Chilean Entrepreneur Builds Bridge Between Students And Complex Technology Through Girls In Quantum Initiative
New York, N.Y. – At an age when most students are discovering their academic interests, Elisa Torres Durney founded an international network dedicated to quantum computing education. The Chilean social entrepreneur has built Girls in Quantum into a global phenomenon that has reached more than 7,000 students across 27 countries, democratizing access to one of technology’s most complex and promising fields.
Torres Durney serves as founder and C.E.O. of Girls in Quantum, a global non-profit committed to advancing quantum education with a specific focus on empowering women in STEM.
Her organization represents a revolutionary approach to addressing the gender gap in emerging technologies while making quantum computing accessible to young minds worldwide.
The journey began during the global pandemic when Torres Durney discovered quantum computing through I.B.M.’s Qubit x Qubit program.
In 2021, she completed IBM’s Introduction to Quantum Computing program, an experience that opened her eyes to the transformative potential of quantum technology across multiple industries including pharmacology, medicine, finance, and climate change solutions.
“I started Girls in Quantum after I had the great opportunity to receive a scholarship and participate in an introductory program on Quantum Computing. This course opened my eyes to how this technology can impact us in the future,” Torres Durney explained in a recent interview.
Building a Global Educational Network
In 2022, Torres Durney established Girls in Quantum as an international network whose goal is to provide women and adolescents with education resources for quantum computing.
The organization’s mission extends beyond traditional classroom learning, creating collaborative spaces where students can strengthen their abilities while accessing cutting-edge technological education.
The impact has been remarkable.
Torres Durney has reached more than 20,000 attendees and students by speaking at over fifty international conferences, including presentations at IBM, The Economist, United Nations, UNESCO, The Lancet, Women Economic Forum, Ernst & Young, TEDx, Johns Hopkins University, and Quantum Basel Global Symposium.
Girls in Quantum provides free educational content about quantum computing to students around the globe, offering resources so students can get involved in the field and make an impact by strengthening their abilities and talents.
This democratization of knowledge represents a fundamental shift in how emerging technologies are taught and accessed.
Recognition and Academic Excellence
Torres Durney’s work has garnered significant recognition from prestigious institutions. In 2023, she received a Top 10 Global Student Prize and has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. These accolades reflect not only her individual achievements but also the broader impact of her educational initiative. She has been nominated for the J. Luce Foundation 24 Under 24 cohort 2025.
Currently pursuing her academic goals as an A.B. Duke Scholar, Torres Durney balances her studies with her expanding role as a global advocate for STEM education. Her academic credentials include participation in programs sponsored by leading technology companies and research institutions, providing her with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in quantum computing applications.
The young entrepreneur also serves in leadership roles that extend her influence beyond education. She holds the position of G100 WEF Country Chair STEM and sits on advisory boards at UNESCO, demonstrating her commitment to policy-level changes in STEM accessibility and education.
Expanding Quantum Literacy Worldwide
The scope of Girls in Quantum‘s reach reflects the organization’s commitment to global educational equity. By operating across 27 countries, the initiative addresses both geographic and economic barriers that traditionally limit access to advanced technological education. The organization’s free resources ensure that financial constraints don’t prevent talented students from exploring quantum computing.
Girls in Quantum teaches students from across the world how quantum technology can be used to solve global issues, introducing participants to practical applications of complex theoretical concepts. This approach moves beyond abstract mathematical formulations to demonstrate real-world problem-solving potential.
Torres Durney‘s educational philosophy emphasizes collaborative learning and peer mentorship. The organization creates networks where students can connect across international boundaries, sharing knowledge and building relationships that extend beyond individual educational experiences. This global community approach helps sustain interest and provides ongoing support for students pursuing quantum computing careers.
Technology as a Force for Global Change
The broader implications of Torres Durney’s work extend to addressing critical global challenges. Quantum computing promises revolutionary advances in drug discovery, financial modeling, cryptography, and climate science. By expanding access to quantum education, Girls in Quantum potentially accelerates the development of solutions to pressing international problems.
Torres Durney’s vision encompasses both immediate educational goals and long-term societal impact. Her organization operates on the principle that diverse perspectives strengthen innovation, particularly in fields requiring creative problem-solving approaches. By specifically focusing on women’s participation in STEM, the initiative addresses systemic barriers while building a more inclusive technological workforce.
The educational content developed by Girls in Quantum reflects current industry standards while remaining accessible to high school and undergraduate students. Torres Durney writes articles for the website, such as “Classical vs Quantum Cryptography” and “Quantum computers?!” which provide information on the science and recent developments in these technologies.
Future Directions and Sustainable Growth
As quantum computing transitions from experimental research to commercial applications, Torres Durney’s educational initiative positions itself at the forefront of workforce development. Major technology companies increasingly recognize the need for quantum-literate employees, creating career opportunities for students who gain early exposure to these concepts.
The organization’s sustainability model relies on partnerships with educational institutions, technology companies, and international organizations. These collaborations provide both funding and expertise while ensuring that educational content remains current with rapidly evolving technological developments.
Torres Durney’s leadership style emphasizes youth empowerment and collaborative decision-making. Her approach demonstrates that young people can drive significant educational and social change when provided with appropriate resources and support systems. This model offers insights for other STEM education initiatives seeking to maximize impact through peer-led learning.
The success of Girls in Quantum illustrates the potential for social entrepreneurship to address complex educational challenges. By combining technological expertise with innovative delivery methods, Torres Durney has created a scalable model for emerging technology education that other organizations can adapt and implement.
Torres Durney’s work represents more than educational programming; it embodies a vision of technological democratization where geographic location, economic circumstances, or gender do not determine access to cutting-edge knowledge. Through Girls in Quantum, she continues building bridges between complex scientific concepts and the diverse global community of students eager to shape tomorrow’s technological landscape.
Young Global Leader Transforms Global Quantum Computing Education (Sept. 15, 2025)
Audio Summary
Chilean entrepreneur Elisa Torres Durney founded Girls in Quantum (www.girlsinquantum.com), a global non-profit providing free quantum computing education to over 7,000 students across 27 countries. The organization empowers women in STEM while democratizing access to emerging technologies. Torres Durney, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Global Student Prize Top 10 recipient, has spoken at over 50 international conferences including the U.N. and UNESCO. Her youth-led initiative addresses gender gaps in technology while building tomorrow’s quantum workforce.
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TAGS: quantum computing, STEM education, women in technology, educational equity, youth leadership,
social entrepreneurship, technology access, global education, emerging technologies, educational innovation
Facebook: Chilean entrepreneur Elisa Torres Durney is transforming quantum computing education worldwide through Girls in Quantum. Her non-profit has reached over 7,000 students across 27 countries, providing free access to one of technology’s most complex fields. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Torres Durney demonstrates how young leaders can drive meaningful change in STEM education and gender equity. Learn how she’s building bridges between cutting-edge technology and the next generation of innovators.
Instagram: Meet Elisa Torres Durney, the Chilean entrepreneur behind Girls in Quantum. At a young age, she founded a global non-profit that’s reached 7,000+ students across 27 countries with free quantum computing education. From speaking at the U.N. to earning Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, she’s proving that youth leadership can transform STEM education and create more inclusive tech communities. Her mission: democratize access to quantum computing and empower the next generation of women in technology.
LinkedIn: Elisa Torres Durney exemplifies innovative leadership in STEM education. As founder and C.E.O. of Girls in Quantum, she has created a global platform reaching over 7,000 students across 27 countries with free quantum computing resources. Her achievements include Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, Global Student Prize Top 10 status, and speaking engagements at 50+ international conferences including I.B.M., the U.N., and UNESCO. Torres Durney’s work demonstrates how targeted educational initiatives can address gender gaps in emerging technologies while building the quantum workforce of tomorrow.
X/Twitter: Chilean entrepreneur Elisa Torres Durney founded Girls in Quantum, reaching 7,000+ students across 27 countries with free quantum computing education. Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree transforming STEM access globally through youth leadership and educational innovation.
BlueSky: Elisa Torres Durney’s Girls in Quantum proves young leaders can drive global change. Her non-profit provides free quantum computing education to 7,000+ students across 27 countries, addressing gender gaps in STEM while democratizing access to emerging technologies. From UNESCO advisory roles to Forbes recognition, she’s building tomorrow’s quantum workforce today.
