21.11.2024 Ankara

Türkiye’s Quantum Age Begins: Türkiye’s First Quantum Computer Launch Ceremony was held at TOBB ETU Technology Center with the participation of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, TOBB President and TOBB ETU Chairman of the Board of Trustees M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Presidency of Defense Industry Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün and TOBB ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Sarınay.

In his speech at the program, TOBB President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TOBB ETU M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that TOBB ETU Technology Center is the only center in the world where 6 different engineering disciplines are together and said, “At TOBB ETU, we train researchers, develop technology, turn it into products and commercialize it. The world’s largest water turbine test and design center TOBB ETÜ Hidro, which Cevdet Yılmaz supported during his term as Minister of Development, is here, the Technology Center of the national automobile TOGG is here, and most importantly, the quantum computer started its operations here. Today, we are witnessing a development that will make history. We are together for the inauguration of QuanT, Türkiye’s first quantum computer. This achievement is a milestone not only for TOBB and TOBB ETU, but also for the technological transformation of our country. QuanT, the ‘Quantum Computer of TOBB ETU’, is a symbol that carries Türkiye’s technology vision forward.”

Pointing out that with the opening, Türkiye has joined the ranks of the few countries in the world that have developed quantum computers, Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “Currently, there are only 15 countries in the world that have quantum computer technology. And we are proud to be one of the few countries that have this technology. Quantum computers are a future-shaping technology that takes computing power beyond classical computers. It has the potential to solve in minutes processes that take decades even on supercomputers. This technology offers groundbreaking solutions in areas such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, drug development, energy optimization and climate modeling. The processing power provided by QuanT will increase the global competitiveness of our country in many strategic areas from defense industry to financial technology, mobility to cyber security. At the same time, QuanT’s infrastructure will be a critical step for the development of domestic algorithms and Türkiye’s leadership position in this field.”

Stating that QuanT and Türkiye’s quantum ecosystem is not just a computer, but an expression of Türkiye’s determination to strengthen its independence in technology, Hisarcıkoğlu said: “QuanT is a source of inspiration for our young researchers, entrepreneurs and academicians. It shows the world that technology production is not only monopolized by big countries and that Türkiye is also a strong player in this race. It shapes Türkiye’s future and heralds the new achievements of tomorrow. We enter the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with great hope. As TOBB and TOBB ETU, we are very proud to sign one of the best examples of university-industry cooperation. At this point, I would like to thank the Presidency of Defense Industries, TÜBİTAK and ASELSAN, who have always supported us since day one for the development of quantum technologies.”

Emphasizing that they see quantum technologies not only as a branch of science but also as a force that grows the economy, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This technology will open new horizons for our entrepreneurs and SMEs. TOBB’s 2 million members are ready to be a part of this ecosystem. Today, I would like to make a call to our young people: Come and be a part of this great technology revolution. Join the quantum ecosystem created at TOBB ETU and shape Türkiye’s scientific future. I invite our entrepreneurs, start-ups and all stakeholders developing technology to work together in this ecosystem. Our current target is the superconducting chip production house to be established by ASELSAN and TOBB ETU with the valuable support of the Presidency of Defense Industry. This step will open the door to the development of higher-capacity quantum computers.”

Emphasizing that the success achieved is not an end but a beginning, Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “QuanT is the strongest answer to those who say ‘You can’t do it’ and strengthen Türkiye’s technological independence. Today, we are inaugurating not only a computer, but a vision, a belief, a future. I would like to thank Yusuf Sarınay, Rector of TOBB ETU, Ali Bozbey and Mehmet Ünlü and their research teams for their great efforts in the realization of QuanT. I am proud of each and every one of them. Welcome to Türkiye’s quantum age. Let’s build a Türkiye that shapes the future together.”

- Vice President Yılmaz

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, they adopted the national technology move as a state policy, thus demonstrating a strong will to become a technology-producing country, especially in the defense industry.

Emphasizing that a strong economic structure is created by advances in science and technology, and by spreading these advances to all areas of economic and social life, Yılmaz said that Türkiye is taking firm steps forward on this path.

Yılmaz pointed out that Türkiye has become one of the few countries with quantum computer technology with the 5 qubit quantum computer QuanT, which was brought to the country at TOBB ETU Technology Center, and noted that this will contribute to the development of the quantum technology ecosystem and that they will strengthen this ecosystem and carry it into the future.

“We are preparing for the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology announced by UNESCO with great faith and strong determination,” Yılmaz said, adding that he believes that international cooperation opportunities will increase and Türkiye’s scientific leadership will be strengthened during this period.

Stating that the world of quantum computers offers young people the opportunity to be the pioneers of next-generation technologies, Yılmaz said: “Your participation in this field will not only contribute to the scientific future of our country, but will also enable us to make a difference on a global scale. QuanT will provide you with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge about quantum technology and take your first steps in this field. As today’s university students, you are tomorrow’s scientists, entrepreneurs and leaders. We must never forget that great achievements start with big dreams and self-confidence. Some circles may be trying to create a pessimistic atmosphere. There may be some who are trying to direct our young people to foreign countries, especially to provoke brain drain. However, I would like to emphasize that young people, our qualified manpower is our greatest capital. Neither financial power, nor underground, aboveground resources, minerals. Our greatest power that will make a difference in today’s world is you, our young minds. It is also our fundamental duty to provide our people with all kinds of opportunities for the future of our country, for our country and our nation to march into the future in a strong way.”

Stating that quantum computers will continue to be developed, Yılmaz said that these devices will have the capacity to solve complex problems that classical computers have difficulty in solving in many fields from molecular simulations to artificial intelligence, optimization to cryptography, and will provide innovations in critical sectors such as science, health, finance and security, thus giving Türkiye a strategic advantage in global competition.

At the end of his speech, Yılmaz said, “I sincerely believe that with the superconducting chip production house to be established by ASELSAN and TOBB ETU with the support of the Presidency of Defense Industry and with the contribution of other universities, we will also build our high-capacity quantum computer in the future.”

Following the speeches, Vice President Yılmaz, Presidential Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and the accompanying delegation examined Türkiye’s first quantum computer “QuanT” and received information from the faculty members who developed the project.