Ingrid Romijn is CEO and Co-Founder of Q*Bird, and a leading voice in the quantum technology field based in the Netherlands. She also serves on the steering committee of “WE in Development”, an organization that originally began as Women in Quantum Development but recently rebranded to reflect a broader focus on inclusivity. As a mentor, she guides young scientists navigating gender-related challenges in the field.
During her recent visit to Korea for Quantum Korea 2025, Ingrid Romijn spoke with us about her journey in quantum technology, her advocacy for inclusion, and the evolving role of women in the tech field.

Being one of 10 percent women in her field

“I studied physics, and after that, I pursued a PhD in the same field,” she reflected on her academic beginnings. “So I really went the academic route. But eventually, I realized I didn’t want to continue in academia.” That turning point led her to join ECN, a research institute that later became part of TNO, where she transitioned from academic theory to applied research.

Her path was far from easy. “I was one of the 10 percent female students in my physics program,” she recalled. “We started with seven women in the cohort, but by the end of four years, only three of us remained.”

From the start, she knew she had both the curiosity and capability to thrive in the field. “I was always very strong at it, and I really wanted to understand how things work, the underlying physics behind it all,” she said. That drive carried her through the challenges, including subtle but real gender biases. “Some professors found it harder to talk to female students than to male students. You could feel the difference in how we were treated, and you had to be a bit thick-skinned to get through it.”

Despite those difficulties, she stayed motivated, not just to finish her studies, but to go further. “I wanted to continue. I was determined.”

What made you choose quantum?

“I’ve always been fascinated by the fundamental nature of quantum particles and how they behave,” she said with genuine enthusiasm.

“Quantum theory has been around for a century, but only recently have we reached the point where we can actually control these particles to build devices like quantum computers and networks. Technologies like lasers and transistors already rely on quantum effects, but what’s happening now is a whole new level. It goes beyond AI. It’s truly the next big step, and it’s so exciting to be part of that.”

Challenges : You need a thick skin and sometimes have to go the extra mile to prove you belong.

Despite the exciting advancements in quantum technology, significant challenges remain, especially for women in the field. “I think the biggest challenge is that you still have to prove yourself more than others. If you enter a room full of men, there’s often an unspoken expectation that the woman is there to bring the coffee.”

Early in her career, her leadership was frequently overlooked in favor of male colleagues, despite her seniority. These experiences taught her that resilience and excellence are essential. “You need a thick skin and you need to learn how to cope with that. Sometimes you have to go the extra mile and be extra good to prove you belong.”

She also reflected on how little attention was paid to gender equality in science during her studies. There were no mentorship programs and very few models, and she simply pushed forward on her own. Thankfully, she sees more awareness today, with active efforts to improve diversity in education and the workplace.

However, she emphasized that inequality doesn’t end with education. Women often face unequal opportunities in hiring and career advancement. “I didn’t really notice the glass ceiling because I was in a supportive environment.”  She was fortunate to build her career in supportive environments like ECN and QuTech, and eventually founded her own company, Q*Bird. 

“The opportunities have always been there. It’s just hard to reach them,” she said. While she didn’t personally feel the glass ceiling strongly, she acknowledged it still exists and must be addressed. “More companies are being pushed to recognize the issue, but actually grabbing the opportunities and overcoming the barriers remains difficult.”

Current landscape for Women in Tech 

She shared insights from her experience in the Netherlands and across Europe when asked about the current landscape for women in tech. 

“I think it’s similar across most parts of Europe. In public institutions, working conditions tend to be better arranged, which helps attract more women. For example, they often provide separate rooms for breastfeeding and have more favorable contracts for pregnant employees, making it easier for women to balance work and family,” she said. “In contrast, in the private sector, such accommodations are less common. That’s probably why you see more women working in public institutions like ECN.”      

However, she sees a positive trend among startups, especially around innovation hubs like Delft. “Many startups are actually quite good at attracting women because the new founders and younger generation value diverse teams. They actively try to bring more women onboard.”

What kind of advice would you give to girls pursuing their dreams in tech?

“My advice is to focus on the joy and excitement of science. Don’t let discouraging voices bring you down, ignore the negativity, and instead surround yourself with supportive people, including the good-hearted boys who are there as allies. Remember, the idea that girls can’t succeed in tech is completely wrong. Just look at my journey as proof.”