The Nordic countries have world-leading expertise in quantum technology and attract an international talent pool. However, retaining that talent is a major challenge, since many PhD graduates leave the region after just a few years. This project develops a coordinated Nordic approach to retaining and promoting the mobility of quantum talent.
Project description
At its core is the launch of the Nordic Quantum Career Fair – a first-of-its-kind event held in a different Nordic country every year, gathering hundreds of participants from across the Nordics, including students, researchers, companies, and research institutions. The event will go beyond recruitment by offering structured career guidance, showcasing diverse career paths, and enabling direct interaction between talent and employers across national ecosystems.
To tackle talent retention, the project will also develop a Nordic Quantum Internship and Mobility Platform aimed at undergraduate and graduate students interested in internships and research stays. The platform will centralize and categorize opportunities from companies and academic groups seeking interns across the Nordic quantum ecosystem. It will also provide practical guidance on mobility regulations, visas, institutional arrangements, and available financial support, helping students navigate opportunities across Nordic borders.
On the other hand, to tackle talent attraction, the project will create a Nordic Quantum Ecosystem Navigator showcasing the different quantum hubs and networks in the region, as well as what it is like to live, study, and work in the Nordics. This resource will be available online and shared among the project partners to distribute at conferences and events abroad.
Project partners
| Nordita / Stockholm University - Project lead | Sweden |
| Danish Quantum Community | Denmark |
| University of Helsinki, Department of Physics | Finland |
| VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland | Finland |
| Sintef | Norway |
| Intermodulation Products | Sweden |
| ConScience | Sweden |
| Stiftelsen Chalmers Industriteknik | Sweden |
| Scalinq | Sweden |
Nordic impact
By reducing fragmentation and strengthening industry-academia connections at a Nordic level, the project increases retention of highly skilled talent and supports the growth and competitiveness of the Nordic quantum ecosystem.
