PSNC affiliated to the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences will receive a grant of over 10 million złoty from the Ministry of Digital Affairs. These funds will support the creation of modern educational programs and trainings designed to prepare specialists in quantum computing. The grant will be awarded by the end of 2025 with the aim of increasing digital competencies in the field of quantum engineering.
– Investing in quantum technologies is not only a chance for the development of science but also a significant impulse for Polish economy. Thanks to these funds, we will create innovative educational programs that are going to prepare future specialists in this dynamically developing field. It is our goal to let Poland actively participate in the global technological race and effectively utilize the potential of quantum computers – commented Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski.
Training Cadres of the Future – A Growing Demand for Experts
According to the report titled “Quantum Computing: A New Era of Computing” there is a significant shortage of specialists in the field of quantum technology. Funding courses and professional training is the way to prepare new cadres with knowledge and skills allowing them to take full advantage of quantum computers’ potential in practice. According to experts, by 2035 the use of quantum technology in the banking sector alone is likely to generate a global profit estimated on the level of 600 billion USD.
Educational programs tailored to market needs
– We need to enable Polish entrepreneurs to take advantage of quantum technology utilizing the knowledge and skills of our universities’ graduates. At the same time these entrepreneurs should be provided with the opportunity to incubate products aimed at a wider market. This is the way to build a culture of creating leaders in breakthrough technologies that are important for the economy. As a result we will be able to combine quantum technology with other groundbreaking phenomena such as artificial intelligence or cloud computing, which should have a major influence on the security of Poland, among others – explained Robert Pękal, acting Director of PSNC.
The grant will support the implementation of five key tasks that are crucial for increasing competencies of Polish scientists and specialists in the field of quantum computing:
1. Support of quantum computing on the IBM Quantum platform to enable the use of a quantum computer before the first such device is created in Poland.
2. Creation of guidelines for programs of studies related to quantum computer programming.
3. Piloting five training programs for scientists and partners in the field of quantum computing.
4. A series of eight workshops and hackathons at PSNC FutureLabs, focused on quantum applications.
5. Creation of e-services supporting the development of a quantum database and solutions for quantum technology users.
EuroQCS-Poland – the very first quantum computer in Poland
In July 2024, the Ministry of Digital Affairs officially announced that it would co-finance the purchase of Poland’s first quantum computer – EuroQCS-Poland. The machine will find its home at PSNC and it is scheduled to be launched in mid-2025. EuroQCS-Poland will be available to researchers, industry, and the public sector across Europe, enabling research and the widespread application of quantum technologies.
– Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize many fields, including cybersecurity. Thanks to their immense computing power, we can analyze and optimize security systems, which in turn lets us instantly identify any fractures and implement more efficient protective measures – emphasized Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Paweł Olszewski.
With these investments, Poland is taking another important step towards the development of advanced technologies that have the potential to transform modern science and industry.
Photos by Magdalena Madaj (PSNC)
