Czech Republic at the cutting edge of the quantum revolution. A unique study focused on quantum informatics is being prepared in Ostrava

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has already started the preparation of a new specialization in quantum informatics. "Focusing on powerful computing technologies, including quantum computing, is one of the priorities of our university. The creation of specialisations in this area is another important step towards developing and supporting education for the future," said Professor Václav Snášel, Rector of VSB - TUO.
The faculty is thus responding to the growing demand for experts capable of using quantum computing to solve complex problems. The newly prepared specialisation, which will be part of the Master's degree programme in Computer Science, will prepare students for employment in academia, industry and research.
"We are responding to a significant increase in interest in quantum computing, whose potential is already having a major impact on areas such as materials modelling, optimisation of logistics processes or molecular simulation in medical research. Graduates of this specialisation will be prepared to tackle complex tasks that are difficult to handle with current technologies," said Professor Jan Platoš, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Study with emphasis on theory and practice
The newly developed specialization will offer students a solid foundation in quantum physics, algorithms and theoretical principles, complemented by practical skills in programming quantum computers and simulators. This builds on the successful "Introduction to Quantum Computing" course, which has been taught by experts from IT4Innovations for the past three years and has seen a 100% increase in student interest year-on-year. The specialisation will be launched with the opening of two new courses - "Quantum Hardware" and "Quantum Computer Programming and Quantum Algorithms".

Access to the latest technology
"Students will have access to the most advanced quantum infrastructure in Europe, including an installed quantum simulator with NVIDIA accelerators on the Karolina supercomputer and the LUMI-Q consortium's physical quantum computer, which will be commissioned at IT4Innovations later this year. This computer, acquired partly with funding from the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, will be based on superconducting qubits and will offer a unique star topology," emphasised Professor Marek Lampart, Head of IT4Innovations' Quantum Computing Laboratory.

The key role of quantum technologies
Quantum technologies are key to many innovations in the fields of digitalisation, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. With this step, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science confirms its position as a leader in quantum computing education and, thanks to its partnership with IT4Innovations, will provide students with access to technologies available only in leading European research centres.
The new specialisation in quantum computing is a significant milestone in the education of the next generation of experts who will be able to face global challenges and deliver innovative solutions using quantum computing.
VSB -TUO also confirmed its strong position in this area at the end of last year when it became part of the unique interdisciplinary CLARA Centre of Excellence, the first of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, which will use artificial intelligence, quantum computing methods and supercomputers for research on neurodegenerative diseases.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
It offers promising study programmes at bachelor, master and doctoral level, modern lecture halls, laboratories and excellent conditions for science and research.The Faculty cooperates with leading companies in the field and research institutions at home and abroad.

IT4Innovations
IT4Innovations is a leading research, development and innovation centre in the field of high-performance computing (HPC), data analysis (HPDA), artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing (QC) and their applications to other scientific, industrial and social fields, operating the most powerful supercomputing and, in the future, quantum systems in the Czech Republic.