The President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, visited IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center at the end of May. The main topic of the visit was cutting-edge research infrastructure in the fields of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, and its importance for the Czech Republic’s global competitiveness. The President also had the opportunity to see the Czech Republic’s only quantum computer, named VLQ.
The National Supercomputing Centre IT4Innovations activities, which is part of VSB - Technical University Ostrava, were presented by its director Vít Vondrák. IT4Innovations is involved in prestigious European initiatives such as the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, responsible for building Europe’s most powerful computing and data infrastructures, quantum computers, and so-called AI Factories. One such example is the LUMI AI Factory, which provides Czech research institutions, startups, industry, and the public sector with access to its services. A truly exceptional highlight of the programme was the introduction of the first quantum computer in the Czech Republic – VLQ – operated within the LUMI-Q consortium. “It is currently one of only six quantum computers co-funded by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. Having the quantum computer physically hosted here at IT4Innovations presents a unique opportunity to connect it with our classical supercomputer Karolina, enabling so-called hybrid quantum-classical computing, which currently holds the greatest potential for practical applications,” explained Vít Vondrák, Director of the National Supercomputing Center, as he introduced this cutting-edge technology to the President. The VLQ quantum computer will be made freely accessible to the Czech academic community, and both private and public sector entities will also be able to apply for access. Use cases for quantum technologies include security and defence (e.g. cyberattacks, cryptography, advanced logistics), the development of new materials, industrial manufacturing (e.g. optimisation of production processes), and healthcare.
During the event, a call was made for the systematic support of key future technologies, without which the Czech Republic will be unable to maintain its competitiveness in science, industry, or public services. Through their research and by educating experts in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, IT4Innovations is contributing to the modernisation of the Czech economy and society.
