Karriere Quantum is continuing in 2026 and 2027! See further information below.
*** One-week educational camps for 16-18 year-olds and teachers from all over Europe revolving around quantum technologies and the German language. The first camps took place through 2024 and 2025 in Dublin, Rome, Madrid, London and Sofia, in 2026 and 2027 they will be held in Riga, Berlin, Lyon and Brussels.
Carried out by the Goethe-Institut in partnership with Junge Tüftler*innen. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. ***
If you are a secondary school student who is motivated to learn more about the history, science, and opportunities in the quantum world, this is the programme for you – no prior knowledge required. If you’re a teacher and think you can benefit from quantum-related concepts and tailored, playful teaching materials in your lessons, regardless of your subject combination, this project is for you! Together with other participants you will get to explore the multitude of possible Quantum Careers – from Physics and Chemistry to Psychology, Arts, and Politics!
If Karriere Quantum has piqued your interest, join this new programme and apply for a place in one of the following innovative one-week camps! All revolve around quantum technologies and the German language.
Five camps already took place in 2024 and 2025 in Dublin (Ireland), Rome (Italy), Madrid (Spain), London (UK) and Sofia (Bulgaria).
Through 2026 and 2027, four further camps are taking place in Riga (Latvia), Berlin (Germany), Lyon (France) and Brussels (Belgium).
What is this project about?
The GPS and photosensors in your phone – in fact most devices you are reading this on – would not exist without our current understanding of the development of quantum technologies. New discoveries are made every day and the development of quantum technologies is by no means completed. Quantum computing, for instance, offers diverse and ambitious fields of study, but is unfortunately still prone to errors and poses big challenges for engineering, security, and regulation. But perhaps you or one of your students could be the one to make the next breakthrough discovery?
In workshops organised by the German educational NGO Junge Tüftler*innen (“tüfteln” is German for “to tinker”), students and teachers alike will get the opportunity to experience quantum effects and explore new quantum technologies through playful learning. You will participate in a week-long camp filled with input, excursions and a chance to conceptualise your own projects to be presented at the end of the week. To simplify these complex concepts, you will be able to influence and shape the programme with your own ideas and creativity. Contemporary and future quantum problems will be explored, and your own prospects will be discussed. As students, you will also receive specifically developed German classes to further capture your imagination and allow you to create a potential path toward future study or professional opportunities – both in this field and in Germany. As a teacher, you will receive input during this time on how to implement quantum content in class. As well as this, the camp is framed by a rewarding leisure programme.
Throughout the week, all participants will be staying in the same accommodation (teachers: single rooms, students: shared rooms, split by gender), regardless of their place of departure, in order to promote intercultural exchange and preserve the group experience.
What are the goals of the Karriere Quantum camps?
- To motivate interest in the topic of quantum technologies
- To deepen knowledge around quantum physics and problems
- To strengthen opinion-forming and expression in a technical framework
- Expansion of a specialised technology in Germany
- To promote the development of future professional fields
- To promote an interest in Germany as a location for further study and professional development
Who can apply?
Only teams consisting of two students and one teacher can apply for the camps. The students should be 16-18 years of age at the time of the camp. During the camp, they will spend time with other student-teacher groups from other European countries.
If you are a teacher who feels that you can benefit from quantum-inspired lesson plans, even in an abstract sense, this project is for you! Teachers from all subjects are welcome to apply and we invite thinking outside the box. The students and teachers should preferably have an existing interest in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), however advanced expertise in quantum physics is not required. Please note that teachers are active participants in the Karriere Quantum camps.
Students as well as teachers need to have English proficiency of at least B2 level, and additionally, students require A1 proficiency in German (the teachers do not require any proficiency in German).
We explicitly want to invite students and teachers of all genders, races, religious, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds and welcome neurodiversity. We are looking forward to a great time with a diverse group of people with varying ideas and perspectives that will shape this creative, hands-on experience. Do reach out to us with questions or requests if you need any further accommodations to facilitate your participation in this programme.
How long do the camps take, and where and when will they take place?
Each camp lasts one week.
2024 dates:
Dublin, Ireland: Saturday 17 August – Saturday 24 August 2024.
Rome, Italy: Saturday, 2 November – Saturday, 9 November 2024.
2025 dates:
Madrid, Spain: Sunday 25 May - Saturday 31 May 2025.
London, United Kingdom: Sunday, 20 July - Saturday, 26 July 2025.
Sofia, Bulgaria: Sunday, 19 October - Saturday, 25 October 2025.
2026 dates:
Riga, Latvia: the dates are being finalised and will be published in due course (summer 2026)
Berlin, Germany: the dates are being finalised and will be published in due course (autumn 2026)
2027 dates:
Lyon, France: tbc
Brussels, Belgium: tbc
How much do the camps cost?
Participation in the camps is largely free of charge. Scholarships are provided for all participating students and teachers. These include all flights, accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks, insurance (non-EU participants), all workshop content and participation in the leisure programme. Not included are travel costs to and from the airport from the place of departure, dinner, local public transport tickets, and any additional costs for visa applications (if applicable).
Which language proficiencies are required to take part in the camps?
Students and teachers: English, B2 level
Students: German, A1 level
The interactive quantum workshops are held through English to facilitate exchange between students and teachers. Thus, all participants (students and teachers) are required to have a minimum English proficiency level B2 or higher. In addition, there will be tailored German lessons, to build a base and an interest for possible study or work abroad. Germany is heavily invested in expanding their field of research in the quantum area and German universities offer a good foundation for a promising career in quantum technologies. Basic German skills at level A1 are required for the students.
What do the camps entail?
The week-long camps are comprised of hands-on quantum technology workshops, interactive German language lessons, a public event exhibiting the students’ work at the end of the week, as well as programme activities and leisure time. Students and teachers take part in the quantum workshops together, whereas teachers participate in the Teacher Ambassadors' Programme while the students have their German training. A day trip to a place of work involving the world of quantum including a Q&A with practitioners in the field is also included.
Please be aware that by agreeing to participate in a camp, you also commit to staying in the provided accommodation, even if you reside in the same city or nearby. Additionally, it is important to participate in the leisure activities, as they are a key part of fostering interaction with other camp participants and ensuring a truly unique intercultural experience.
How to apply for a spot at the camp.
Groups of three (2 students and an 1 accompanying teacher) can follow the respective application links for participation in one of the Karriere Quantum camps, which are uploaded below as soon as the respective application windows open. Application deadlines can be found below.
While your group can apply to more than one camp, it is not possible to take part in multiple Karriere Quantum camps.
Please note that one teacher may not apply to the same camp multiple times with different sets of students, and one student may not apply with other group constellations, etc. This will disqualify you from the selection process as it poses an unfair advantage.
As part of the application process you will be asked to submit written answers (not composed with ChatGPT) and a 90-second video (spoken freely and not read off or rote learned), detailing the students' German proficiency, the group's motivation to participate and the creative implementation of a short game. Further details can be found via the respective application link.
What should we do if we're unable to upload the application video?
First, please verify the video's length: If it exceeds the recommended duration, you may encounter issues with uploading, or it may only upload partially. To avoid this, ensure that your video is no longer than 90 seconds. If the problem persists, you can create a WeTransfer link to share the application video with us instead.
When can we expect a response?
Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask for your patience. Please refrain from inquiring about the status via email - we will reach out to you as soon as we have thoroughly reviewed your application. This can take up to 2-3 weeks. Thank you!
Upcoming Registrations
Riga, Latvia: 12 - 18 July 2026
Application Deadline: 19 April 2026
Berlin, Germany: 4 - 10 October 2026
Application Deadline: 14 June 2026
Past Registrations
Karriere Quantum Camp in Sofia, Bulgaria
Camp Dates: 19 -25 October 2025
To get a better impression of the camp in Sofia, please read the full report and have a look at our pictures.
Karriere Quantum Camp in London, United Kingdom
Camp Dates: 20 - 26 July 2025
Karriere Quantum Camp in Madrid, Spain
Camp Dates: 25 - 31 May 2025
Karriere Quantum Camp in Rome, Italy
Camp Dates: 2 - 9 November 2024To get a better impression of the camp in Rome, please read the full report and have a look at our pictures.
Karriere Quantum Camp in Dublin, Ireland
Camp Dates: 17 - 24 August 2024To get a better impression of the camp in Dublin, please read the full report and have a look at our pictures.
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