C. Stein, S. Klikovits, M. Wimmer: Quantum Software Ante Portas: How to Prepare for a New Computing Paradigm?, Journal of IE Perspectives - The Informatics Europe Magazine, Issue 1, January 2026. Doi: 10.5281/zenodo.18376222
The article provides an overview of the current state and future challenges of quantum software engineering as quantum computing transitions from proof-of-concept to potential industrial adoption. While significant progress has been made in quantum hardware and cloud-based execution platforms, the article argues that innovation will depend critically on advances in software tools, programming abstractions, and engineering methodologies. Focusing on the constraints of the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era, it examines challenges related to hardware heterogeneity, software portability, hybrid classical-quantum architectures, and the lack of mature development environments. The article also highlights the urgent need for a new generation of quantum software engineers and coherent educational programmes, particularly in Europe, to bridge skills gaps and support the long-term evolution toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.