In Fall 2024, SC Quantum awarded a grant to the University of South Carolina Center for Sales Success to develop quantum sales experiential learning projects. The goal was to test the USC Team's hypothesis that non-technical sales and marketing students could successfully conduct business development for complex quantum opportunities across multiple industries.
The partnership leveraged skillsets from all parties involved. SCQ team members kicked off the project by visiting classes, engaging students, and sharing key information sources for further learning. Faculty and students then conducted research and developed prospecting playbooks and sales presentations, which they delivered to SC Quantum.
In Fall 2024, the project partnership achieved remarkable results. A team of 90 sales students produced 18 quantum prospecting playbooks, detailing industry-specific quantum use cases, potential SCQ partner companies, and strategic approaches for reaching ideal customer prospects (ICPs). The playbooks spanned seven industries and identified 93 target companies with 303 individual prospects. All this valuable data was integrated into a CRM system to strengthen a growing regional quantum ecosystem.
Building on 2024's success, the Quantum Sales partnership will expand with 60 new sales students creating 12 new quantum CRM playbooks in the spring semester of 2025. Additionally, the "Sales Scholars" program will give 16 students real-world experience using personalized AI roleplay for prospecting and cold calling that simulates specific quantum prospects. SCQ briefings and guest speakers will enhance industry knowledge, creating exceptional learning opportunities and developing quantum-literate sales professionals.