Araceli Venegas Gomez, Founder and CEO of QURECA, is originally from Extremadura, Spain, and moved to Madrid for her studies in Aerospace Engineering. After that, she got different opportunities around the world (internships, languages courses, placements) and ended up in Germany working for Airbus. While working full time, she studied Physics and especially the mathematics of Quantum Mechanics. When free time was found, she went to heavy metal concerts.
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
I spent several years working for Airbus in Germany and France as an aerospace engineer, before falling in love with quantum mechanics. I then decided to follow my passion for Physics, and moved to Scotland to pursue a PhD in quantum simulation at the University of Strathclyde. Following discussions with the different quantum stakeholders I had over the years, I identified the need to bridge the gap between businesses and academia, as well as to raise the quantum awareness to the public. Continuing my work on outreach advocating quantum technologies, I was named the “quantum ambassador”, after winning the Optical Society Milton and Rosalind Chang Pivoting fellowship in 2019. My own company called QURECA (Quantum Resources and Careers) was then founded to create a link between the different stakeholders in the quantum community through a common language, and to generate global opportunities with quantum technologies.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
There is a clear need to be realistic in identifying the emerging technologies opportunities that will transform society. The ecosystem for quantum technologies is full of gaps and QURECA Ltd aims to provide all the resources needed in the community, in order to build a stronger network of stakeholders.
QURECA provides a range of professional services, business development, and the solution to the quantum workforce skills bottleneck: the first online platform for quantum training and resourcing, to support individuals and businesses to be part of the quantum revolution.
In 2019, the Royal Society described QURECA Ltd. as the company that “fills the gaps in the existing quantum community, creating a society ready for quantum through a common language.”
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
We have had a lot of traction over the last 3 years. QURECA has been recognized as THE company for quantum education and workforce, and we are continuously invited to participate actively in projects and attend events worldwide. The dream was always to think of QURECA as the center point for anyone looking for resources and a career in quantum, and I would say so far we are doing pretty good!
How has your life changed because of your venture?
Already moving from industry to academia was a big change, but having your own company is a completely different story. There are never enough hours in the day for all the things I would like to do, but I have learnt 2 things over the years (one of the advantages of becoming older!): to be patient and resilient, flexible to adapt to any situation. At least, I am trying my best 🙂 Of course the support of my partner, advisors, mentors, and my team have been key for the progress done with QURECA. I can’t be thankful enough! Now, with my 1 year old baby, I also see things differently. Although the balance of managing a company and becoming a new mum is hard, I would not change a thing!
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
Remember, you can do it all, and nobody can tell you otherwise!
