IBM announced in a blog yesterday that it was launching an expanded version of its Qiskit Advocate program intended to help grow the community of active contributers to the Qiskit quantum development platform.
First launched in 2019, the Qiskit advocate program is a global, community-centered initiative that recruits quantum computing professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world, according to IBM. Quantum computing’s fast eveolution since, says IBM, has prompted intrduction of “Qiskit advocate program, version 2.0 — to deliver new resources and pathways for the next generation of quantum community leaders.”
Here’s a an excerpt from the blog, written by IBMers Radha Pyari Sandhir, Astri Cornish, Robert Davis:
“The Qiskit advocate program is a global community undertaking that recognizes and supports individuals who have contributed actively and meaningfully to the Qiskit ecosystem.
“Version 2.0 takes this further, with new resources designed to empower aspiring leaders in the Qiskit open-source community. It aims to support an advocate’s growth within the quantum industry, equipping them with access to mentorship, education, networking with peers and industry professionals, unique opportunities, tailored support, and a clear path for progression and recognition through a strategic, tiered structure.
“Watch our new video on the Qiskit YouTube channel to learn more about the updated Qiskit advocate program.
“In the new Qiskit advocate program, all advocates begin with core onboarding and training at the base level: tier 0. This level gives you access to enablement through exclusive resources like the Qiskit advocate seminar series and the Qiskit advocate library.
“As advocates hone their skills and contribute to the community by delivering talks, contributing to Qiskit, and participating in other qualifying activities, they earn points. Advocates level up to the next tier by crossing a specified points threshold and attaining certification in Qiskit v2.x. Please note: Qiskit SDK v2.x developer certification is a hard requirement for progression beyond tier 0 of the advocate program. Keep an eye on the IBM Quantum blog and the IBM Quantum LinkedIn page for more details on the new Qiskit SDK v2.x developer certification coming soon.”
IBM reports there are four advocate tiers in total. Here a few (not comprehensive) of the benefits singled out by IBM:
Tier 0 advocates: Gain access to like-minded peers through an exclusive Discord community; become eligible to serve as mentors at IBM Quantum flagship events
Tier 1 advocates: Earn public recognition as official advocates on the IBM Quantum community webpage; receive official swag; participate in our celebrated Qiskit Advocate Mentorship Program (QAMP)
Tier 2 advocates: Earn a Credly accomplishment badge for the year; become eligible to beta test new Qiskit features and educational courses
Tier 3 advocates: Gain an additional 30 minutes of IBM QPU access per month
Link to IBM blog, https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/qiskit-advocate-program