Experience in quantum technology is at a premium in the U.S., and Purdue University is pushing ahead with a plan to get more people trained in quantum tech.

Put simply, quantum technology uses quantum physics and mechanics to create more efficiency in a variety of ways, including boosting computing power and speed, improving encryption of secure communications.

It can also be used to improve sensitivity in medical imaging devices such as MRI machines or in defense applications for the military.

“All of these technologies are going to improve our lives, from healthcare to our smartphones, to financial security,” said David Stewart, managing director of the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute to Inside Indiana Business.

“There is also significant global competition here,” he added. “The United States national security is on the line because of the potential impacts of quantum in keeping out classified information secure.”

The problem, according to Stewart, is that there is a significant deficit between the amount of quantum tech that is being used and the number of people that are trained to keep it running and develop it further.

“There is certainly an undermanned workforce currently,” Stewart said. “They (companies) keep pushing that they can’t find the people they need to do all this work that’s required.”

That’s why he is excited that Purdue is taking the initiative to help close that gap. He said as Indiana’s land-grant school, it is their duty to train and prepare people for careers in quantum tech. The school has hired several experts in quantum tech recently in an effort to help grow the workforce in this field.

Stewart said the next step is promoting education in quantum tech at the K-12 levels in hopes of luring more younger people into a career in quantum technology.