Optical communications, quantum cryptography, sensors in medical diagnostics – the development of these technologies can revolutionise the economy of those countries that are able to exploit the potential of Quantum Physics. Forthcoming transformation will involve academic institutions, research centres and entrepreneurs which, on 23rd May, set up the Cluster Q – Quantum Technologies Cluster.

The Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, hosted representatives of the government, as well as science and business communities to present a cooperation agreement. The established cooperation aims at the development of Polish quantum technologies and introducing them successfully to international industrial markers.

“This is a meaningful day both for the University of Warsaw and new technologies. I am proud of the University researchers and their achievements in the field of Quantum Physics. The initiated cooperation with other research centres, state institutions and industry is a milestone for the development and implementation of new scientific results. This cluster proves that the technology based future can be built by representatives of academic institutions, business and public entities,” Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, UW Rector, commenced his speech at the official opening of the Cluster Q.

Quanta and military defence

Maciej Małecki, Secretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets, emphasised the role of quantum technologies in Poland.

“The Polish quantum initiative of eight leading research centres was started two years ago. Nowadays we are facing a meaningful moment not only in Quantum Physics but also in economic history of our country. Today the University of Warsaw is hosting three key groups of stakeholders in this project: Polish science, Polish industry and the Polish State. We realise that the results of the research in quantum technologies can be used successfully to improve the national security and military defence,” Małecki said.

Increasing potential of Polish research

The opening ceremony was attended by Professor Artur Ekert, University of Oxford, a co-inventor of quantum cryptography and a member of the International Scientific Board of the Centre for Quantum Optical Technologies, University of Warsaw. “Poland is starting late, but we have excellent scientists. In Poland, quantum research has always been excellent. The Polish school of quantum optics has been recognised worldwide. We have people who can perceive quanta through a lens of commercial applications. The government and governmental organisations are seriously interested to provide support. I truly believe that the Polish science, Polish industry and government will be proud of Poland holding an important position in quantum technologies,” prof. Ekert summarised.

The Cluster includes academic institutions such as the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, the University of Gdańsk, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The business is represented by professionals from the companies involved in quantum technologies: EXATEL as a national leader in telecommunication, as well as BEIT, Fibrain, Nanores, laboratory, ORCA Computing, QNA Technology, Quantum Blockchains, Quantum Flytrap, Quantum Optical Technologies, Sequre Quantum, Syderal Polska.