Quantum technology may sound like something very complicated and far away from us. But these technologies are already creating changes in our lives. Quantum computers could replace the current encryption standards that protect our passwords or bank details, which means we'll need new ways to protect them. Quantum technology can also be useful in drug development, helping to better understand how chemicals affect our bodies. These are just a few areas that will be more and more affected by the development of quantum technologies in the future. This area is also being developed in our country.
Silver medals for Lithuanians at the international event
Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics team, consisting of students Gabrielius Keibas and Pijaus Petkevičius and the young scientist Dr. Marco Marcozzi of the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) took second place in the technical realizations category at the QL Future Health & Safety Hackathon. The hackathon attracted 60 participants from different countries, who were divided into 17 teams. Event required participants to work for up to 24 hours on one of 5 selected challenges. The QL Future Health & Safety Hackathon was organized on the occasion of World Quantum Day. The participants could also enjoy an exclusive experience - they were given a unique opportunity to try the first one in Poland quantum computer at PSNC.
Many interesting ideas were generated at the event, and the teams' efforts were recognized with awards in two categories: concept and technical realizations. VU QUANTUM TEAM 2024 won silver medals in the latter, having chosen the challenge related to genome sequencing. Vice-dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of VU and vice-president of the Association of Quantum Technologies prof. Remigijus Paulavičius says that the success of the faculty team reflects not only their talent and dedication, but also the influence of VU and its departments: "As one of the founders of the Lithuanian Quantum Technologies Association, VU is committed to promoting high-quality studies and training qualified specialists in this field. The success of the hackathon proves that the education and knowledge received in our faculty is modern, high-quality and enables to achieve excellent results, even when solving real challenges in such new areas as quantum computing."
It is also necessary to develop quantum technologies in Lithuania
Quantum computers, due to their characteristics, are able to perform many calculations simultaneously and are therefore much superior to conventional computers. What is the working principle of quantum computers? Ordinary computers use bits - zeros and ones - to perform calculations, while quantum computers use quantum bits or quantum state elements. They can be both zero and one at the same time, and an intermediate thing called superposition. As a result, quantum computers can solve certain problems much faster, for example, complex problems about chemicals or perform data encryption.
Prof. R. Paulavičius notes that the development of quantum technologies is rapidly gaining momentum, and their importance will only grow in the future. "It is important that Lithuania starts preparing, studying and actively developing competences in this field right now. The sooner we move into this rapidly growing field, the more competitive and better prepared we will be for the various opportunities and challenges that will arise for us in the near future," says the scientist.
