Quantum technologies are rapidly moving from laboratory experiments to real-world applications – and this also applies to public administration. A panel of experts from Slovakia and the Czech Republic at the ITAPA conference discussed trends, strategy, and how to prepare for the arrival of quantum computing. They agreed that the window of opportunity is open, but we need to act today.
Quantum technologies: more than just a computer
Quantum technologies are not limited to quantum computers themselves. This family also includes post-quantum cryptography, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. While companies around the world are rapidly pushing hardware forward and promise thousands to hundreds of thousands of qubits with error correction within a few years, breakthrough algorithms are arriving more slowly. Today, real applications most often target artificial intelligence, materials and chemistry simulations, and optimization tasks.
The panelists pointed out that many of today’s experiments for now outperform classical computers, but the trend is encouraging and the potential is great. Quantum systems are also used in tandem with classical ones – data need to be prepared, results measured repeatedly, and noise filtered. That is why we should expect a longer transition to “hybrid” solutions in which classical and quantum computing will collaborate. The advantage of quantum is expected to emerge gradually in specific tasks with high complexity.
Strategy, infrastructure, and people
The European Union presented a quantum strategy in the summer with an emphasis on technological sovereignty and is also preparing a “Quantum Act”. The Czech Republic has already adopted a national document with an investment framework of approximately 200 million euros through 2030 and pillars such as research, education, support for companies, defense, and infrastructure. Thanks to this, universities have access to modern quantum computers, and a physical machine has been added in Ostrava. From the state’s perspective, it is crucial to have a strategy that officials can lean on for programs, investments, and calls.
In Slovakia, the topic is moving forward through European initiatives: academic institutions are participating in EuroHPC and an experimental quantum network, EuroQCI, is being built. The interconnection of academic nodes is planned (e.g., Prešov–Košice, later Bratislava–Trnava–Trenčín–Nitra), and as a pilot a secure connection of key offices is mentioned. In addition to scientists, it is also necessary to train “quantum-ready” engineers and leaders who will know how to design, procure, and meaningfully use the technology. Early awareness-raising for officials also helps, so they understand the possibilities and can incorporate them into policies and services.
Where quantum can help: from security to health
The most acute topic for the public sector is security: post-quantum cryptography and electronic signatures must withstand future quantum attacks. Quantum key distribution (EuroQCI) is a complementary technology to post-quantum algorithms and addresses a different part of the problem. It is important not to start late – sensitive data are being collected today and may be decoded later when more powerful machines become available. Therefore, it is recommended to build competencies, infrastructure, and migration plans in parallel within the state’s cybersecurity.
In industry and healthcare, early benefits are taking shape in materials simulations, drug development, and in optimization and finance. The panelists also mentioned specific trials: from faster bond purchases with a significant improvement in efficiency to healthcare projects where quantum methods slightly outperformed classical AI in disease prediction. AI and quantum are expected to coexist and converge for a longer time – with the potential to bring energy savings for computationally intensive tasks. Nevertheless, many tasks are still more advantageous to do classically today, and it therefore makes sense to get involved in European programs now and not wait for the next EU funding period.
