Turkey’s ComPro Developing Homegrown Quantum Tech Amid Global Protectionism While Eyeing Import of IBM Quantum System 2

Insider Brief

• ComPro aims to develop the first Turkish quantum computer prototype, stressing the importance of localizing technology as global protectionism increases.
• Abdurrahman Keklik of ComPro noted that while quantum computers currently face commercialization challenges, they have the potential to revolutionize fields by solving complex problems far beyond the reach of classical computers.
• ComPro will import IBM’s Quantum System Two to advance research, with plans to showcase progress at Türkiye’s TEKNOFEST, illustrating its commitment to quantum innovation.

A quantum tech firm in Turkey (Türkiye) is ramping up its efforts to develop indigenous quantum computing technology, a move seen as essential given the rising global trend of technological protectionism. The company is also planning on importing a device from IBM, according to a Turkish news agency.

Abdurrahman Keklik, head of Istanbul-based tech firm ComPro, stressed the importance of these efforts during an interview with Anadolu Agency at TEKNOFEST, a tech event in Adana, as reported in Turkiye Today.

Keklik emphasized that the era of a fully globalized world, where data and technology freely circulate across borders, is fading. He explained that technology is becoming increasingly localized, with countries focusing on producing their own systems and imposing restrictions to secure their digital infrastructures.

Citing the European Union’s ban on the unauthorized export of quantum technologies outside the bloc and China’s tightly controlled quantum research environment, Keklik underscored the importance of Türkiye’s own pursuit of quantum technology.

“The efforts of all other countries in the world continue at the highest level. In Türkiye, we have been working intensively for the last two years to raise awareness of this issue,” he told the news agency.

ComPro’s Quantum Ambitions

ComPro, an emerging tech player in Türkiye, plans to import IBM’s latest quantum computer, the IBM Quantum System Two. However, the firm’s long-term objective is to enable Türkiye to produce its own quantum computing systems. Keklik highlighted that TEKNOFEST has helped to amplify the firm’s ambitions, stating that they aim to produce the first prototype of a Turkish quantum computer before the next edition of the event.

He described quantum technology as “the biggest revolution mankind has ever experienced” and noted the stark differences between quantum and classical computing. Classical computers operate based on bits that represent either a zero or a one, whereas quantum computers use qubits, which can be in multiple probabilistic states. This capability allows quantum computers to perform complex calculations much faster than classical systems.

“In quantum, everything is uncertain, it is probabilistic. There is controlled freedom and it is chaos,” Keklik said, explaining that this probabilistic nature gives quantum computers their unique power. He stressed that quantum and classical computers are not competitors; instead, they excel in different domains.

“The areas where classical computers will work will continue, but quantum computers come into play in areas where classical computers cannot do anything or cannot produce solutions in any way,” he added.

Quantum’s Transformative Potential

In the interview, Keklik highlighted the immense potential of quantum technology to transform industries by speeding up computations that currently take classical systems months or even years. For instance, he explained that a 2048-bit RSA cipher, which is unbreakable with today’s computers, could be cracked in just six seconds with a 4100-qubit quantum computer.

“The world is entering a disruptive era. In fact, the world is entering the biggest revolution that mankind has ever experienced,” Keklik said, as reported in Turkiye Today.

Despite the announcement of quantum computers in 2016, Keklik noted that commercialization is still pending, but he emphasized that the technology is advancing rapidly.