Romania's first IBM Quantum Innovation Center, the FreeYa Mind Campus, will operate in Iasi and will train professionals capable of harnessing the potential of quantum technology in multiple fields, from complex simulations in medical research to cryptography and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms.
This one-of-a-kind campus in Romania and Europe's second such educational facility, offers a future-driven environment focused on education, research and entrepreneurship. The center, whose completion is estimated for 2026, will accommodate quantum technology courses and workshops for students and professionals from various fields.
IBM's Quantum Innovation Center will have access to IBM quantum computers via the cloud, providing member organizations access to the latest IBM quantum systems and resources, including training and support for their users.
"The FreeYa Mind Campus can be described as an ambitious project, we see it as an ecosystem that must be approached from three perspectives: education, research, and then innovation and entrepreneurship. Here in Iasi we have already been benefiting from this quantum revolution and the extraordinary power of a quantum computer since February. Last week we organized the first course to a room packed with students, master's and doctoral students, professors. Everyone enjoyed the first live course with access to the quantum resource. We want to expand the partnerships already concluded with the five universities in Iasi to national level," co-founder of the FreeYa Mind Campus Cornel Scripca on Wednesday told the launch event.
"This is a necessary experience that will respond to the ever growing demand for quantum expertise in increasingly more sectors. In addition to preparing skilled workforce for the future of quantum computing, the center's purpose is to accelerate the development of practical quantum applications," Cornel Scripca said.
The center will accommodate advanced research centers for quantum computing, physics and engineering, supported by a high-performance underground data center which provides computing and security resources for cutting-edge quantum and AI technologies.
"Quantum technology is the future. This cooperation with IBM allows us to provide access to top educational resources and research infrastructure. Together, we are preparing the next generations for the challenges and opportunities of the quantum revolution and transforming the city of Iasi into a European landmark in this field. As an IBM Quantum Innovation Center, the campus will host research laboratories, collaboration spaces, executive administrative departments, event venues and interconnectable training rooms, along with a large AI data center," said Cristian Berariu, initiator of the FreeYa Mind Campus project.
Quantum technology is redefining the boundaries of knowledge and revolutionizing the way we approach the world's greatest challenges. Its potential to perform calculations exponentially faster than classical computers opens up new opportunities for industry, education and research.
"This project is unique in Romania. This collaboration with the FreeYa Mind Campus sets the groundwork in place for the development of a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary scientific hub in Iasi. Through access to IBM's quantum technologies and resources, students and researchers will be able to work together in a dynamic, future-oriented environment, exploring solutions to real-world challenges," Cerasela Baiculescu, Country General Manager, IBM Romania and Moldova, told the press.
The event was also attended by Senate Vice President Robert Cazanciuc who told AGERPRES that technological evolution can be stimulated or slowed down by an inadequate legislative framework, citing in this regard the current European debate regarding AI regulation.
"There are technological challenges that must reflect in legislation. What is interesting here in Iasi is that a private initiative has succeeded to bring together all of Iasi city's universities, many authorities, as the people understand that at some point one has to contribute a part of one's own resources for the community. This is why I am happy to be part of this somewhat unique project at national level. Iasi will not only be a regional hub, but a national one too. As far as I know, Germany is the only other European country to have such a hub," emphasized Cazanciuc.
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