Bridging talent and opportunity in quantum and beyond

The MPQ & MPP Career Day 2025 in Garching connects young researchers with leading industry players.

With almost 200 participants – including 160 PhDs, Master's students and Postdocs – and representatives from twelve companies across the technology, consulting, finance and quantum sectors, including Google, IBM Quantum, Allianz, Infineon, d-fine, G-Research, Basycon, planqc, Kiutra, Zeiss SMT, Sixt and the European Space Agency (ESA), the MPQ & MPP Career Day 2025 created a vibrant networking platform for early-career researchers exploring opportunities beyond academia.

On April 30 2025, the Max Planck Institutes of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and Physics (MPP) jointly hosted the MPQ & MPP Career Day 2025 at the research campus in Garching. The event brought together around 200 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers with twelve companies spanning diverse sectors – from finance to semiconductors to cutting-edge quantum computing. The goal: to foster dialogue between academia and industry and to support early-career scientists in exploring alternative career paths.

The day started with a series of 3-minute pitches by each participating company, giving attendees a concise overview of the profiles represented. These ranged from established names like Google, Allianz, and Infineon, to quantum-focused innovators like planqc and Kiutra. The schedule then transitioned into detailed 20-minute sessions in which company speakers – many with academic roots in physics – shared personal career stories and introduced current opportunities in their organizations.

Participants had ample opportunities to speak with company representatives at information booths in the MPP foyer, over coffee breaks, and during the networking dinner at MPQ. A keynote talk by Dr. Nils-Holger Haag, CEO of Pulsed GmbH, titled "From Lab Coats to Leadership", offered an inspiring first-hand account of transitioning from academic research to startup leadership.

Companies praised the format for enabling meaningful conversations. As d-fine put it: “We were thrilled by the talent and energy we experienced.” Planqc echoed this sentiment, calling the event “meticulously organised” and a “pleasure to attend.” The positive impression was shared by attendees as well – one PhD student described it as a “very informative event with a great atmosphere for exploring career paths beyond academia.”

By combining personal stories, professional insights, and networking opportunities, the Career Day proved to be a successful step in building bridges between academic talent and a dynamic job market — especially in fields where methodical thinking and problem-solving are paramount.