IQuCode Microcredential Program

1. What is the iQuCode program?
IQuCode is a three-year microcredential program coordinated through the University of Calgary that trains students in quantum computing through coursework, professional development, and hands-on experience. Students earn formal recognition after each module via badges or certificates. The required coursework is undertaken at the partner institutions and completion is recognized through the University of Calgary microcredential framework.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
Graduate students (Master’s or PhD), postdoctoral researchers, and senior undergraduates (Year 3 or 4) from the five partner institutions: University of Calgary, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Alberta, McGill University, and Polytechnique Montréal. Approval from the academic or graduate program supervisor is highly recommended to ensure success in the program.

3. Will I be part of a cohort?
Yes, students join the program as part of a cohort, progressing through the modules and partaking in program events together to build a strong peer network and collaborative learning environment. However, students may proceed at a different pace than their original cohort if needed, depending on their academic schedules, research commitments, or course availability.

4. Can undergraduate students participate in the iQuCode program?
Senior undergraduate students (in their third or fourth year) from partner institutions—or those attending a summer research internship at a partner institution—are eligible to participate through a funded summer research placement with a quantum research group. This internship offers early exposure to quantum technologies; however, full participation in all program modules is limited to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

5. Can international students participate?
Yes, international students enrolled at one of the partner institutions and meeting requirements may participate.

6. How do I apply?
Applications are through your institution’s IQuCode coordinator or a central portal; details will be shared by your university. For questions or to contact the University of Calgary coordinator directly, email iQuCode@ucalgary.ca.

7. When does the program start?
The program begins each fall at the academic year start. Enrollment applications are accepted during the summer. Exact dates and deadlines will be announced annually.

8. Is there a cost to participate?
There is no program fee, but students must be enrolled in a degree program or have a postdoctoral appointment at a partner institution. Some activities may have funding available; check with your coordinator.

9. What are the timeline and components of the program?
All program participants will take core modules C1 and C2, which consist of coursework and events as outlined in the following module descriptions. PhD students and postdocs will also participate in a third year of programing consisting of industry internship or entrepreneurship bootcamp.

C1 module:

• Quantum Computing Fundamentals: Learn key concepts like quantum gates, circuits, and essential algorithms forming the foundation for the program.
• Quantum Computing Software: Introduction to quantum software platforms and programming important algorithms to prepare for hands-on projects.
• Project Management: Training in agile methods, clean coding, teamwork, and code repository management to support collaboration.
• Mitacs Training: Required courses on Reconciliation and EDI, Project and Time Management, Communication Skills, and more.
• Hackathon: Hands-on event using real quantum hardware/software to solve industry problems, with expert mentorship and teamwork experience.

Note: Course names, formats, and schedules may vary depending on the university offering the module.

C2 module:

• Quantum Hardware & Practical Computing: Understand principles of quantum computer construction, types of quantum machines, hardware limitations, noise, error correction, and how algorithms run on real devices.
• Applied Quantum Computing (AQC): Project-based course where students develop and assess quantum algorithms addressing real industry problems.
• Business of Quantum Computing: Explore adoption trends, economic impacts, future use cases, and best practices for equity, diversity, inclusion, and intercultural communication.
• Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurial Teamwork: Develop and validate business models based on AQC projects, building entrepreneurial skills and teamwork to prepare for presentations.
• IQuCode Workshop: Teams present completed projects to peers and industry experts, with opportunities to engage in advanced topics and professional skills.

Note: Course names, formats, and schedules may vary depending on the university offering the module.

11. What are the Year 3 options?
Industry internship or entrepreneurship bootcamp, both culminating in a final presentation.

12. Will I have mentorship?
Yes, from academic and industry mentors throughout hackathons, projects, and internships.

13. What recognition do students receive?
Students earn badges or certificates from the University of Calgary after completing each module.

14. In what languages is the program offered, and can I take courses at a different partner university?
The full program coursework is offered in English at the University of Calgary and in French at Université de Sherbrooke (UdS). Students may choose to take available courses at a partner university to access their preferred language of delivery; however, additional administration fees may apply depending on the institution.

15. Is financial support available?
Yes, a limited number of students will receive stipends as a top-up on their regular graduate stipends. Since the required courses can also count toward their graduate or PhD program requirements, these stipends provide additional financial assistance during their studies.