Optical communication systems, quantum cryptography, use of sensors in medical diagnostics – development of these techniques may revolutionize the economy of countries that are able to properly use the potential of quantum physics. The real impact on the upcoming changes will be made by universities, scientific institutes and entrepreneurs, who established Cluster Q – the Quantum Technology Cluster – at the University of Warsaw on May 23.
At the Centre of New Technologies of the University of Warsaw, representatives from the world of science and business presented an agreement, aiming to cooperate on the development of Polish quantum technologies to make them competitive in the international industrial market.
‘This is a great day for both the University of Warsaw and the development of new technologies. I am proud of the achievements of scientists from the UW in the field of quantum physics, as well as the fact that they cooperate with other research centres, public institutions and the industry. The establishment of the cluster shows that at universities and in business or local governments’, there are people who are perfectly prepared to build the future based on new technologies, said prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, during the ceremony inaugurating the cluster.
Quants and defense
Maciej Małecki, secretary of state at the Ministry of State Assets, emphasized in his speech the role that quantum technologies can play for the country.
‘Two years ago, a Polish quantum initiative was established, bringing together eight major centres from Poland. Today we are at a very important moment not only for quantum physics, but for the course of the economic history of our homeland. Today, three key stakeholders of this project – Polish science – with its most prominent representatives, Polish industry and the Polish state are meeting at the University of Warsaw. It is also the time when we see that quantum technologies and the results of scientists’ research can be used to enhance our country’s defence abilities’ – said Minister Maciej Małecki.
Business support
EXATEL CEO Nikodem Bończa Tomaszewski declared that the Company would support other, smaller entities and play a coordinating and nurturing role to ‘help break the ice on the business road.’
We all have an almost identical approach to the development of the quantum technology. We are all aware of the importance of the moment. We are trying to build an entire industry branch based on science (…) As a country, we have everything we could need to enter this race. We have strong scientific communities, companies, the will of scientists to publish and monetize, we have the support of the government, saying that it is not afraid of this type of endeavor. If Poland is to break out of the trap of an average growth, we must boldly undertake such initiatives’ – said Nikodem Boncza Tomaszewski.
Poland has the potential
The ceremony was also attended by Prof. Arthur Ekert of Oxford University, the co-inventor of quantum cryptography and member of the International Scientific Committee of the Centre for Quantum Optical Technologies at the University of Warsaw.
Poland has the potential, we may have a late start, but we have great people. Polish science, as far as quants are concerned, has always been good. The school of Polish quantum optics was known around the world. We have people who can look at quants and think in commercial terms. There are people in the government and the government agencies who are truly interested in helping. I hope that Polish science, Polish industry and the government will be proud that Poland can really mean something in the area of quantum technologies – Prof. Ekert concluded.
The cluster is co-founded by: University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, University of Gdansk, Adam Mickiewicz University, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Wroclaw University of Technology, the Center for Theoretical Physics and the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The business community is represented by the experts from companies dealing with quantum technology: EXATEL, which serves as Poland’s national telecommunication operator, and the following companies: BEIT, Fibrain, Nanores, ORCA Computing, QNA Technology, Quantum Blockchains, Quantum Flytrap, Quantum Optical Technologies, Sequre Quantum, Syderal Poland.
