What if quantum wasn’t just for physicists? What if leaders across sectors – from banking and logistics to policy and health – had a way to cut through the hype and learn how quantum technologies might shape their industries?

That’s the thinking behind Quantum Technologies for Decision Makers, an online course (MOOC) co-developed by EQUS members and UQ partners, launched on the edX platform in 2023. Known more casually as QTechX, the course was designed to move quantum out of the lab and into the boardroom.

In just two years of existence, over 600 learners from around the world have enrolled, including entrepreneurs, investors, policy-makers, and professionals from sectors as diverse as agriculture, IT, defence and veterinary science. While most participants take the instructor-paced course informally over 12 weeks, a growing number have opted for the verified track, completing a final assessment to develop their own quantum innovation strategy.

“It’s incredible who’s taking this course,” says Russell Manfield, instigator and Senior Lecturer/Entrepreneur-in-Residence at UQ. “People are reflecting deeply on how quantum might affect their field. One learner, a vet in Singapore, submitted a strategy for improving animal diagnostics using quantum sensors. I was not expecting that. Another in Canada leading a debt collection enterprise is leveraging the course learning to develop quantum-based modelling algorithms to better engage with his clients. The sheer diversity of industry use cases is illuminating”

The idea for the course grew organically. In late 2021, Russell met EQUS’ Michael Harvey to discuss a list of 11 possible student-led venture opportunities around quantum – but none gained traction in that particular target postgraduate course. Around the same time, physicist Tom Stace had designed the Masters in Quantum Technology program, while Russell and others noticed they were delivering the same foundational explanations over and over again.

“Eventually we said: let’s just make something,” recalls Russell. “We’ll build it once – properly – and make it accessible to a wider audience.”

By early 2022, a core team had formed: Russell Manfield, Michael Harvey, Andrew White and Neville Plint. Their goal? A course that would blend business and science, translating quantum concepts into practical insights for decision-makers. As Russell puts it, “We wanted to reframe the question. Instead of asking ‘What’s your quantum strategy?’, ask: ‘What problem can’t you solve today that quantum might help with tomorrow?’”

With initial support from EQUS and UQ’s Business School, the team began recording interviews with scientists, strategists and entrepreneurs. Andrew White played a pivotal role in brokering connections, helping the team secure contributors from across Australia and around the world.

A test-drive bootcamp at the inaugural  Quantum World Congress (QWC) 2022 in Washington DC provided valuable feedback, followed by a second iteration at ETOP 2023 (Education and Training in Optics and Photonics) in Florida and a third at QWC 2023 . The responses were overwhelmingly positive.

The course finally launched on edX in May 2023, after 18 months of hard work and (some) stress. Structured over four self-paced modules, QTechX offers learners a mix of video content, interviews, reflection exercises, strategy extensions and optional assessments. Learners who opt into the verified track complete a capstone assignment: a quantum innovation strategy tailored to their organisation or sector.

QTechX is built around a design thinking pedagogy, inviting learners to iterate, reflect and explore new ways of thinking.

“We aren’t trying to make everyone a quantum expert,” Russell explains. “But we wanted to give them enough of the science to ask the right questions, and the tools to start connecting the dots.”

That includes use cases in sensing, communications and computing, and the ability to distinguish realistic opportunities from hype. Interviews with scientists ground the course in real research, while voices from industry and government help bridge translation.

With UQ planning to withdraw from the edX platform early in 2026 and EQUS winding down in 2025, the search is on for a new home. There are discussions underway with Quantum Australia to become the course’s next guardian – ensuring its legacy continues.

Distributing the promo card at key international conferences also helped put Australia on the map. “It gave us presence and credibility,” Russell notes. “It showed that Australia wasn’t just doing great science; we were helping lead the global conversation.”

International collaboration is growing and there is now interest in translating QTechX into other languages, including French, with support from Belgian partners.

QTechX wasn’t just a one-off course – it was a strategic tool. As Australia develops its quantum industry and national strategy, education for non-technical audiences is crucial.

“It’s about building a quantum-literate ecosystem,” Russell says. “You need the scientists, yes. But you also need investors, policy-makers, and CEOs who understand what quantum can and can’t do and when.”

The project also had unexpected benefits for its creators. For Russell, it reshaped how he teaches and how he thinks about research translation.

“Making this course changed how I teach,” he reflects. “It reminded me how powerful innovation excitement is. I want students to feel that same spark – that sense of possibility. And I’m already thinking about version two: broader voices, more policy insight, more global perspective.”

QTechX Co-Creators

• Dr Russell Manfield
• Dr Michael Harvey
• Prof Andrew White
• Dr Neville Smith
• Ashlee Caddell (online facilitator)

Contributors and interviewees

• Prof Sir Peter Knight
• Dr Cathy Foley
• A/Prof Jacqui Romero
• Prof Tim Kastelle
• Dr Glen Harris
• Dr Thomas Monz
• Kim Shyu
• Dr Pete Shadbolt
• Prof Jingbo Wang
• Prof Andre Luiten
• Prof Kai Bongs
• Prof Winfried Hensinger
• Prof John Rarity