The Quantum Spin-Off project links secondary school students to high-tech quantum physics research and entrepreneurship. It is funded by the European Commission and involves schools in Belgium, Estonia, Greece, and Switzerland. Through the project, each class is partnered with a quantum physics researcher and learns about fundamental and applied quantum research. Students visit research labs and spin-off companies, learn the basics of entrepreneurship, and develop their own ideas for socially useful applications of quantum technology. They present their ideas in a national contest. The role of teachers is crucial in supporting students throughout the project. Learning materials and teacher training opportunities are provided.

1. Quantum Spin-Off
Dr. Laura Tamassia
UC Leuven-Limburg, Belgium
2nd Scientix conference, October 25th, 2014
Quantum Spin-Off project is funded by the European Commission. This communication reflects the views of the author,
and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.

2. What is ?
EU LLP-Comenius project in BE, EE, GR, CH
Linking schools to high-tech research
and entrepreneurship
Target:
last 2 years secondary school
general - technical

3. Philosophy
Fundamental research:
QUANTUM PHYSICS
Applied research:
(NANO)TECHNOLOGY
High-tech entrepreneurship:
INNOVATION

4. Why ?
High-tech research and entrepreneurship
strongly present in Europe
Our drive:
The school should create space and time
for young people
to become interested in the world around them
Science E-DUCATION

5. Partners
Educational Nanolabs

6. How?
• Every class coupled to a researcher
• Scientific paper
• Quantum physics, experiments
• Visit research lab and (spinoff) company
• Basics of entrepreneurship (business model canvas)
• Students think socially useful and responsible
application or service (‘start’ spinoff)
• Contest: Quantum Spin-Off Prize

7. Role of the teacher in
Absolutely crucial!!!
• Researcher meets students ‘only’ 4 times
• Most of the work in the classroom with teacher
(quantum physics, brainstorming, preparing the
talk, discussing the experience... )
Teaching, stimulating, coaching, supporting, ...

8. Examples of topics
• STM/AFM
• Organic solar panels
• Foldable electronics
• Graphene
• CT-scan, MRI
• Li-ion batteries
• Infrared cameras
• Quantum optics ...
According to the LOCAL nanolab and researcher

9. Pedagogical choices
Authentic material and people:
scientific papers, interaction with researcher…
“It’s too difficult!”
In this project:
Maximize the exposure, the experience.
They will surprise you!!!

10. Spin-Up Day

11. Hands-on quantum physics

12. Visiting spinoffs and nanolabs

13. Business model canvas
Conceptual entrepreneurship @school

14. Spin-Off Day: national contest
And then:
the European Final!

15. FOR YOU
1. Learning material
2. Summer school
3. National teacher training

16. Learning material
Learning stations available on Scientix portal
- I-V quantum physics
- VI-X bridge with technology
- business model canvas
(entrepreneurship)
- teacher guidelines, appendix
Upcoming: hands-on experiments

17. Summer school 2015
5 quantum days
in Greece
In July or August
EU-funding possible for teachers!
Keep an eye on: http://www.quantumspinoff.eu/

18. National Teacher Training 2015
In Belgium, Estonia,
Greece and Switzerland
www.quantumspinoff.eu

19. Thank you!
www.quantumspinoff.eu
Quantum Spin-Off project is funded by the European Commission. This communication reflects the views of the author,
and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.