The Cyprus Institute Announces a Joint QUEST and EUROCC-2 Event on “Quantum Computing and HPC: Building a Quantum-Ready Cyprus”
The Cyprus Institute is pleased to announce an upcoming workshop on “Quantum Computing and HPC: Building a quantum-ready Cyprus,” taking place on November 18, 2025, at The Cyprus Institute facilities in Aglantzia.
This joint event is co-organised by the ERA Chair project “QUEST: Quantum Computing for Excellence in Science and Technology” and the EuroHPC JU project “EUROCC-2”. The workshop aims to promote the capabilities of Quantum Computing (QC) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) both locally and at the European level and enable exchange of ideas to enhance collaboration opportunities between research organisations in Cyprus, industry stakeholders, and The Cyprus Institute’s research community.
The event will feature:
- Presentations on the capabilities and benefits of QC and HPC
- A panel discussion on the future of QC
- Opportunities for organisations and research groups to discuss their needs
- Networking opportunities with leading researchers and industry innovators
For further information, please contact:
Registration
Please confirm your participation by November 10, 2025. Registration form here
Agenda
8:45 - 9:00
Registrations and coffee
9:00-9:10
Prof. Constantine Dovrolis – Director of CaSToRC, The Cyprus Institute / Professor of Computer Science, Georgia Tech, USA.
Prof. Stavros Malas – President of The Cyprus Institut
Welcome addresses
09:10-10:00
Prof. Enrique Rico Ortega
Real-Time Dynamics in a (2+1)-D Gauge Theory: The Stringy Nature on a Superconducting Quantum Simulator
Understanding the confinement mechanism in gauge theories and the universality of effective string-like descriptions of gauge flux tubes remains a fundamental challenge in modern physics. We probe string modes of motion with dynamical matter in a digital quantum simulation of a (2+1) dimensional gauge theory using a superconducting quantum processor with up to 144 qubits, stretching the hardware capabilities with quantum-circuit depths comprising up to 192 two-qubit layers. We realize the Z_2-Higgs model (Z_2HM) through an optimized embedding into a heavy-hex superconducting qubit architecture, directly mapping matter and gauge fields to vertex and link superconducting qubits, respectively. Using the structure of local gauge symmetries, we implement a comprehensive suite of error suppression, mitigation, and correction strategies to enable real-time observation and manipulation of electric strings connecting dynamical charges.
Our results resolve a dynamical hierarchy of longitudinal oscillations and transverse bending at the end points of the string, which are precursors to hadronization and rotational spectra of mesons. We further explore multi-string processes, observing the fragmentation and recombination of strings. The experimental design supports 300,000 measurement shots per circuit, totaling 600,000 shots per time step, enabling high-fidelity statistics. We employ extensive tensor network simulations using the basis update and Galerkin method to predict large-scale real-time dynamics and validate our error-aware protocols.
This work establishes a milestone for probing non-perturbative gauge dynamics via superconducting quantum simulation and elucidates the real-time behavior of confining strings.
10:00-10:30
Prof. Karl Jansen
Quantum Computing: a new perspective for Scientific Computing
Quantum computing activities at the QUEST project at CyI as well as the CQTA project at DESY will be reviewed. These comprise models in condensed matter and high energy physics, quantum machine learning, classical optimization problems, quantum cryptography, quantum algorithm development and also quantum art.
10:30-11:00
Dr. Kostas Blekos
What we can do with Quantum Computing now, and what’s next.
What can be added to a scientific workflow by today’s quantum processors, and when will that addition be made decisive? An accessible, evidence-driven answer is offered in this seminar. Current patterns of use are reviewed—reliable estimation is being performed in small-scale quantum simulations, and hybrid optimization is being carried out with error-aware circuits—before near-term opportunities for verifiable, domain-specific advantages are outlined and steady progress toward logical qubits is described
Short case studies from our group will clarify how we benchmark: classical baselines, wall-clock, overheads, and limits. The goal is a practical map for scientists: what to try today, how to read the headlines, and which developments over the next couple of years are most likely to matter.
11:00-11:30
Dr. Eleni Agathocleous
TOWARD QUANTUM SECURITY: Mathematical Structures for Cryptography and Quantum Computing
In this talk, a concise overview of the transition from classical to quantum-secure cryptography will be provided. The impact of quantum algorithms on classical cryptography and their significant role in quantum cryptanalysis will be described. One of the main areas of post-quantum cryptography—isogeny-based cryptography—will then be focused on. This area, rooted in number theory, is shown to reveal deep structural connections with the quantum world of the qubit and with continuous-time quantum walks.
The talk will be concluded by highlighting how such mathematical structures can be used to inform the design of quantum-native cryptographic protocols, with future research directions in fully quantum cryptography being pointed toward.
11:30-11:50
Coffee Break
11:50-12:20
Dr. Savvas Varsamopoulos
From Algorithms to Applications: Building Scalable Hybrid Quantum Workflows
The current generation of quantum computers is operated in a hybrid regime, where quantum and classical resources are combined to enable the solution of meaningful scientific and industrial problems.
In this talk, the development of scalable hybrid quantum workflows will be discussed, with algorithmic innovation, hardware–software co-design, and the integration of machine learning techniques being emphasized to enhance performance and reliability. Drawing on recent work in variational optimization, quantum-enhanced scientific machine learning, and applications in materials discovery and physics-inspired modeling, practical strategies for bridging the gap between theoretical advances and real-world deployment will be outlined.
The talk will be concluded with perspectives on how these approaches pave the way toward the emerging era of error-mitigated and fault-tolerant quantum computing, and the research and collaboration opportunities that can be used to accelerate this transition will be highlighted.
12:20-12:50
Dr. Torsten Zache
Observation of string breaking on a (2+1)D Rydberg quantum simulator
Fundamental forces of nature are described by gauge theories, and intriguing phenomena like the confinement of quarks in quantum chromodynamics are produced by the interactions of matter with gauge fields. When a confined quark–anti-quark pair is separated, an energy cost that grows linearly with their separation is incurred, eventually leading to the production of additional particles by an effect that is called string-breaking. In this talk, similar phenomenology will be discussed as being probed in Rydberg atom arrays, and it will be explained how the Rydberg blockade constraint on a suitable two-dimensional lattice geometry allows the native Rydberg Hamiltonian to be interpreted as a confining U(1) lattice gauge theory.
In collaboration with QuEra, this proposal has been realised using their device “Aquila,” which is operated as an analog quantum simulator. Both theoretical and experimental results concerning the physics of confinement and string-breaking in this setup will be presented, including equilibrium state preparation as well as non-equilibrium quench dynamics.
12:50-13:20
Dr. Mariella Minder
Establishing a National Quantum Communication Testbed: The Cyprus Quantum Communication Infrastructure Project
As quantum computing advances, secure communication infrastructures must evolve in parallel. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables the exchange of cryptographic keys with information-theoretic security, forming the foundation for future quantum communication networks. Within the context of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative, Cyprus is establishing a national quantum communication network designed to interconnect key governmental, research, and industrial sites.
This presentation will outline the main objectives and architecture of the Cyprus Quantum Communication Infrastructure (CYQCI), including the integration of QKD links within national terrestrial and space communication infrastructure, the deployment of nationally relevant application use-cases and its efforts towards kickstarting local research in this field.
Current progress and future plans for interoperability and cross-border connections will be discussed, situating CYQCI within the broader effort to realise a pan-European secure quantum communication network.
13:20 - 14:10
Lunch Break
14:10-15:00
Dr. Krzysztof Kurowski
When HPC Meets Qubits – lessons from PCSS
The Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSS) spearheads Poland’s integration of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies within the European research and innovation ecosystem. As the operator of the national PIONIER and PIONIER-Q networks, PCSS delivers advanced, high-capacity digital infrastructure supporting distributed, cross-border scientific workflows.
Within the EuroQCS-Poland initiative, a trapped-ion quantum system is being integrated with existing HPC and AI infrastructures—interconnected with photonic quantum systems—to enable hybrid classical–quantum computation. This integration supports the development and benchmarking of hybrid algorithms for combinatorial optimization, quantum chemistry, and machine learning.
Complementary theoretical and experimental efforts address fundamental quantum principles—superposition, entanglement, and interference—while advancing error mitigation and quantum error correction techniques. Together, initiatives such as EuroHPC, EuroQCI, the National Data Storage (NDS), and PIONIER-Q form a secure, federated, and energy-efficient HPC–AI–Quantum continuum, accelerating Europe’s path toward practical quantum-enhanced applications.
15:00-16:00
Panel discussion – Quantum Computing challenges and opportunities
Prof. Enrique Rico Ortega Prof. Constantine Dovrolis
Dr. Krzysztof Kurowski
Dr. Kostas Blekos
Moderator: Dr. Andreas Athenodorou
9:00-16:00
Poster Session
Posters will be displayed at the reception area. Participants are encouraged to visit the posters during coffee breaks and lunch to engage with the presenters.
Confirmed Speakers
Karl Jansen
ERA Chair – CyI
Head of CQTA – DESY
Eleni Agathocleous
Postdoc – CyI
Kostas Blekos
Associate Research Scientist – CyI
Enrique Rico Ortega
CERN
Torsten Zache
Postdoc – IQOQI
Savvas Varsamopoulos
Team Leader in Quantum Algorithmic Development
Mariella Minder
Technical Coordinator – CYQCI
Krzysztof Kurowski
Head of Quantum Technologies – PSNC
Constantine Dovrolis
Director of CaSToRC, The Cyprus Institute / Professor of Computer Science, Georgia Tech, USA.
Stavros Malas
President of The Cyprus Institute
About the Speakers
Dr. Savvas Varsamopoulos is a researcher specializing in quantum algorithmic development, with expertise spanning hybrid quantum–classical methods, variational algorithms, and quantum machine learning. He has led research teams at PASQAL, focusing on the design, optimization, and benchmarking of quantum algorithms for real-world applications across physics, chemistry, optimization, and materials science. His work bridges algorithmic theory and hardware implementation, including experiments on neutral-atom quantum processors. Savvas obtained his PhD from Delft University of Technology, where he developed one of the first neural-network-based decoders for quantum error correction codes. His recent research focuses on hybrid workflows that integrate machine learning and physics-informed optimization to enhance the scalability and practicality of quantum algorithms. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed papers and a patent and continues to explore strategies for bridging the gap between the current era of error-mitigated quantum computing and the future of fully fault-tolerant architectures.
Dr. Krzysztof Kurowski is Head of Quantum Technologies at PCSS and led the center as Technical Director from 2019 to 2024. He holds a Ph.D. with habilitation in Computer Science from Poznań University of Technology and has over two decades of experience in R&D projects at national, European, and international levels. His research focuses on parallel simulations, discrete optimization, scheduling, and resource management in distributed and quantum-classical computing environments. He has published extensively in leading journals, served on editorial and scientific boards, and contributed to major projects in astrophysics, biomedical sciences, weather modeling, CERN LHC computing, life sciences, and quantum technologies. Dr. Kurowski currently leads the national quantum computing infrastructure based on two photonic quantum systems as well as EuroQCS-Poland European consortium, responsible for deploying the first EuroHPC trapped-ion quantum system and integrating it with HPC and AI infrastructures at PCSS.
Prof. Karl Jansen is the QUEST ERA Chair holder. He has vast experience in Quantum technologies and he is the head of the Center for Quantum Technologies and Applications (CQTA) and a member of the NIC research group ‘Elementary Particle Physics’ located at DESY Zeuthen. His received his PhD in 1988 in Theoretical Particle Physics at Technical University of Aachen, Germany with title “Investigation of the upper bound for the Higgs boson mass n the lattice”. During his academic career Dr. Jansen received several prestige fellowships; the Fellowship of the German National Scholarship Foundation (1978 – 1985), the Heisenberg Fellowship of the German Research Association (1995) and a CERN Fellowship as Scientific Associate (1996). He received several awards as a recognition of the high-quality of his research; the 2011 Ken Wilson Lattice Award, the Experienced Researcher award from the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation 2012/2013 and the NIC award for excellence project computing gµ − 2. In 2000 he was appointed Leader of Research Group Particle Physics at the John von Neumann-Institute of Computing. He has been journal editor in Computational Science and Discovery and journal referee in a number of high-impact journals including Phys. Rev. Lett., Phys. Lett. B, Nucl. Phys. B., Phys. Rev. D, EPL, JHEP, CPC and Quantum. Dr. Jansen has more than 500 publications and more than 20 PhD students graduated under his supervision.
Dr. Eleni Agathocleous is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Cyprus Institute. She received her PhD in Mathematics (Algebraic and Algorithmic Number Theory) from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research is interdisciplinary, focusing on the interactions between number theory, cryptography, and quantum computing. Before joining The Cyprus Institute, she held research positions at research institutes in Germany. She worked on the ALMACRYPT (Algorithmic and Mathematical Cryptology) project at the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security, on cryptography and quantum computing at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), and received a research grant from the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn, where she continued her work on the mathematical foundations of isogeny-based cryptography.
Dr. Kostas Blekos is an Associate Research Scientist at CaSToRC within The Cyprus Institute and a core member of the QUEST team. He earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical & Computational Physics from the University of Patras. His research bridges applied and mathematical aspects of quantum computing—spanning quantum complexity theory, quantum information, and the design of hybrid quantumclassical algorithms (notably the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm, QAOA)—alongside machine learning for physicalscience applications. He has led initiatives that include devising new quantum algorithms, advancing quantum control and noise-mitigation methods, and exploring quantum many-body dynamics on emerging quantum processors, logging hundreds of hours of experimental runs on quantum-processing units (QPUs). His broader interests encompass multi-scale computational modeling, from first-principles simulations to AI-driven analysis of complex physical systems.
Dr. Mariella Minder is an experimental quantum technology researcher whose work spans from quantum key distribution (QKD) system design and field deployment to quantum computing hardware development. Since 2023 she has been a senior researcher at the PhOS lab of the Cyprus University of Technology, where she led the deployment of the country’s first QKD network, over real-life infrastructure. At the same time, she remains a close collaborator of the Beijing Academy for Quantum Information Sciences working on phase-coherent QKD. Her recent projects include quantum communication trials over international undersea-fibre while at York, and, earlier at Oxford, designing and building a quantum computer for breaking the entangling gate speed limit in trapped-ion systems. She completed her Ph.D. in 2020, at the University of Cambridge and the Toshiba Research Europe lab, where she demonstrated the first QKD system with repeating behaviour.
Prof. Enrique Rico Ortega is a research professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and associated at the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC). Leading the Quantum Matter and Quantum Simulation group at the EHU Quantum Center where the main research lines of the group are the characterisation of Many-Body quantum systems with Quantum Information tools and Quantum Simulation of High-Energy models. Nowadays, staff member at CERN-TH working for the Next Generation Trigger project and associated at the quantum initiative CERN-QTI.
Dr. Torsten Victor Zache studied Physics at Heidelberg University, where I also obtained my doctoral degree in 2020, under the supervision of Jürgen Berges. Afterwards I moved to the University of Innsbruck and the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, where I joined the group of Peter Zoller as a postdoc and later merged into the group of Hannes Pichler. With the beginning of next year, I will start an independent research group in Innsbruck, supported by an ERC Starting Grant.