Quantum computing
As part of the support for entities performing public tasks in the field of digital innovation for science and the information society, and on the initiative of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the first Polish Quantum Computing Hub in Central Europe – the IBM Quantum Innovation Center at PCSS – was established in February 2022. Within this initiative, it was planned to conduct experimental work, including analytical, programming, and integration tasks.
In 2023, the British quantum computer manufacturer ORCA Computing was selected by PCSS to provide the Center with two ORCA Computing PT-1 computers, whose design is based on photonic quantum systems. The systems, which were funded by a national project, were installed at the high-performance computing center in Poznań. Their introduction will accelerate quantum-based research in fields such as biology, chemistry, and machine learning. The PT-1 systems were purchased as part of the EUROHPC-PL project and serve as advanced quantum accelerators. The technology used in the ORCA computer utilizes single photons (individual “particles” of light) as the information carrier. This allows the system to interface easily with networking technologies, resulting in a modular, flexible, and easily upgradeable architecture. The computer’s use of proprietary multiplexing technology to adjust timing, frequency, and the routing of single photons allows for massive data condensation. Consequently, this enables full-scale quantum data processing using a significantly smaller number of components.
In June 2025, EuroHPC JU inaugurated the PIAST-Q installation at PCSS. This marked the first inauguration of a EuroHPC quantum computer, representing a milestone in the construction of European quantum computing infrastructure. It is also the first EuroHPC infrastructure located in Poland. PIAST-Q, named after the Piast dynasty – the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland – is a laser-based, trapped-ion quantum computer located at and operated by PCSS. It was delivered by the company AQT from Innsbruck, Austria. PIAST-Q will offer European users a performance of 20 physical qubits along with several unique functionalities:
- high-fidelity universal quantum gates – minimizing computational errors,
- long coherence times – providing greater circuit depths,
- all-to-all qubit connectivity — ensuring greater stability and enabling support for programmable multi-qubit quantum gates.
Like other EuroHPC quantum computers currently being deployed, this system will be integrated into high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. PIAST-Q will first be connected to the ALTAIR supercomputer, and subsequently to the PIAST-AI Factory, offering European users access to a hybrid classical-quantum architecture.
Quantum communication
As part of the work conducted within the NLPQT (National Laboratory of Photonics and Quantum Technologies) project, PCSS has equipped its laboratories with advanced sets of measurement and transmission equipment. A setup was purchased that enables the construction of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network. This represents a practical application of quantum communication technology to establish encrypted connections secured by the laws of quantum mechanics. These devices will allow PCSS to continue its work in QKD technology, particularly its integration with existing optical data transmission systems and services. PCSS is participating in several European projects related to QKD technology and, thanks to the acquired infrastructure, will combine its activities across both national and European projects.
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