First Slovenian Quantum Computing Day at Rudolfovo – news with summaries and key highlights

Today, November 6, 2025, Rudolfovo – Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto is hosting the First Slovenian Quantum Computing Day, a major national event dedicated to the development and future of quantum technologies. The event is part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, World Science Day for Peace and Development, and Slovenian Science Month.

The forum brings together leading domestic and foreign experts in the field of quantum computing, who present the latest findings on the capabilities of quantum computers and examples of their use in science and industry, and discuss the proposed Slovenian strategy for the development of quantum technologies.

The introductory speeches were given by Prof. Dr. Janez Povh, Director of Rudolfovo, and Prof. Dr. Leon Cizelj, Director of the Jožef Stefan Institute. This was followed by a guest lecture by Dr. Nicholas Chancellor from Newcastle University entitled Quantum Computing: From Theory to Practice, which highlighted the transition of quantum computing from theory to practical application.

The morning part of the event features presentations by experts from various Slovenian research and higher education institutions and industrial partners. Speakers will discuss European and Slovenian strategies for quantum technologies, possibilities for solving complex computational problems with supercomputers and quantum computers, the development of variational algorithms, quantum simulations, and superconducting circuits, which form the basis of future quantum devices. The first initiatives and steps towards establishing the first Slovenian quantum computer are also presented.

The first Slovenian Quantum Computing Day thus marks an important milestone in the development of the Slovenian research and innovation environment and confirms that Slovenia is actively following global trends in the field of quantum technologies and is integrating into the European Research Area.

Reactions and highlights of the fourth Slovenian Quantum Computing Day

Summary of lectures and discussions

At the fourth Slovenian Quantum Computing Day, lectures and discussions highlighted several key findings that are important for understanding the current state and future development of quantum computing in Slovenia and around the world.

The current state of quantum computing

One of the main conclusions of the event was that there is still a significant gap between scientific achievements and the practical application of quantum computers. Quantum computing technologies are still at a very low level of technological readiness (TRL), and current quantum computers are not yet ready to solve practical problems in industry or everyday applications.

The only potential exception is the D-Wave quantum annealer, which, according to the manufacturer, contains more than 5,000 qubits. This device enables hybrid solving of selected practical problems, as it works in combination with classical and supercomputers. However, access to the D-Wave computer has been limited so far, as it only allowed users to submit a computational problem and receive a solution, but not to view the operation of the device itself or adjust the computer's parameters. It was positively received that D-Wave plans to make its product more open in the future, which will allow researchers and users to better understand how the device works and give them greater flexibility in solving their own challenges.

The usefulness of current quantum computers

Current quantum computers are mainly used by scientists to perform quantum simulations, where they can demonstrate certain advantages over classical computers.

Connection with mathematical optimization

The fields of mathematical optimization and quantum computing are closely intertwined. While mathematical optimization is already a very mature and established field, quantum computing is still developing and seeking its place in scientific and practical applications.

Adoption of the Slovenian strategy for quantum technologies

The participants in the event expressed their satisfaction with the presentation of the Slovenian strategy for quantum technologies, which was presented by Anamarija Meglič from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, and assessed it as extremely positive and crucial for the future development of this field in Slovenia.

Establishment of a national competence center

The first major step in implementing the strategy was to propose the establishment of a national competence center for quantum technologies. Part of this center would be a working group that would test all relevant and available quantum computers and emulators around the world. This would enable Slovenian experts to keep abreast of best practices and technologies and gain access to the most advanced quantum devices.

Support for the development of a Slovenian quantum computer

Participants listened to a presentation by Slovenian start-up AtomQL, which is developing qubits based on cold atom technology. The goal is to develop a Slovenian quantum computer, with a significant part of the technology developed and manufactured in Slovenia. This ambitious plan received broad support, but it was emphasized that a transparent and comprehensive plan is necessary for its success. The path from a prototype with a few qubits to a fully functional quantum computer with, for example, 100 qubits is long and demanding, requiring the integration of all national capabilities and supplementation with the purchase of individual components from other European suppliers.

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Janez Povh, Director of Rudolfovo - Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto and Head of the Centre for Applied Quantum Computing