QUTE Summer school 2026 Bratislava
Join us for an immersive 5 day-long summer school, co-organized by the Institute of Physics Slovak Academy of Sciences, Fachhochschule Technikum Wien, and QUTE.sk – Slovak National Center for Quantum Technologies. This unique event will integrate insights from leading industry and scientific experts with interactive student projects focusing on:
Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Computing
Quantum Electronics
Who can attend?
- Target audience: undergraduates & graduates students (bachelor, master of sciences) but open to all, no prior knowledge of quantum physics is required. Everyone with an interest in quantum technologies is welcome.
- Language: All talks and workgroups will be conducted in English to support international participation.
Why attend?
- Global Networking: Connect with a diverse group of students from around the world, prospective employers, and renowned educators.
- Expert Insights: Gain knowledge from top-tier professionals in the quantum technology field.
- Interactive Projects: Engage in hands-on projects that enhance your learning experience.
- No Exams: Enjoy a stress-free environment with no exams, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the learning experience.
- Certification: Course certificate upon completion for all attendants
Practical information
Registration
Registration will take place on Monday, 24 August 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 at the entrance to the Summer School venue.
Upon registration, participants will receive:
- name badge,
- welcome package,
- participation materials,
- practical information about the programme and venue.
The Summer School officially starts at 10:00.
Travel
Our venue is easily accessible by public transportation with nearby bus and tram stops:
– Botanická záhrada (tram 4, 9, bus 29, 32)
– Zoo (bus 31, 32, 37, 39, 192)
In public transportation in Bratislava tickets must be marked (validated) or bought in the vehicle immediately after boarding the means of transport. Available are e.g. time tickets for 30 or 60 minutes. You can find the exact connection on the official website.
For international attendees, connection from the airports:
– Vienna Airport → Bus → Bratislava Central Bus Station Mlynské Nivy
– Bratislava Airport → Bus 61 → Main Railway Station (last stop)
Parking at the venue is limited. If you plan to arrive by car, please contact the organizing team in advance so that we can discuss the available parking options.
Tips for Accommodation
Please note that accommodation is not included in the registration fee and participants are kindly asked to arrange their stay individually.
To help you plan your visit, we share recommendations for student dormitories, the closest option is the Družba. Other accommodation across the city is also easily accessible by public transport.
QUTE.sk - Slovak National Center for Quantum Technologies
Institute of Physics SAS
FH Technikum Wien
Program
9:00 – 10:00 – Arrival & Registration
10:00 – 10:15 – WELCOME OPENING TALK
10:15 – 12:30 – Introductions to the Workshops
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch Break (self-arranged)
13:30 – 17:00 – Laser and Safety Induction & WORKSHOPS
9:00 – 10:30 – Talks
10:30 – 11:00 – Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 – Talks
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch Break (self-arranged)
13:30 – 17:00 – WORKSHOPS
9:00 – 10:30 – Talks
10:30 – 11:00 – Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 – Talks
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch Break (self-arranged)
13:30 – 17:00 – WORKSHOPS
18:00 – 22:00 – Summer School Dinner – Restaurant Drag, Staré Grunty 64, Bratislava (guaranteed only for participants who completed their registration payment by 31 July 2026, as the final number of guests had to be confirmed in advance).
9:00 – 10:30 – Talks
10:30 – 11:00 – Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 – Talks
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch Break (self-arranged)
13:30 – 17:00 – WORKSHOPS
9:00 – 10:30 – Talks
10:30 – 11:00 – Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 – Talks
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch Break (self-arranged)
13:30 – 17:00 – LAB TOUR & DEMONSTRATIONS (optional)
Aftrenoon workshops will be organised into subgroups on the first day after registration depending on participant’s choices and the amount of demonstrators available on the day.
Practical Hands-on Workshops
Each afternoon is dedicated to hands-on workshops. Participants will be divided into smaller workshop groups, with each participant joining one workshop track for the entire week. This format allows for a more interactive environment and enables participants to progressively develop their practical skills throughout the Summer School.
Below are the main experiments included in our workshops:
Fundamental Quantum Experiments
Discover the fascinating phenomena behind quantum technologies
Quantum technologies rely on physical principles that often challenge our everyday intuition. In this introductory workshop, participants will explore the essential concepts of quantum mechanics through interactive demonstrations and simple experiments. By observing interference, polarization, and quantum states, they will build an intuitive understanding of the phenomena that enable quantum computing, secure communication, and quantum sensing.
Experiment Highlights:
- Quantum interference experiments
- Polarization of light
- Superposition and quantum states
- Wave-particle duality
- Connecting quantum physics with real-world technologies
Bell Experiment with Entangled Photons
Demonstrate the violation of Bell’s inequality to prove quantum entanglement
Using polarization-entangled photon pairs, students will measure the coincidence count rates at different polarizer settings to calculate the S value. An S value greater than 2 confirms entanglement, showcasing the non-classical correlations predicted by quantum mechanics.
Experiment Highlights:
- Generation of entangled photon pairs
- Measurement of polarization correlations
- Calculation and analysis of Bell’s inequality (CHSH inequality)
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) using the BB84 Protocol
Understand the principles of quantum cryptography and secure communication
Participants will perform QKD using the BB84 protocol, simulating a secure communication channel between two parties (Alice and Bob). They will also learn how to detect potential eavesdropping through an intercept-resend attack.
Experiment Highlights:
- Setup and execution of the BB84 protocol
- Demonstration of secure key exchange between two parties (Alice and Bob)
- Analysis of potential eavesdropping and detection
HOM-Dip 2-Photon Interferences
Observe the Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) effect, a fundamental quantum interference phenomenon
By directing two indistinguishable photons into a beam splitter, students will witness the photons exiting together, demonstrating the unique quantum property with no classical analog. The HOM dip in coincidence count rates will be measured to illustrate this effect.
Experiment Highlights:
- Explore 2-photon interference, showcasing quantum entanglement.
- Witness the HOM dip, demonstrating anti-bunching of indistinguishable photons.
- Observe and analyze quantum interference patterns in real-time.
Quantum Computing on a Real Desktop Quantum Computer
Experience how quantum algorithms are implemented on real quantum hardware
This workshop introduces participants to the operation of a real SpinQ Gemini Pro NMR quantum computer, providing hands-on experience with qubit control, quantum coherence, and the execution of quantum algorithms. Participants will explore how quantum information is manipulated in practice while gaining insight into the physical principles behind nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) quantum computing.
Experiment Highlights:
- Introduction to NMR quantum computing and desktop quantum hardware
- Qubit control and visualization on the Bloch sphere
- Observation of Rabi oscillations and pulse calibration
- Ramsey spectroscopy and quantum coherence
- Measuring relaxation and decoherence times
- Implementation of quantum gates and basic quantum algorithms
Basic knowledge of Python is recommended. Bringing your own laptop is encouraged but not mandatory.
Programming Quantum Algorithms
Gain hands-on experience with programming quantum algorithms
This workshop will provide an introduction to quantum programming. Students will learn how to implement and execute basic quantum algorithms, gaining hands-on experience with quantum logic gates and circuits.
Experiment Highlights:
- Introduction to quantum programming languages
- Implementation of basic quantum algorithms (e.g., Grover’s and Shor’s algorithms)
- Execution and analysis of quantum circuits
Participants are required to bring their own laptop, as the workshop includes programming exercises.
Quantum Didactics
Discover practical approaches to bringing quantum technologies into the classroom.
As quantum technologies become increasingly important, educators face the challenge of introducing complex quantum concepts in an engaging and accessible way. This workshop presents modern teaching strategies, interactive activities, and educational tools designed to support quantum education at the secondary school and undergraduate levels. Participants will exchange experiences, explore ready-to-use teaching materials, and discuss best practices for inspiring the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers.
Workshop Highlights:
- Interactive teaching activities for quantum technologies
- Hands-on educational tools and classroom demonstrations
- Teaching quantum concepts without advanced mathematics
- Best practices and experiences from international quantum education initiatives
- Ready-to-use resources for schools and outreach activities
Meet Our Speakers
Our summer school brings together top minds in quantum technologies included renowned scientists, industry experts, and academic scholars who will share their insights and experiences. Stay tuned for more details about our exciting roster of speakers and the cutting-edge topics they will cover.
Abuzer Yakaryilmaz
Professor at Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Latvia, European Quantum Academy, LATVIA
Antonio Guardiani
Application Scientist at SingleQuantum, NETHERLANDS
Janka Biznárová
Quantum Engineer at ConScience, SWEDEN
Alexander Mandl
Researcher and Senior Software Engineer at Software Competence Center Hagenberg, AUSTRIA
Mariana Filipova
Quantum Edu Programs Designer & STEM Innovator at STEALM Academy,BULGARIA
Vladimír Bužek
Founder of Research Center of Quantum Information (RCQI) at Institute of Physics SAS, SLOVAKIA
Daniel Reitzner
Researcher at CyberSecurityHubCZ,CZECH REPUBLIC
Konrad Szymański
Researcher at Research Center of Quantum Information (RCQI) at Institute of Physics SAS, SLOVAKIA
Branislav Majerník
Advanced App Engineering Manager at Accenture Technology Solutions, SLOVAKIA
Matthias Blatnik
Senior Lecturer/Researcher at FH Technikum Wien, AUSTRIA
Djeylan Aktas
Head of Photonics Quantum Communication Group at RCQI at Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, SLOVAKIA
Mário Ziman
Chairman of Slovak National Center of Quantum Technologies, SLOVAKIAWorkshop Tutors
Our workshop tutors are researchers, educators, industry professionals and students who will guide the afternoon hands-on sessions. Working in small groups, you’ll have the opportunity to interact closely with them, ask questions, and gain practical experience with cutting-edge quantum technologies.
Our workshop tutors include: Djeylan Aktas, Matthias Blatnik, Gilberto Ferreira Borges, Hermann Detz, Arash Ghoreishi, Miroslav Grajcar, Mariana Filipova, Kartik Kakade, Samuel Kern, Samuel Klement, Zdeňka Koupilová, Michla Mrena, Hanka Partelová, David Polzoni, Vadym Shvydki, Martin Šechný, Abuzer Yakaryilmaz, Mário Ziman
Curious about what to expect?
Watch our highlights from 2024 Quantum Technologies Summer School held in Bratislava! See engaging lectures, hands-on projects, and the vibrant community that made the event unforgettable. Get inspired and ready for this year’s incredible journey into quantum technologies!
Summer SchooL 2025 In review
QUTE Summer School 2025: Third Edition in Vienna
The Quantum Technologies Summer School 2025 marked the third year in a row of this joint educational initiative, alternating annually between Bratislava and Vienna. From August 11–14, University of Applied Sciences Vienna became the meeting point for students and experts passionate about the future of quantum science. Organized by University of Applied Sciences Vienna (FHT Wien), the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, and QUTE.sk – Slovak National Center for Quantum Technologies, the school provided a week-long journey into the exciting world of quantum research and applications.
Organising Committee
QUTE.sk: Diana Cencer Garafová, Miroslava Šebestová, IP SAS: Djeylan Aktas, Mário Ziman, FHT Wien: Matthias Blatnik, Hermann Detz, FMFI CU: Miroslav Grajcar
The QUTE Summer School 2026 is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.
Co-funded by the European Union.
Project nr.: 101298535
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.