R&D Projects
Quantum computing
Polish Quantum Computing Node
As a result of the task entrusted to the Ministry of Digital Affairs, titled "Support for entities implementing public tasks in the field of digital innovations for science and the information society, by providing access to e-infrastructure using quantum computing, including access to the IBM Q-HUB node," the Polish Quantum Computing Node was established at the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center, the first of its kind in Central Europe. This node is part of the global IBM Quantum Network. The IBM Quantum Network aims to optimally harness the potential of quantum computers and apply them to solve experimental problems. National institutions within this network have access to the most advanced and state-of-the-art IBM Q quantum systems.
This ecosystem has been systematically developed by IBM for many years. As part of this initiative, users from Poland have access to the 127-qubit IBM Eagle quantum computer and the latest 433-qubit IBM Osprey quantum computer. Quantum innovation centers and quantum computing nodes operating within the IBM Quantum Network worldwide form a high-caliber global community. This community comprises Fortune 500 companies, startups, academic institutions, and research laboratories working on the advancement of quantum computing and exploring practical application areas. Members of the IBM Quantum Network, in collaboration with IBM Quantum teams, collectively investigate, test, and analyze how quantum computing can impact the development of the information society, science, and the economy.
Partners of the IBM Quantum Network in Poland
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan
- Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Theoretical and Applied Informatics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
EuroQCS - Poland
The quantum computer will be installed at the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center. The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking – EuroHPC JU competition has concluded with the selection of six European centers that will own and operate the first EuroHPC quantum computers. These machines, part of the broader EuroQCS (European Quantum Computing and Simulation) program with a total value of 100 million EUR, will also be located in the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy.
PCSS is the coordinator and initiator of the international Polish-Latvian consortium (Euro QCS-Poland) and, at the same time, the installation site for the new system. The project consortium also includes the University of Latvia, the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and Creotech Instruments S.A.
The main goal of the PRACE-LAB2 project is to provide specialized computer architectures for applications related to large-scale data analytics, applications utilizing elements of artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as quantum computing simulations.
In the field of the economy, development work is focused on providing modern cloud container solutions and new services, including HPC as a Service (HPCaaS).
Partners
- ACK Cyfronet AGH
- Gdańsk University of Technology - CI TASK
- National Centre for Nuclear Research
Within the project "National Supercomputer Infrastructure for EuroHPC - EuroHPC PL," a specialized infrastructure for general-purpose computing is being built to address large-scale computational challenges. This infrastructure will enable research in key areas that are crucial from the perspective of Polish society, the scientific community, and the economy.
- Providing access to hybrid computational infrastructure, including supercomputers and quantum and neuromorphic accelerators, as well as dedicated services.
- Research and innovation adapting research problems and software to the capabilities of exascale supercomputers and modern computing architectures.
Partners
- ACK Cyfronet AGH
- Gdańsk University of Technology - CI TASK
- Wrocław University of Science and Technology - WCSS
- National Centre for Nuclear Research
- Institute of Theoretical and Applied Informatics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
- Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
The goal of the QATM project is to develop a system that allows for real-time solutions based on algorithms and the management of objects within the airspace of our country. The proposed solution's innovativeness takes into account:
- Improving existing ATM systems using quantum algorithms that could enable the development of variant-optimal plans in real-time, in response to dynamic changes in airspace, considering all specified parameters, constraints, and potentially multiple evaluation criteria for the solution.
- Securing the solutions developed within the project by utilizing quantum communication technology, specifically Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), for secure transmission of exchanged data.
- Development and verification of key assumptions for the construction of next-generation ATM systems using quantum technologies.
The project's scope involves the development and security analysis of asymmetric encryption algorithms, key agreement (KEM or KEX), and digital signatures that are resistant to threats arising from the potential of quantum computing. The rapid advancement of quantum computing technology makes the cryptanalysis of currently used public-key cryptosystems a realistic concern. Within the project, there are plans to analyze publicly available post-quantum algorithms and
propose cryptographic systems that provide encryption, key agreement/exchange, and digital signature functionality. The new algorithms will be scrutinized for their level of security and implemented in the form of a Technology Demonstrator, which will serve as a reference implementation. Additionally, the project aims to demonstrate the paradigm of cryptographic agility in cryptographic system design.
Quantum communication
EuroQCI PIONIER-Q
The construction program for the EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure) infrastructure began to take shape in 2019, and its network is intended to provide secure quantum communication capabilities covering the entire European Union. This initiative has been divided into phases and is coordinated with European programs for the development of quantum technologies. Initially, the plan involves building national QCI infrastructures, followed by connecting them through international ground-based or satellite links. As part of the competition for the construction of the national QCI infrastructure, PCSS submitted an official project proposal for Poland. Following a positive evaluation by the European Commission, it was officially confirmed that work on the project would be carried out in the coming years by the representative of the PIONIER consortium.
The PIONIER consortium, through the PIONIER-Q project, has become the official representative of Poland in the EuroQCI initiative - European Quantum Communication Infrastructure. The implementation of PIONIER-Q is an important step in the development of the PIONIER network and environment, providing an opportunity to undertake various initiatives and projects in the field of quantum technologies within the European Union. As part of the project, a QCI connection framework will be established between the KDM and NASK centers in Poland, and scenarios for using this technology will be implemented. Additionally, a training and workshop program will be conducted with the aim of promoting and advancing quantum communication to facilitate the development of QCI technologies in subsequent stages.
An open European test platform for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologyю The aim of the OpenQKD project is to develop and implement quantum communication technologies in operational networks. The project strengthens Europe's leading position in the field of quantum communication technology.
- The project aims to demonstrate and integrate secure quantum communication solutions across the European digital landscape.
- The project aims to develop and launch several open test environments for Quantum Key Distribution technologies, as well as smaller demonstrators to promote their functionality in networks and usage scenarios among potential end-users, their applications, services, and interested parties.
- The project aims to develop innovations, provide training, and assist in the development and dissemination of knowledge in the field of quantum communication technology and related services and applications.
- The project aims to develop standardization documents for Quantum Key Distribution and quantum communication technologies.
- The project aims to develop solutions for building the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure.
The aim of the NLPQT project is to develop a nationwide infrastructure enabling the practical use of the properties of individual quantum objects, with a particular focus on the potential use of single photons in quantum communication. The NLPQT infrastructure will enable research and development work aimed at designing, deploying, and advancing complex and secure systems for quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum communication, as well as integrating these solutions with other mechanisms currently used to secure data transmitted by IT and telecommunications systems. Additionally, the NLPQT project will establish test workstations for the development of applications involving individual quantum objects, such as electrons, quantum dots, or atoms.
As part of the project activities, the following will be created, among other things:
- Inter-city QKD link Warsaw-Poznań with trusted nodes.
- Inter-city QKD link Warsaw-Poznań with trusted nodes.
- Implementation of QKD system in operational test platforms and services.
- Development and integration of QKD technology with existing optical data transmission systems.
- QKD in the national system for generating and distributing reference optical carriers.
The infrastructure will be used for research in the following areas:
- Quantum cryptography for critical services/infrastructure.
- Quantum communication for quantum computing.
- Standardization and implementation of QKD technology in DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing).
