A Recap of the 2026 Quantum Bootcamp
Hosted at the University of Arizona and sponsored by Intel, the Arizona Quantum Bootcamp returned this summer for its third year, bringing together students, educators, and researchers from across Arizona's growing quantum ecosystem. Jointly organized by Arizona's three public universities, The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University, the week-long program provided participants with an immersive introduction to quantum science and technology through lectures, tutorials, lab tours, and hands-on learning experiences.
Designed primarily for undergraduate students, the bootcamp introduced the foundational principles of quantum mechanics while highlighting emerging applications in quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum optics, quantum materials, and semiconductor technologies. The program's goal was to take participants from first principles to the frontiers of modern quantum research, creating a multidisciplinary learning environment that connected students with faculty and researchers from diverse science and engineering backgrounds.
This year, the program welcomed a peak participation of 34 students, including three students from Pasadena City College who traveled from California to attend. Their participation reflected the expanding reach of Arizona's quantum community and highlighted growing collaborations beyond state borders through connections with research teams at Northern Arizona University.
A new component of this year's program included dedicated workshops for high school educators, providing resources and demonstrations to support the integration of quantum science concepts into classroom instruction. The workshops also offered opportunities for educators to connect with Arizona's expanding quantum education community. Twenty educators participated in the program, representing 10 different school districts across Southern Arizona, further extending the bootcamp's impact into K-12 classrooms throughout the region.
The Arizona Quantum Bootcamp reflects the continued growth and collaboration of Arizona's quantum ecosystem, helping prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers while introducing students to exciting research and career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of quantum science.
It was inspiring and fun to meet a curious and engaging cohort of young quantum science enthusiasts. It was particularly rewarding to see them ask thoughtful questions throughout the week, learn from each other, and build a quantum community of their own. And this year, the teachers' workshop led by Prof. Karen Jo Matsler was a blast! I hope that the students and educators will continue to pursue their quantum curiosities into the future.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone for making the event such a success: fellow co-organizers and lecturers, Kyle Seyler, Christian Arenz and Ryan Behunin; lead coordinator Brianna Moreno; teachers' workshop leader Prof. Karen Jo Matsler; all the engaging speakers and tutorial leaders; our Intel sponsors; and everyone at OSC who helped organize the event!-Prof. Kanu Sinha
This was such a fun group to teach. The students brought so much curiosity and enthusiasm, and they weren't afraid to wrestle with some pretty mind-bending ideas. A big thank-you to everyone who made the event possible!
-Prof. Kyle Seyler
