The integrated centers for quantum, GenAI and virtual worlds represent one of Europe’s most ambitious digital skills programs to date.
The European Commission (EC) has officially announced the launch of three higher education institutions for digital skills in quantum, GenAI and the virtual world, designed to equip the people of the region with important future-oriented technological skills.
The announcement took place during the Digital Skills Awards 2026 event, which was held in Brussels. Higher education institutions are designed to meet the challenges of sovereignty, with the understanding that competition with quantum, AI and the virtual world cannot be achieved alone, but rather with an integrated strategy.
Jacob Sherson, director of the European Quantum Readiness Center at Aarhus University and coordinator of the European Quantum Academy (EQA) said, “Today the European Commission, EQA and our educational institutions for GenAI and virtual worlds are in the same room because Europe understands something important, technological sovereignty is not achieved by technology by technology, but by using all the combined strategies.”
The quantum branch of the project received €19.8m in funding. 70 partner institutions and less than 100 organizations across Europe, will come together to tackle the challenges that come with creating more talent across the continent.
Through this project, the Academy aims to train at least 600 quantum experts through advanced degree programs, reach 5,000 students through its extensive activities and reserve 20pc of student travel grants for students from underrepresented groups. As well as connecting the education pipeline, through access to school, training of doctors and development of professional skills.
Sherson said, “EQA, launched today alongside GenAI and virtual worlds schools, is how that desire becomes a reality on the ground, in classrooms, in clean houses, in companies, in all regions of the continent.
“The presence of the leadership of the Commission and our academic institutions here today shows a shared understanding, that Europe’s competitiveness in advanced digital technologies will be determined by the people we train and that training must start now.”
Recognition
The event also marked the European Digital Skills Awards 2026, which identified five initiatives making a difference across the continent, covering the full range of European digital skills challenges, in areas such as skills development, digital skills in education, inclusion in the digital world, women in ICT jobs and cybersecurity abilities.
Henna Virkkunen, senior vice president for technology, security and democracy, said, “These awards celebrate more than just digital skills, they celebrate Europe’s ability to innovate, lead and shape its own technological future.
“Awarded programs help people across Europe to acquire the skills needed to drive progress in critical technologies, strengthen our competitiveness and strengthen our digital sovereignty. By investing in talent, digital ambition and innovation, we are building a strong, future-ready Europe that can thrive and lead in the digital age.”
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