From Quantum Computing to Social Entrepreneurship: Elisa Torres Durney’s Inspiring Journey

17.03.2025, 14:42
with Elisa Torres Durney & Greg Tomasik

 

Hi Elisa, you discovered your fascination for physics and mathematics at a very young age. What was the decisive moment or the most important experience that ultimately led you to the world of quantum computing?

I first heard about quantum computing through an online course for students. This course consisted of two academic semesters of learning about this field in an introductory way, where both theory and applications could be understood by high schoolers. When I received the news regarding my acceptance, I was thrilled. I was going to not only learn about a new topic that seemed interesting, but also had the great chance of interacting with people my age from all around the world who wanted to make the most out of this program. This last factor inspired me to discover the community in quantum and learn the beauty of it.

Although I didn’t have a specific role model who motivated me to start Girls in Quantum, I found many throughout my journey. Since the beginning, my parents have been my biggest supporters, and along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting inspiring people such as Marilena Longobardi, Krysta Svore, Marcela Manjarrez, Muzhda Akbari, Alexandra Beckstein, and so many others. I could write a book about them. Their guidance, insights, and encouragement have helped shape my path and reinforced the importance of mentorship in any journey.

 

You are a co-founder and CEO of Girls in Quantum. What are you currently working on most intensively, and which topics particularly drive you at the moment?

Right now, a big focus for me is expanding access to quantum computing education in a way that feels engaging and approachable. At Girls in Quantum, we’re working on new interactive materials, collaborations, and mentorship programs to support students who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities.

One of our most exciting initiatives right now is our year-long hackathon for Latin America in collaboration with the United Nations and Girl Up. This project aims to provide students across the continent with opportunities to develop impactful tech solutions, with awards and university collaborations throughout the region. If we receive the right support, we hope to expand this initiative to other continents as well.

Organizing a global team requires clear communication, structure, and adaptability. We work across different time zones, so we rely on shared accountability to keep everything running smoothly. The most important factor is creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, take ownership of their roles, and stay connected despite geographical distances.

 

Quantum computing is regarded as a key technology of the future. Do you think we are close to fully working quantum computers?

We’re making significant progress, but there’s still work to be done before we see fully operational, large-scale quantum computers. Right now, quantum systems can solve specific problems, but they still struggle with scalability, error correction, and stability. However, advancements in quantum error correction and hybrid quantum-classical computing are accelerating the field (there are a lot of interesting things being announced in the news recently!).

Quantum computing is gaining momentum across multiple industries, but cybersecurity, finance, healthcare, and materials science stand out as key areas for growth. As quantum algorithms improve, industries handling complex simulations, encryption, and optimization problems will see increasing demand for quantum expertise.

In terms of regions, North America and Europe currently lead in quantum research and industry adoption, with strong government and private sector investments. However, Asia is rapidly advancing, and I see Latin America emerging as a promising hub, especially as educational initiatives and research collaborations expand. More diverse participation in quantum will be crucial for global innovation.

I’m particularly interested in how quantum computing can revolutionize cybersecurity and biomedical research. In cybersecurity, quantum algorithms could redefine encryption and data protection, requiring new frameworks to ensure security in a post-quantum world. In biomedical research, quantum simulations could help us model complex molecular interactions, potentially leading to breakthroughs in drug discovery and personalized medicine. These areas have massive implications for global health in the long term.

Additionally, I believe that expanding innovation hubs for quantum computing will be key. The more we create interdisciplinary collaborations between researchers, universities, and startups, the faster we’ll push the field forward. It’s an exciting moment in tech history, and I’m eager to see how these developments unfold.

 

In addition to your work in the quantum field, you are also very active in youth programs and conduct workshops. What tips would you give young people who also want to take on responsibility early in tech projects or start their own initiative?

Start small, but start now. You don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. Find a problem/ area you’re passionate about, connect with people who share your vision, and just begin, even if it’s something as simple as a blog, a small coding project, or an online meetup.

One thing that has been incredibly valuable in my journey is the role of mentors and role models. Having access to people who have walked this path before me has not only given me solid advice but also uplifted and motivated me to keep going. Their experiences have provided guidance that no textbook could replace.

I also strongly believe in finding a community. Being surrounded by like-minded people keeps you accountable, motivated, and excited about the future. It also opens doors for collaboration, which is crucial when working on ambitious projects.

 

What do you think about the state of the global Tech job market in 2025? Which talents and personalities are currently in greatest demand?

The tech job market is evolving rapidly, and adaptability is more important than ever. AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing are becoming increasingly relevant, so professionals with skills in these areas will be in high demand.

However, something worth noting is that critical and technical skills are slowly but surely being automated by AI and robotics. Even though there have been some mistakes along the way, this is only the beginning, which means that progress is inevitable. AI will soon be able to perform technical tasks just as well as humans.

That doesn’t mean technical skills are a waste to learn, quite the opposite. The key is to adapt alongside technology. Learn how to craft effective prompts, ask the right questions, and stay familiar with new technologies and platforms so that AI works for you rather than replacing you. The ability to align technology with your work and use it strategically will be one of the most valuable skills moving forward.

 

In your role as a young founder, you likely encounter doubts or resistance. What was one of your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges has been scalability. When I started Girls in Quantum at 16, it was just a small team of students trying to create impact. Building a nonprofit from scratch at such a young age wasn’t easy, there were logistical, financial, and strategic hurdles that we had to navigate with limited/ zero resources.

However, we have been resilient and have found an incredible community along the way. Companies, organizations, and individual supporters have been instrumental in pushing this initiative forward. Their belief in our mission has helped us expand beyond what I originally imagined, and I’m deeply grateful for that. This experience has taught me that while starting out can feel overwhelming, surrounding yourself with the right people and staying persistent can turn small ideas into something much bigger.

Starting a nonprofit at 16 wasn’t easy. That said, I wouldn’t change the overall journey.

I don’t wish I had done things differently because I’ve learned so much along the way. From the rejection emails that went unanswered to learning how to move on, from realizing that age should never define me to understanding the importance of teamwork and perseverance when projects don’t go as planned. I’ve learned to always have a Plan B, C, and even a beta version if necessary and, most importantly, to nurture the right connections.

The challenges taught me resilience, and I’ve met incredible supporters, companies, and organizations that have helped push this initiative forward. Every lesson along the way has shaped how I approach leadership today.

 

And the last question: Do you still see yourself mostly as an Engineer or rather an Entrepreneur right now? 

I see myself as a social entrepreneur, but the engineering mindset is still at my core. I love creating, exploring, solving problems with technology, and building a community around innovation. Social entrepreneurship has helped me turn ideas into real impact while learning from incredible mentors and leaders about perseverance and resilience.

What drives me most is seeing students, especially young girls, grow through our programs, attend conferences, pursue quantum computing, and unlock new opportunities. Knowing I’ve played a small part in their journey makes every challenge worth it. While I might think like an engineer, I see myself more and more as a social entrepreneur, and I love how both worlds come together.

Over the next few years, I see myself evolving towards both a technical focus and toward strategic entrepreneurship, but with a stronger focus on strategic entrepreneurship. I still love the technical side, exploring new technologies, solving problems, and staying hands-on with innovation, but I also see how important it is to create opportunities for others to engage with these fields.

Thank you, Elisa, we really appreciate your thoughts, and we wish you all the best for the future!

 

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Elisa Torres Durney is the Founder & CEO of Girls in Quantum, empowering students in quantum computing. She has spoken at over 50 international conferences, reaching 20,000+ attendees, and was named a Top 10 Global Student Prize winner in 2023. Featured in Forbes and Nature Magazine, Elisa is passionate about innovation, technology, and promoting diversity in STEM.

 

Greg Tomasik, Co-Founder & CTO at SwissDevJobs.ch, GermanTechJobs.de & DevITjobs.uk. A Software Engineer with over 8 years of experience working at international companies. Involved in the recruiting industry since 2018, focusing on building transparent job boards for tech talents.