LOS ANGELES, June 10, 2024 — Q-CTRL, a developer of quantum infrastructure software, today announced it is the winner of the Digital Courseware Solution of the Year Award by EdTech Breakthrough for its quantum computing workforce development educational platform, Black Opal for Enterprise.

Q-CTRL said that within the EdTech industry, Black Opal for Enterprise offers an intuitive and interactive platform that eases learning quantum computing, regardless of educational background. Black Opal is unique in the deep tech industry as it makes quantum computing accessible for engineers and aspiring quantum professionals. Over 16,000 learners have kickstarted their learning journey through Black Opal’s easy-to-use animations, visualizations, and interactivity that open the door to a comprehensive, yet accessible, dive into quantum computing.

The content in Black Opal does not require previous quantum knowledge or formal prerequisites while applying quantum computing to real-world applications. It provides a comprehensive educational journey by delivering a modular, self-paced course, providing critical guidance and opportunities for practice. Black Opal incorporates more than 400 lessons across ten topics, each covering a fundamental concept in quantum computing.

“Our team is thrilled to accept the e-Learning Award by EdTech Breakthrough for our quantum computing educational platform, Black Opal for Enterprise,” said Mick Conroy, the Product Manager for Black Opal at Q-CTRL. “Quantum workforce development is a major priority globally, with enterprises integrating quantum training into their professional development packages. Black Opal has become a key part of this global drive, making it easy for anyone to learn quantum computing.”

EdTech Breakthrough offers prestigious recognition, in line with its parent organization, Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the industry leaders in technology. Tech Breakthrough has worked with industry-disrupting companies like Amazon, Intel, Cisco, and Spotify to better understand the tech trends and innovations that are shaping industries. Q-CTRL joining the ranks of these consumer technology giants signifies deep tech’s successful entry into the consumer market, marking a pivotal achievement for the deep tech sector as a whole.

The EdTech Breakthrough Awards honors excellence and recognizes the hard work, success, and creativity of companies, products, and technologies in the educational technology field worldwide.

Q-CTRL designed Black Opal based on extensive market engagement, which identified a gap in content and interactivity for learners seeking to upskill in quantum computing. Policies surrounding critical technologies like quantum technologies in AUKUS countries, along with the expansion of government entities such as the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in the UK, have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive quantum educational content.

“I find the depth of content and the execution quality to be very impressive,” said Ariel Braunstein, SVP Product and Marketing at IonQ. “The tool will aid in our internal educational initiatives to onboard new employees and support their growth. There is always something new to learn, for all levels of expertise.”