Original Quantum Mini Exams For Students

Elementary, High School and University Levels

Quantum’s Business Substack focuses on the business, strategic, and practical aspects of quantum technologies (quantum computing, sensing, communication, etc.). It emphasizes quantum readiness for organizations, demystifying hype, discussing adoption timelines, investment, post-quantum cryptography risks, quantum strategy frameworks, industry progress (e.g., logical qubits, error correction), public sector implications, and business applications rather than deep physics or mathematics.

Younger and younger enthusiasts are getting involved in quantum technology and its intersection with business will become even more relevant in terms of future careers (some estimates say 250,000 new jobs by 2030). So getting ready at an early stage can be a solid step.

If you’re involved with education, share these exams with your level of student.

Image source: Brian Lenahan/Midjourney

NOTE: Readers with free subscriptions can access the last two weeks of substacks, while paid subscribers can access the full archive.

The Exams:

Here are three 10-question exams tailored to different educational levels, all drawing from core themes (e.g., quantum strategy, business adoption, readiness, investment, risks/opportunities, and industry evolution as of 2025–2026).

Answers will posted here in March.

Elementary Level (Ages ~8–12) – Basic Introduction to Quantum Tech for Business

This level uses simple language, focuses on “what is it?” and “why it matters to companies,” with mostly multiple-choice/true-false questions.

1. What is quantum technology mainly about?
   a) Better GPS systems
   b) Special computers using tiny quantum rules to solve hard problems
   c) Ways to improve traffic flow
   d) New scientific breakthroughs

   e) All of the above

2. True or False: Quantum computers will replace all normal computers soon. (T/F)

3. Why do businesses care about quantum technology?
   a) It might help them solve big problems like finding better medicines or routes for trucks
   b) It makes computers smaller
   c) It will help them with their payroll

4. What does “quantum readiness” mean?
   a) Laboratory cleaning before class
   b) Becoming a physicist
   c) Getting your company ready to use quantum tech in the future

5. True or False: Some companies name their quantum products after birds, gods, or music (like IBM’s birds or Quantinuum’s gods). T/F

6. What is one big risk quantum computers might create for businesses?
   a) They make too much noise
   b) They could break old secret codes (like for banks and passwords)
   c) They need too much electricity

7. “Logical qubits.” What are they?
   a) Special qubits that make fewer mistakes
   b) Qubits that are rational
   c) Qubits only for math class

8. True or False: Small businesses (SMBs) should start thinking about quantum now, even if it’s not ready yet. T/F

9. What does the Quantum Strategy Institute help with?
   a) Selling quantum computers
   b) Teaching companies how to plan for quantum tech adoption
   c) Building real quantum computers

10. When should leaders start preparing for quantum changes?
    a) Not for decades from now
    b) Only after quantum computers are in every home
    c) Right now, step by step

High School Level (Ages ~13–18) – Intermediate Concepts in Quantum Business Applications

This level includes short-answer and multiple-choice, introducing strategy, risks (e.g., cryptography), adoption, and ecosystem players.

1. Explain in 1–2 sentences what “quantum strategy” for businesses means.

2. Multiple choice: According to Quantum’s Business, what is a key reason for “post-quantum cryptography” urgency?
   a) Quantum computers could break current encryption used in banking and security
   b) It makes computers run faster
   c) It’s required for social media

3. True or False: In 2025–2026 discussions, major progress in error correction and logical qubits is making quantum more “production-grade” possible soon. T/F

4. Name two industries or areas where quantum could provide big advantages for businesses.

5. What role do investors play in the quantum ecosystem, per “Investing in Quantum” substack? Give one example of how they evaluate opportunities.

6. Short answer: Why should companies not wait for “full-scale” quantum computers before acting?

7. Describe one theme about how quantum companies name their product roadmaps (e.g., birds, gods, nature).

8. True or False: Quantum is moving from hype to real-world pilots and corporate adoption in recent years. T/F

9. What is the ADVANTAGE © framework mentioned in Quantum’s Business public sector quantum discussions?

10. In the 2025 look-back post, name two key areas of progress or change in the quantum industry.

University Level (Undergraduate/Graduate) – Advanced Business & Strategic Analysis

This level uses essay-style, critical thinking, and application questions based on strategic frameworks, timelines, risks/opportunities, and ecosystem dynamics.

1. Discuss Brian Lenahan’s view on the evolution of quantum from hype to practical business relevance, citing examples from his 2025 look-back or production-grade quantum posts.

2. Explain the concept of “quantum readiness” for organizations. Why is it argued that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) should engage early despite current hardware limitations?

3. Analyze the risks and opportunities of quantum computing for encryption and cybersecurity, drawing on the emphasis on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) urgency.

4. Quantum’s Business frequently references the Quantum Strategy Institute (QSI) and frameworks like ADVANTAGE ©. Describe how such approaches help bridge quantum tech with real-world business applications.

5. Evaluate the state of the quantum investment landscape in 2026 as per his writings.

6. Critically assess Quantum’s Business perspective on “production-grade” quantum computing—what engineering and business criteria are suggested for acceptance?

7. How is quantum strategy differentiate from purely technical quantum research? Provide examples from the ‘Re-introducing Quantum Strategy” post.

8. Discuss one emerging theme in Quantum’s Business content such as bi-directional synergies, neuromorphic links, or public sector commitments.

9. Explain how Quantum’s Business contributes to demystifying quantum for non-technical business leaders.

10. Synthesize the overall message for executives in 2026: Should organizations adopt a “wait and see” or proactive stance on quantum technologies? Support with evidence from multiple posts (e.g., timelines, adoption pilots, strategic imperatives).

Educating our younger quantum enthusiasts (including the business aspects) will be critical to creating sufficient quantum talent in the future, and not just PhD’s, but all roles.

Brian Lenahan is founder and chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute, author of seven Amazon published books on quantum technologies and artificial intelligence and a Substack Top 50 Rising in Technology. Brian’s focus on the practical side of technology ensures you will get the guidance and inspiration you need to gain value from quantum now and into the future. Brian does not purport to be an expert in each field or subfield for which he provides science communication.

Brian’s books are available on Amazon. Quantum Strategy for Business course is available on the QURECA platform.

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