A. M. Aparicio-Morales, E. Moguel, J. Garcia-Alonso, A. Fernandez, L. M. Bibbo, J. M. Murillo
Memoria Investigaciones en Ingeniería, núm. 27 (2024). pp. 248-256
https://doi.org/10.36561/ING.27.16
ISSN 2301-1092 • ISSN (en línea) 2301-1106 – Universidad de Montevideo, Uruguay 250
1. Introduction. - The principles of quantum mechanics were established in the early 1900s. Since then, quantum
information theory and hardware advances have made quantum computing a reality. Quantum computers use quantum
bits (qubits) as the minimum unit of information instead of the bits of classical computers. Qubits exhibit two important
properties of quantum mechanics: superposition and entanglement. Superposition allows qubits to be in multiple states
simultaneously until they are measured. Entanglement enables a qubit to be related to another qubit, so their states
cannot be described independently. Due to these properties, quantum computers can resolve the problems considered
hard for today’s computers [1].
Given this advantage, it sounds logical to start using this kind of computer for computationally hard tasks. However,
current quantum computers are noisy and susceptible to errors, limiting their practical utility for complex computations
and requiring sophisticated error correction techniques to mitigate these problems. Big efforts in the scientific
community and enterprises are being made in order to get reliable quantum computers. Globally, substantial funding
rounds are underway for projects focused on quantum technology developments, with particular emphasis on the
creation of trustworthy quantum computers.
Nevertheless, to use them in a practical manner, it is also needed the development of efficient quantum algorithms and
processes (software) to be run on those quantum machines. Likewise, as software engineering has shown, developing
those algorithms is not enough since modern software solutions are complex systems that are based on a multi-layered
infrastructure, using tools and techniques that enable software engineers to create high-quality solutions. Most of these
elements in the field of quantum computing are in their early stages [2].
Applying software engineering to this new type of software is an emerging topic, which consists of bringing the benefits
of software engineering to quantum software development. This innovative area, Quantum Software Engineering
(QSE), is beginning to emerge as a relevant topic in the worldwide academic and technological forums, such as the
"International Workshop on Quantum Software Engineering" held as part of the ICSE conference, or the "IEEE
International Conference on Quantum Software" held as part of the IEEE Services conference, or the "Quantum
Software Engineering and Technology Workshop" organized as part of the IEEE Quantum Week, or the "Latin
American Workshop on Quantum Software Engineering" (Taller Latinoamericano en Ingeniería de Software Cuántico
- TLISC).
However, additional efforts are needed to make progress in this emerging field of quantum computing [3]. Today, there
is still a low critical mass of researchers and therefore a need to train new researchers and students in the specific
aspects of QSE. The amount of resources needed to develop and test quantum solutions is still significant, so there is
a need to pool efforts between groups and institutions interested in this field. In addition, the inherently interdisciplinary
nature of quantum development, with fundamental contributions from mathematicians and physicists, requires
collaborative approaches. Therefore, it is interesting to understand what knowledge and requirements are necessary to
train and guide the new generation of quantum software engineers.
This article provides a brief overview of some of the existing educational offerings for training personnel in the field
of quantum computing, specifically in quantum software engineering, as well as outlining the knowledge and
professional requirements that future quantum software engineers must possess to apply for jobs in the quantum
computing industry.
The paper is structured as follows. Section 2 describes the background, presenting the current financial initiatives of
countries regarding quantum technologies. Section 3 presents the educational offerings and principal key concepts for
quantum software engineers. Finally, Section 4 details the conclusions of this work.
2. Background. - Quantum computing initiatives around the world are experiencing significant growth and investment
as researchers, governments, and private companies recognize the potential of quantum technology to revolutionize
various industries. These initiatives encompass a wide range of activities, including research and development efforts,
investment in infrastructure, and the formation of strategic partnerships. This investment is managed by public-private
collaborations to accelerate the development of this new area. By 2023, global investment in quantum technologies