Quantum @ SZTAKI

Quantum Computing (QC) - the development and application of quantum computers and their algorithms - is one of the most promising, fast-growing and hot areas in IT today. Although the available hardware and software solutions are still very experimental and a convincing quantum superiority has yet to be achieved, there is no doubt that the technology is very promising and could play a decisive role in the future for the development of IT and, through it, for innovation and competitiveness. Accordingly, we see a very strong worldwide effort in the research and development of quantum computing. There are no end of quantum R&D initiatives and projects, laboratories and companies for the development of quantum technology, and there is a strong competition among the leading countries for the champion role in the development of this new technology. The EU, recognising the strategic importance of this area, has launched quantum programmes and invests significant resources in research and development of quantum technologies, of which quantum computing is an integral part.

Among quantum technologies, HUN-REN SZTAKI is intensively involved in quantum computing. This goes without saying, since it is one of the newest and most important fields of computer science, and HUN-REN SZTAKI - as one of the most important Hungarian computer science research and development institutes - can do a lot to ensure that QC is soon ready for practical applications and widespread effective use. HUN-REN SZTAKI researches the potential practical applications of QC, with a focus on the areas of manufacturing automation and autonomous vehicles. As the leader of the National Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (MILAB) and the National Laboratory for Autonomous Systems (ARNL), the institute is also investigating the potential applications of QC in a number of other areas.

Taking a practical approach, as a first step, the Laboratory for Parallel and Distributed Systems (LPDS) at HUN-REN SZTAKI, a leader in cloud technology research, has developed a universal cloud-based quantum reference architecture that significantly lowers the barrier to entry for researchers and professionals who want to learn about, experiment with, or exploit the results of quantum computing in their own research area. The HUN-REN Cloud quantum reference architecture thus offers a ready to use environment where several tools needed to develop, run and test quantum algorithms are available, and provides access to real quantum processors (QPUs) (operating abroad) in addition to QC simulations.

HUN-REN SZTAKI aims to provide Hungarian researchers/developers, computer scientists and PhD students with a high-level, convenient "entry point" to the world of QC, based on the quantum reference architecture, with further development and additions as needed, which makes available in a fast, simple, cheap and reliable way to the various levels of tools, resources and knowledge bases needed for learning and applying quantum computing. In doing so, it fills a gap that currently hinders or impedes access to the growing number of researchers interested in developing and/or applying quantum technologies. Lowering the entry barrier for the application of QC can certainly stimulate domestic development and diffusion of quantum-based solutions, and increase the number of professionals who can learn and apply quantum technologies.