Poland installs its first superconducting quantum computer

Poland is entering a new era in quantum computing as IQM Quantum Computers has installed the country’s first full-stack quantum computer at Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST). The move marks a major technological milestone for both Poland and the broader Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.

The 5-qubit system, named IQM Spark, is expected to go live in the second quarter of 2025, and will primarily be used for research and education in computer science. Once operational, it will be available not only to university faculty and researchers but also to doctoral students and members of the university’s quantum computing club, signaling a rare level of access for students in the region.

“This is the first quantum computer in our country and Eastern Europe using low-temperature, superconducting qubit technology. The system will offer students in Poland direct access to the actual quantum computer for practical programming in quantum computing. Our goal is to conduct research and educate IT specialists,” said Professor Wojciech Bożejko, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at WUST.

While Europe has been gaining momentum in quantum innovation - led by programs such as the EU Quantum Flagship - access to real quantum hardware remains limited, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Most university-level quantum programmes in Poland and its neighbours rely heavily on simulation environments or limited-time access to cloud-based systems.

This installation helps fill a critical infrastructure gap. As quantum computing increasingly moves from theoretical models into applied research and industrial use cases, universities equipped with physical quantum systems are better positioned to contribute to innovation and workforce development.

“We are proud to deliver the nation's first quantum computer to strengthen its position as a leading hub in quantum development in Central and Eastern Europe, elevate research, and have the potential to transform modern science and industry,” said Mikko Välimäki, Co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers.

“With Poland’s deep-rooted strengths in physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science, Poland has the ideal foundation for nurturing local talent and fostering a new generation of scientists and engineers,” added Sylwia Barthel de Weydenthal, Chief Commercial Officer and Country Director for the CEE market at IQM.

Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland have already established national quantum strategies, and the EU as a whole has pledged over €1B in funding through the Quantum Technologies Flagship. Poland’s entry into this high-stakes arena gives academic and industrial researchers new capabilities to experiment with quantum algorithms, simulation, and AI optimisation at a time when global competition is accelerating.

The development also underscores the growing role of startups like IQM in Europe’s hardware race. While U.S.-based companies like IBM and Rigetti have long dominated cloud-accessible quantum systems, IQM is one of the few offering on-premises, full-stack superconducting systems directly to institutions.