Will Poland build quantum power? The government announced a new plan

The government has set the minimum ceiling for financial outlays on the quantum sector in Poland billion euros (approx. PLN 4.3 billion). These investments will cover a period ten years – the new strategic document sets out goals for 2027-2036. Money from the state budget will support basic research, infrastructure development and staff education. In this way, the Ministry of Digitization aims to: building an integrated ecosystem in our country. Officials had previously conducted public consultations, which included the following comments 238 comments from universities, companies and research institutes.

The document has a new pillar devoted exclusively to scientific research. The creators plan to introduce long-term financing of work at every level of technology development. The government’s goal is also creation of domain hubs. These centers will connect smaller research units and facilitate the exchange of knowledge with industry. The lack of effective paths for such a transfer is currently one of the weaknesses of the Polish system.

Poland will give up developing all quantum fields at the same time. Assumptions point to selection of national specializations. This is one of them quantum algorithmics, sensory and communication. Post-quantum algorithms will protect state infrastructure against new cryptographic threats. The administration and selected sectors of the economy will implement these solutions by 2030.

The development of the industry requires the employment of specialists. Poland has a human resources base in the fields of mathematics and physics. However, there is a lack of quantum education paths at universities. The Ministry announces the creation of new academic programs and funding of scholarships. Universities will gain testing laboratories and access to computing power. Learning about quantum technologies will also be included in the secondary school curriculum.

Achieving technological sovereignty is the primary goal of state policy. The authorities want to produce and implement their own communication and computation systems. The Ministry of Digitization will establish an inter-ministerial coordination team. The work of this team will be monitored based on established indicators. The reports will enable annual verification of policy assumptions.

The government is planning removing legal barriers inhibiting the activities of technology companies. Enterprises will receive tax facilities. Legal changes will include public procurement law and intellectual property protection. The private sector will receive support from a special capital fund. The steps taken have limit the outflow of Polish engineers abroad.

Today, Polish infrastructure is mainly based on PIONIER-Q communication network. They also work in selected centers computational units. The policy assumes the expansion of these tools and integration with European programs. Our country is already participating in the projects EuroQCI and EuroHPC.

The updated assumptions are the first step towards a full strategy. Officials will soon begin establishing task forces to implement the set goals. Poland plans to change its status from a passive user of foreign solutions to a creator of quantum technologies.

More detailed information can be found in “Assumptions for the Policy for the Development of Quantum Technologies”.