On April 4, 2025, BEIT brought together the largest gathering of selected quantum computing experts that Poland - and Central and Eastern Europe - has ever seen. The Originating Quantum Advantage in Poland (OQA-Pl) workshop, held in Kraków, convened top minds in quantum computing from leading institutions such as UJ, AGH, ICFO, IITiS PAN, UG, and CFT PAN. This high-level event, organized and led by BEIT, underscored our role in driving the Polish quantum ecosystem forward. It was a uniquely scientific and industry-focused workshop, exploring the frontiers of quantum technology in an atmosphere that was both inspiring and grounded in real-world potential. As we like to say at BEIT, we aim to bring the quantum advantage closer by fostering local Polish collaboration, and OQA-Pl was a major step on that mission.

Key Themes: From Quantum Information to Quantum Utility

The workshop’s agenda was built around four major scientific themes, reflecting the broad scope of quantum computing research and its applications. These were identified as the main research areas of OQA-Pl:

• Quantum Information - foundational theory and techniques for processing information using quantum systems, including quantum algorithms and quantum certification methods to verify quantum computations.

• Hamiltonian Simulation - using quantum computers to simulate complex quantum systems (e.g. molecules or materials), a crucial capability for advancing physics and chemistry research.

• Quantum Error Correction (QEC) - strategies to protect quantum information from errors and noise, enabling the development of fault-tolerant quantum devices.

• Quantum Utility - the usefulness of quantum computers in practice, focusing on delivering true value and solving real problems (beyond theoretical speedups). This theme asked how we can achieve meaningful quantum advantage in applications - in other words, when will a quantum solution provide a practical benefit over classical methods?

Across these themes, a unifying goal was to identify where quantum computing can make a true impact. Participants tackled questions like “What applications can be linked to a valuable quantum computation? Is there evidence of quantum speedup?”. By examining such questions, OQA-Pl framed the conversation around not just achieving quantum advantage in principle, but doing so in ways that matter for science and industry.

Highlights from Leading Quantum Experts

The workshop featured talks and discussions led by renowned experts in the field, each providing insights into different facets of quantum advantage. Some notable highlights included, in a reverse alphabetical order 😜:

• Prof. Karol Życzkowski (CFT PAN, UJ): Offered an accessible yet profound introduction to quantum superposition and entanglement, explaining their critical roles in quantum information processing and addressing challenges such as decoherence.

• Prof. Michał Tomza (UW): Discussed advances in using ultracold polar molecules for quantum computing and simulation, highlighting their potential to overcome scalability and coherence challenges inherent in current quantum technologies.

• Prof. Michał Studziński (ICTQT, UG): Explored the emerging field of higher-order quantum computing, demonstrating how quantum circuits can dynamically manipulate unknown quantum programs, significantly expanding quantum computational capabilities.

• Dr. Grzegorz Rajchel-Mieldzioć (BEIT) - one of BEIT’s own quantum technology experts, presented practical estimates of quantum resources required for simulating challenging physical phenomena, such as attosecond processes, highlighting real-world hardware and software implications for achieving quantum advantage.

• Prof. Michał Oszmaniec (CFT PAN) - leading quantum algorithm researcher, who discussed pathways to achieving provable quantum computational advantage in complex bosonic and fermionic systems, bridging quantum computing and theoretical complexity.

• Prof. Maciej Lewenstein (ICFO & ICREA) - renowned physicist known for pioneering research into ultrafast microscopic processes. His talk illustrated how attosecond science and quantum optics experiments, such as high-harmonic generation, can inspire novel quantum computing algorithms.

These talks, among others, demonstrated the thought leadership present at OQA-Pl. Each speaker - whether from academia or industry - is a recognized leader in their domain, and their contributions underscored the depth and breadth of expertise gathered at the workshop. From theory to experiment, their insights energized discussions on how Poland and the broader CEE region can push the boundaries of quantum technology.

Evaluating True Quantum Value: Theory Meets Practice

A central focus of OQA-Pl was evaluating true quantum value - i.e. determining where quantum computing provides genuine benefits over classical approaches, and how to measure that. This theme permeated the workshop, approached from both theoretical and practical angles. On the theoretical side, participants discussed formal proofs and criteria for quantum advantage (as in Prof. Oszmaniec’s talk) and debated what provable quantum speedups tell us about the power of quantum algorithms. On the practical side, we dived into benchmarking and validation: for instance, researchers from UJ showcased methods for benchmarking quantum devices beyond classical capabilities - developing tests to know definitively when a quantum processor outperforms the best classical computers.

Discussions also addressed how to certify and verify the correctness of quantum computations in real-world conditions. Ensuring trust in quantum results is critical for any claimed advantage, so topics like quantum certification were front-and-center. By exploring information-theoretic verification techniques and cross-checks (such as comparing quantum chemistry simulations against classical references), the workshop highlighted strategies to build confidence in quantum solutions.

Another strategic topic was the integration of high-performance computing (HPC) with quantum computing. Several speakers noted that classical supercomputers will play a supporting role in the quantum era - from simulating quantum circuits for development and error correction, to handling pre- and post-processing around the quantum core. The agenda featured discussions on hybrid architectures that combine HPC and quantum processors, leveraging the strengths of both. This hybrid approach is seen as a practical pathway to early quantum utility, where classical computers help manage and amplify what current quantum devices can do.

Finally, the role of quantum simulation in science was a recurring theme. By using quantum computers to simulate complex molecules, materials, and physical processes, we can tackle “hard questions in modern physics and chemistry” that classical computers struggle with. Talks in the workshop (such as Prof. Lewenstein’s and others) emphasized that quantum simulations might be among the first areas to show undeniable quantum advantage, potentially revolutionizing fields like materials discovery or drug design.

Throughout these discussions, OQA-Pl maintained an inspiring yet pragmatic tone: enthusiastic about quantum computing’s promise, but also candid about the challenges and the work needed to turn theoretical advantage into practical utility. This balanced perspective - examining quantum advantage through both theoretical lenses and real-world benchmarks - is exactly what investors and industry leaders need in order to gauge the technology’s true potential.

Shaping the Future of Quantum Technology with BEIT

As the convener of OQA-Pl, BEIT reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the future of quantum technology. By organizing the largest quantum computing event in the region, we have catalyzed new collaborations and ignited conversations that will drive the Polish quantum community forward. The workshop’s success is a testament to the vibrant ecosystem taking root here - one where academia, industry, and startups unite to pursue quantum advantage together.

For investors and industry partners, events like OQA-Pl offer a clear signal that Poland and CEE are emerging as important hubs in the global quantum landscape. BEIT is proud to lead this change from a joint business-scientific perspective. We will continue to foster high-impact dialogues, support groundbreaking research, and translate quantum breakthroughs into real-world solutions.