Key Takeaways
- Poznan University of Technology (PUT) has installed Poland’s first on‑premises quantum computer, the IQM Radiance R1, supplied by IQM Quantum Computers.
- The local deployment gives students, researchers, and engineers direct hardware access, enabling hands‑on experimentation and infrastructure integration that cloud‑only models cannot provide.
- The initiative supports Poland’s national quantum technology roadmap and aligns with broader European efforts to build quantum expertise and technological sovereignty.
- PUT will launch new undergraduate (starting Oct 2026) and master’s programs in Quantum Technologies, using the system for courses, labs, the Polish Quantum Olympiad, hackathons, and other outreach activities.
- IQM’s CEO highlighted that owning a quantum computer allows institutions to develop internal expertise and intellectual property, strengthening Poland’s role as a quantum hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
- IQM, which has delivered 23 systems worldwide, is pursuing a Nasdaq listing via a business combination with Real Asset Acquisition Corp. and plans a subsequent Nasdaq Helsinki listing.
Background and Deployment
Poznan University of Technology today announced the installation of its first locally hosted quantum computer, the IQM Radiance R1, supplied by Finnish quantum hardware provider IQM Quantum Computers. The system is now physically present on the university campus, marking a milestone for Poland’s academic quantum capabilities. Unlike remote cloud access, this on‑premises setup provides immediate, low‑latency interaction with the quantum processor, facilitating real‑time experimentation and hardware‑level debugging. The deployment reflects PUT’s commitment to offering students and researchers tangible tools that go beyond theoretical study.
Significance of On‑Premises Access
Having a quantum computer installed locally transforms the educational and research landscape at PUT. Students can now run quantum algorithms directly on the hardware, observe qubit behavior, and test error‑mitigation techniques in a controlled environment. Engineers gain the opportunity to integrate the quantum system with existing classical infrastructure, explore control‑electronics interfacing, and develop custom firmware or middleware. This hands‑on experience is essential for cultivating a workforce capable of advancing quantum technology from concept to application, a gap often left unfilled by cloud‑only access models.
Alignment with National and European Strategies
The installation directly supports Poland’s national quantum technology roadmap, which outlines goals for building domestic quantum expertise, fostering industry‑academia collaboration, and securing technological sovereignty. It also complements European Union initiatives such as the Quantum Flagship program, which seeks to establish a competitive quantum ecosystem across the continent. By hosting a physical quantum system, PUT positions itself as an active contributor to these strategic objectives, helping to translate policy goals into concrete academic and industrial outcomes.
Poland’s Existing Quantum Foundations
Poland already possesses a strong base in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), reinforced by sustained government investment in research and development. The country’s universities have historically produced high‑caliber graduates in physics, computer science, and electrical engineering—disciplines that are critical for quantum work. PUT’s decision to acquire a quantum computer builds on this foundation, leveraging existing talent pipelines and institutional strengths to accelerate the transition from theoretical quantum science to practical engineering solutions.
Reasons for Selecting IQM’s Solution
PUT cited IQM’s focus on deployable, on‑premises quantum systems as a decisive factor in choosing the Radiance R1. Unlike many vendors that emphasize cloud‑based access, IQM offers hardware that can be installed and operated locally, granting institutions full control over the system’s operation, maintenance, and upgrades. This model enables universities to develop proprietary knowledge, customize the environment for specific research needs, and avoid reliance on external service levels or data‑transfer limitations that can hinder sensitive experiments.
Educational and Research Benefits
The quantum computer will serve as a cornerstone for PUT’s forthcoming engineering program in Quantum Technologies, set to begin enrollment in October 2026, and a complementary master’s degree in quantum computing. Undergraduate and graduate students will use the system for laboratory courses, capstone projects, and thesis work, gaining direct experience with quantum gates, algorithms, and error correction. Additionally, the hardware will support outreach initiatives such as the Polish Quantum Olympiad for secondary‑school students, hackathons, and innovation workshops, thereby fostering interest in quantum topics across the educational spectrum.
Leadership Perspectives
Jan Goetz, CEO and Co‑founder of IQM Quantum Computers, emphasized that the deployment exemplifies IQM’s “production quantum approach,” where institutions own their quantum hardware, cultivate internal expertise, and generate proprietary intellectual property. He noted that the installation strengthens Poland’s standing as a key hub for quantum development in Central and Eastern Europe. Prof. Teofil Jesionowski, Rector of PUT, echoed this sentiment, stating that the quantum computer marks the beginning of a new era in education, empowering students to actively shape the technological revolution rather than merely observe it, using tools that are globally unique.
Future Programs and Outreach
Starting in autumn 2026, PUT will welcome its first cohort into the “Quantum Technologies” undergraduate engineering program, followed by a master’s track focused on quantum computing. Both curricula will integrate lectures, simulations, and extensive laboratory sessions on the IQM Radiance R1. The university also plans to host regular hackathons, inviting multidisciplinary teams to solve real‑world problems using quantum algorithms, and to support the Polish Quantum Olympiad, which aims to identify and nurture young talent passionate about quantum science. These activities are designed to create a vibrant quantum community that extends beyond the university walls.
Broader European Context and IQM’s Growth
With 23 quantum systems delivered to customers worldwide, IQM continues to expand its footprint in the global quantum market. The company recently filed an F‑4 registration statement to list on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange via a business combination with Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: RAAQ) and intends to pursue a secondary listing on Nasdaq Helsinki after the transaction closes. This financial move underscores IQM’s confidence in the growing demand for quantum hardware and its commitment to scaling production. For PUT and other European institutions, access to a reliable, locally supported quantum provider like IQM facilitates long‑term research planning and reduces dependence on volatile cloud‑service offerings.
In summary, the installation of the IQM Radiance R1 at Poznan University of Technology represents a strategic advancement in quantum education, research, and regional innovation. By providing direct hardware access, aligning with national and European quantum roadmaps, and supporting new academic programs, PUT is poised to cultivate the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers while contributing to Europe’s broader ambitions for technological sovereignty and competitiveness.