experts in quantum technologies or relevant application domains.

Media

Virtual lectures, virtual meetings, PowerPoint, digital collaboration tools

Literature

Chris Bernhardt: Quantum Computing for Everyone, MIT Press, 2019

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

The assessment of the course consists of three deliverables to be submitted throughout the semester, and a final oral presentation of the prototype developed in groups of 4-5 students.
The final grade will be the average of the group grade (10% ideation phase deliverables, 10% midterm deliverable, 15% final deliverable, 15% final presentation) and the individual grade that follows a similar structure.
The deliverables and coaching sessions measure the student's ability to conceptualize industry-relevant solutions and validate their technical and economical feasibility by implementing prototypes and doing customer research. Additionally, documenting their solution and opportunity identification process measures the student’s ability to summarize major facts in a clear and concise manner.
With the presentation (With an approximate duration of 10 minutes + 5 minutes of Q&A), the students exhibit their ability to understand the central challenges of their partner, demonstrate the solution developed, and the market opportunity for it. The students present their work with the help of a slide presentation designed to be appealing to the audience, thereby demonstrating their ability to present and demonstrate deep-tech products also to a non-technical audience and to conduct a discussion about the presented subject.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.

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