Introduction of Turkey's First Quantum Computer
Turkey has taken a significant step in the technology world by unveiling its first quantum computer, "QuanT." The ceremony held at the TOBB ETU Technology Center was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, TOBB President and Board of Trustees Chairman M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Presidential Defense Industry President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, and TOBB ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sarınay. The launch of QuanT is seen as a crucial development that advances Turkey's technology vision.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated in his speech during the opening of QuanT that the TOBB ETU Technology Center is the only center of its kind in the world, where researchers are trained and technology is transformed into products. He emphasized that QuanT is not just a quantum computer, but a milestone in Turkey's technological transformation, characterizing this success as a collective achievement for both TOBB, TOBB ETU, and the country as a whole.
The power of quantum technology is highlighted by Turkey becoming one of the 15 countries in the world developing quantum computers, as demonstrated by QuanT's capabilities. Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that quantum computers possess far superior computational power compared to classical computers, providing groundbreaking solutions in various fields such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, drug development, energy optimization, and climate modeling. The processing power offered by QuanT is expected to enhance Turkey's competitiveness across many strategic sectors, from defense industry to financial technology.
QuanT and Turkey’s quantum ecosystem are viewed as expressions of a determination to strengthen the country's technological independence. Hisarcıklıoğlu mentioned that QuanT serves as a source of inspiration for young researchers, entrepreneurs, and academics and demonstrates to the world that Turkey is a strong player in this competition. The quantum ecosystem established at TOBB ETU will also allow for the development of domestic algorithms.
Vice President Yılmaz's remarks emphasized that under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership, they have adopted the national technology move as a state policy. Yılmaz pointed out Turkey's strong will to become a technology-producing country and suggested that advancements in science and technology would lead to a robust structure permeating social and economic life.
Yılmaz indicated that the introduction of the 5 qubit quantum computer QuanT at the TOBB ETU Technology Center places Turkey among the few countries with quantum computer technology. He noted that QuanT would contribute to the development of the quantum technology ecosystem and strengthen it for the future.
Discussing the future and potential of quantum technology, Yılmaz expressed strong confidence in preparations for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in 2025, as declared by UNESCO. He projected that international cooperation opportunities would increase during this period, thereby enhancing Turkey's scientific leadership. Yılmaz highlighted that quantum computers provide young people an opportunity to be pioneers of next-generation technologies, stating that QuanT offers significant prospects for those looking to start in this field.
Yılmaz affirmed that quantum computers will be continually developed, possessing the capability to solve complex problems that classical computers cannot, from molecular simulations to artificial intelligence. He stated that these devices, by offering innovations in critical sectors such as science, health, finance, and security, will provide Turkey with a strategic advantage in global competition.
Following the QuanT launch ceremony, Vice President Yılmaz, along with Presidential Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, and accompanying delegation, examined Turkey's first quantum computer, QuanT, and received information from the faculty members who developed the project.