PIAST-Q

The PIAST-Q project is a groundbreaking initiative, representing the first quantum computing infrastructure in Poland and one of the first in Europe, the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, providing a digital quantum computer based on trapped ion technology.

Located in the Data Center of the Poznańskie Centrum Superkomputerowo-Sieciowe (PCSS), the system offers over 20 physical qubits with the highest fidelity and long coherence time. The project enables scientists, businesses, and the public sector to enter a new era of quantum computing and build technological sovereignty for Poland and Europe.

The project’s main goal is to be achieved through the direct integration of a quantum computer with a classical supercomputer at PCSS, enabling the development of advanced hybrid approaches (quantum-classical computing). The system used, from AQT (Alpine Quantum Technologies), features a universal quantum gate architecture, full all-to-all connectivity, and unique modularity.

With room-temperature operation, air cooling, and very low power consumption (below 2 kW), the system provides unprecedented flexibility for integration with HPC infrastructure. User access is provided through popular development environments such as Qiskit and PennyLane, and community support is supported by a series of specialized workshops, dedicated documentation, and pilot programs.

PIAST-Q actively supports the development of groundbreaking applications and innovations through internal and external activities. Internally, users gain access to the unique properties of trapped-ion technology, including qubits with gate fidelity exceeding 99% and exceptionally long coherence times (10,000 to 100,000 µs). This enables the generation of large, entwined states, the execution of complex algorithms, and the creation of benchmarks for solving complex scientific and engineering problems.

The launch of a quantum computer through open calls (EuroHPC Pilot Call and National Pilot Call) opens-up new opportunities for the European and Polish R&D sectors and businesses to solve problems previously impossible to solve using traditional machines alone. The system integrates the Polish ecosystem with the European EuroHPC quantum computer network, supporting the EU’s strategic autonomy. Furthermore, combined with the emerging PIAST-AI infrastructure, it will create a unique experimental space for quantum-enhanced AI solutions.

The applicability of quantum algorithms and hybrid solutions includes the following application areas: quantum chemistry (particle modeling and drug design), quantum and process optimization (for logistics, energy networks, and finance), quantum materials science, quantum machine learning (QML), and advanced risk analysis.

The project is being implemented by the EuroQCS-Poland consortium, led by the Poznańskie Centrum Superkomputerowo-Sieciowe (PCSS), in collaboration with partners:

• EuroHPC Joint Undertaking,
• Poznańskie Centrum Superkomputerowo-Sieciowe,
• Alpine Quantum Technologies GmbH,
• Ministry of Digital Affairs,
• Center for Theoretical Physics Polish Academy of Science,
• Creotech Instruments S.A.,
• University of Latvia.