From Research to Slovenia’s First Quantum Computer: Second Slovenian Forum at Rudolfovo
Slovenian and international experts explored research advances, potential applications of quantum computing and the challenges of building quantum capabilities.
Kaj danes zmorejo kvantni računalniki in kaj potrebujemo, da bi njihove zmogljivosti lahko uporabljali pri raziskovanju in v gospodarstvu? Na Rudolfovem – Znanstvenem in tehnološkem središču Novo mesto smo 5. novembra 2026 v sodelovanju s Qutes pripravili 2. Slovenski forum o kvantnem računalništvu: »Od raziskovalnih dosežkov do lastnih kvantnih zmogljivosti«.
What can quantum computers do today, and what is needed to put their capabilities to use in research and industry? On 5 November 2026, Rudolfovo – Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto hosted the Second Slovenian Forum on Quantum Computing in collaboration with Qutes. Under the theme “From Research Achievements to Building Quantum Capabilities”, the event brought together experts from research institutions, businesses and the ministry responsible for science.
The programme ranged from European and Slovenian strategic priorities to research findings and experience in developing quantum systems. Alongside the opening address by Rudolfovo’s Director, Prof. Janez Povh, Andrej Vastl and Anamarija Meglič from the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth presented national and European priorities.
Building quantum infrastructure involves much more than purchasing a computer. Dr David Rabanus from Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany shared experience with the JUNIQ infrastructure and the integration of quantum computers into supercomputing environments. Beyond hardware, these systems require software, suitable algorithms, user access and the expertise needed to operate and use them. Dr Nejc Blaznik from AtomQL complemented this perspective with a presentation on the road to Slovenia’s first quantum computer and an approach based on neutral atoms.
A substantial part of the forum addressed how to compare quantum and classical computing approaches fairly. Jakub Pawłowski from Wrocław University of Science and Technology presented research on approximate optimisation and the importance of comparisons with strong classical methods. Dr Mátyás Koniorczyk from Hungary’s HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics introduced challenging benchmark problems for assessing the performance and limitations of different solvers.
Researchers from Rudolfovo also presented their work. Dr Roman Kužel demonstrated how the mathematical formulation of a problem can strongly influence solver performance, particularly the choice of penalty coefficients in QUBO formulations. Prof. Janez Povh presented the development of a hybrid solver for hard optimisation problems that combines classical computing methods with quantum annealing. Both contributions highlighted the importance of carefully connecting algorithms, mathematical models and available hardware.
Speakers illustrated potential applications through a range of examples. Dr Jaka Vodeb from the Jožef Stefan Institute presented research on false vacuum decay using a quantum annealer, while Aleš Gros, an IBM Quantum Ambassador, discussed developments in IBM quantum systems and examples of their use. Tomislav Erdelić from the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences explored how routing problems can be prepared for quantum computing, showing how the choice of mathematical formulation affects both resource requirements and solution quality.
The forum also addressed trust and societal expectations. LOTRIČ Metrology’s contribution highlighted the importance of testing, comparable measurements and standardisation in the development of quantum technologies. Dr Wiebke Drews from Rudolfovo examined how expectations shape research, investment and technology adoption. She emphasised the need to connect ambitious goals with specific applications, realistic milestones and open research questions.
Speaker presentations
Opening Address and National Priorities in Quantum Computing, and the European Strategy for Quantum Technologies – Andrej Vastl and Anamarija Meglič
How to Set Up In-House Quantum Computer Infrastructure – Dr David Rabanus
Closing the Quantum-Classical Scaling Gap in Approximate Optimization – Jakub Pawłowski
Encoding Matters More Than the Solver: Penalty Coefficients in QUBO Formulations for Quantum Annealing – Dr Roman Kužel
QUBO Benchmarks from Mixed Hamming Packing Problems – Dr Mátyás Koniorczyk (for further information about the presentation, please contact the speaker directly)
False Vacuum Decay on a Quantum Annealer – Dr Jaka Vodeb
A Hybrid Solver for Hard Optimization Problems – Prof. Dr Janez Povh
The Quantum Future Is Closer Than It Seems – Aleš Gros, MSc
The Road to Slovenia’s First Quantum Computer – Dr Nejc Blaznik
Building Trust in Quantum Technologies: Development, Testing and Standardization – Jan Gorše, Nika Podlipnik and Jure Thaler
Preparing for Quantum: Mapping TSP and VRP in QUBO Formulation – Tomislav Erdelić
The Social Side of Quantum: Why Expectations Matter for Innovation – Dr Wiebke Drews (for further information about the presentation, please contact the speaker directly)
The event was held as part of the Month of Science and to mark World Science Day for Peace and Development, observed on 10 November, which highlights the importance of science for society and strengthens connections between researchers and the wider public.
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