On June 12, 2025, the Slovenian newspaper Delo published an in-depth interview with Prof. Dr. Rok Žitko from the Jožef Stefan Institute, in which he discusses the prospects of quantum technologies on the centenary of modern quantum mechanics. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, highlighting its global significance.
In the interview, Prof. Dr. Žitko reflects on both the first and second quantum revolutions and their impact on society, the development of quantum computers, current research challenges in quantum physics, and the growing interest of young people in the field.
Prof. Dr. Žitko emphasizes that we are currently in the midst of the second quantum revolution, characterized by the direct technological exploitation of quantum phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and wave function collapse. These effects open up extraordinary opportunities for technological advancement, from ultra-secure communication and highly precise measurement instruments to quantum computers and simulators capable of solving problems beyond the reach of even the most powerful classical computers. Although quantum computers are not yet part of everyday life, they have already reached a level of development that few could have imagined just years ago. He stresses: “The development of quantum devices is a marathon.” In parallel, intensive efforts are underway both in Slovenia and across the EU to develop quantum internet, quantum-resistant communication systems, and even quantum sensors that could detect changes on a planetary scale. He also presents the research being conducted at the Jožef Stefan Institute, where his team is actively involved in studies on cold atoms, superconductors, and quantum dots, all essential building blocks of future quantum technologies.
The full interview (in Slovenian) is available on the Delo website.