The Market Intelligence and Foresight Analyst is responsible for providing Applied Quantum's Quantum Technology Transfer Office (TTO) service and its partners with actionable insights into the evolving landscape of quantum technologies and their commercial potential.
This role involves continuous scanning of global market developments, emerging research breakthroughs, startup activities, and policy trends to forecast opportunities and challenges in quantum tech commercialization. The analyst synthesizes complex technical and market data into clear reports, briefings, and strategic recommendations, guiding decision-making for both internal teams (such as the Partnership and Commercialization units) and external stakeholders (like partner TTOs or spin-outs seeking guidance on market entry). By maintaining a forward-looking perspective, the Market Intelligence and Foresight Analyst helps ensure that Quantum TTO’s strategies remain cutting-edge and that the organization can proactively position its initiatives in line with where the quantum industry is heading.
The role demands rigor in research, analytical thinking, and a strong ability to communicate insights in a professional, institution-focused manner.
About Applied Quantum
Applied Quantum is the world’s first professional services firm dedicated exclusively to quantum technologies - offering end-to-end solutions. We partner with enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies to deliver cutting-edge consulting, product development, and implementation services that harness the transformative power of quantum innovations. Our team of experts - spanning physics, engineering, cybersecurity, and business strategy - collaborates to bridge the gap between theoretical breakthroughs and real-world applications.
About Quantum TTO
Quantum TTO (Technology Transfer Office) is an Applied Quantum specialized team focused on commercializing quantum research for global markets. This role would be operating within the Quantum TTO team. We expedite the journey from laboratory discoveries to fully realized products and solutions, forging strategic alliances with universities, startups, and industry leaders. Our mission is to accelerate adoption of quantum technologies - whether in computing, cryptography, sensing, or secure communications - and ensure that groundbreaking innovations make the leap into widespread use. By offering expert guidance in intellectual property, licensing, funding opportunities, and market strategy, Quantum TTO serves as the catalyst that helps visionary ideas reach their maximum commercial potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Industry Research & Monitoring: Continuously monitor the global quantum technology ecosystem – including developments in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and related sub-sectors. Track news, scientific publications, patent filings, startup funding rounds, competitor movements, and regulatory updates relevant to quantum commercialization. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base or dashboard of key industry metrics (e.g. number of quantum start-ups in certain application areas, venture capital investment trends, etc.).
- Trend Analysis & Foresight: Analyze the gathered information to identify patterns, trends, and emerging signals that could impact the commercialization of quantum technologies. Conduct foresight exercises such as scenario planning or technology roadmapping to predict possible future states of the market (for example, projecting timelines for quantum computing advantage, or potential industry adoption rates of quantum encryption). Identify nascent application areas or “white spaces” where quantum innovations could find a market foothold.
- Market Assessments: Generate detailed market assessment reports for specific quantum technologies or projects under Quantum TTO’s purview. This includes estimating market sizes, growth rates, and the competitive landscape for particular applications (e.g., quantum sensors in healthcare, quantum cryptography for financial services). Evaluate customer needs and willingness-to-adopt for these emerging solutions.
- Intelligence Reporting: Prepare clear, well-structured reports and presentations to communicate findings. These may range from high-level briefs for executives (summarizing, for instance, the annual state of the quantum industry) to deep-dive analyses for project teams (such as a competitive analysis for a specific spin-out company’s business plan). Ensure that all reporting is rigorously fact-based, current, and tailored to the audience’s needs (technical vs. non-technical stakeholders).
- Strategic Advisory: Act as an internal consultant by providing data-driven recommendations to other Quantum TTO teams. For example, advise the Director of Strategic Partnerships on which regions or industry sectors are ripe for new collaborations, based on market momentum. Or inform the Spin-Out Venture Manager which types of quantum start-ups are attracting investor interest, to help prioritize support programs. Bring a market-and-foresight perspective into internal strategy meetings and planning sessions.
- Database Management: Manage tools and databases for market intelligence. This could involve using specialized market research services, maintaining a directory of quantum companies and research labs, or developing an internal repository of case studies and benchmark data from past commercialization efforts. Leverage data analytics tools to organize and extract insights from large sets of information (for instance, using bibliometric or patent analysis software to identify research trends).
- Stakeholder Communication: Interface with external partners as needed to gather and share intelligence. This might include communicating with university TTOs about what industry segments are looking for (to guide their researchers), or briefing spin-out entrepreneurs on current market expectations in their target industry. Occasionally, present Quantum TTO’s market outlook at partner workshops or consortium meetings to ensure all stakeholders have a common understanding of the commercial context.
- Collaboration & Events: Participate in relevant industry events, conferences, and webinars to both gather intelligence and represent Quantum TTO’s thought leadership. Develop relationships with analysts, academics, and industry experts in the quantum field to continuously refine knowledge. Internally, collaborate closely with the Commercialization Consultants and IP Specialist to align market findings with technical feasibility and IP positions of projects.
- Foresight Initiatives: Lead the development of an annual (or periodic) “Quantum Foresight” report or similar publication for Quantum TTO. This flagship analysis would summarize the current state and outlook of quantum technology commercialization globally, possibly to be shared with partner institutions and funding bodies. Also, explore long-term considerations such as potential ethical, societal, or security implications of quantum tech that could influence adoption (aligning with institutional interests).
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Data Science or a relevant technical field is required. A Master’s degree in Business Analytics, Technology Management, Foresight/Futures Studies, or a quantum-related scientific field is highly desirable. Interdisciplinary education combining science and market analysis is ideal.
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in market research, intelligence analysis, or strategic planning, preferably within the technology sector. Experience focusing on emerging technologies (such as AI, nanotech, or cybersecurity) or specifically on quantum technologies is a strong plus. Prior work in consulting firms, research firms, or R&D strategy departments would be relevant.
- Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical and critical thinking capabilities. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data gathering from diverse sources, statistical analysis, and trend extrapolation. Experience with forecasting methodologies or tools (e.g., SWOT analysis, scenario planning, predictive modeling) is important.
- Domain Knowledge: A good grasp of quantum technology concepts and the overall landscape. While not expected to be a quantum scientist, the analyst should understand the basics of how quantum technologies differ from classical ones, and the key companies, research programs, and market drivers in the field. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technical subject matter is essential.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to distill complex information into clear, accessible insights and narratives. Experience writing whitepapers, market reports, or executive briefs is valuable. Comfortable presenting findings to groups, with strong data visualization skills to illustrate trends (proficiency in tools like PowerPoint, Tableau, etc. can be helpful).
- Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to research accuracy and source validation. The analyst must ensure all data used is reliable and that conclusions are well-supported. Able to manage large amounts of information without losing sight of the key message.
- Strategic Mindset: Ability to not only report on “what is” but also to think strategically about “what’s next.” A forward-thinking mentality is needed to anticipate how current signals might translate into future outcomes. Should be able to propose strategic options or contingency plans based on foresight analyses.
- Collaboration: Team-oriented attitude, as this role will interface with various internal and external stakeholders. Comfortable receiving input from technical experts and asking clarifying questions to ensure accurate understanding. Ability to handle requests from multiple teams and prioritize effectively.
- Tech & Tools: Proficiency with office and analysis tools (Excel, market databases, possibly programming for data analysis). Familiarity with patent databases, academic publication databases, and startup databases (like PitchBook or Crunchbase) is a plus, as these are often sources of intelligence in deep tech sectors.
Preferred Skills or Attributes
- Foresight/Strategic Planning Certification: Any formal training or certification in strategic foresight, such as from the Institute for the Future or similar, is a plus. Likewise, an MBA or professional courses in competitive intelligence could strengthen the profile.
- Knowledge of Policy and Funding Environment: Understanding of how government policies, standards, and funding programs internationally are influencing the quantum industry. For instance, knowledge about export control laws on quantum encryption or national strategies for quantum could enrich analyses.
- Global Perspective: Experience living or working in multiple regions, or language skills beyond English, can aid in gathering and interpreting global data. The quantum race is international, so cultural awareness in interpreting market signals (e.g., understanding the tech ecosystem in Asia vs. Europe) is valuable.
- Publications & Thought Leadership: A track record of published analyses or thought pieces on technology trends (could be articles, conference presentations, blogs). Being recognized as a thought leader or having a following in the tech analysis space indicates the ability to influence and inform others – a useful attribute for this role as it may involve shaping partners’ views.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to pivot focus quickly if a new breakthrough or disruption occurs in the quantum field. The ability to handle uncertainty and continuously update assumptions as new information emerges.
- Curiosity and Passion: A strong personal interest in emerging technologies and innovation. Curiosity-driven approach to dig deeper into topics and ask “what if” questions. Passion for the mission of helping quantum technologies succeed commercially, which will drive dedication in research.
Reporting Line
Reports to the Executive Director or the Head of Strategy/Operations at Quantum TTO (depending on organizational structure). The analyst works as a central resource supporting all teams; therefore, while the formal line is to senior management, the role involves close collaboration with the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Commercialization Consultants, and other function heads to feed them timely intelligence.
Location and Travel Expectations
Remote. Proximity to a major technology or financial center could be beneficial for access to events and information. Travel: Occasional travel (~10%) may be required. This includes attending important industry conferences, workshops, or consortium meetings globally to gather insights and network (for example, major quantum tech summits or relevant academic conferences). Additionally, periodic visits to partner sites may occur if direct on-the-ground market observation is needed (e.g., seeing a partner’s lab capabilities or attending a demo day for startups).
