From quantum research to the market: ICTQT and PSSE launch cooperation on quantum technology commercialisation

The International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies (ICTQT) at the University of Gdańsk and the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone (PSSE) have signed a Letter of Intent launching cooperation aimed at supporting the development and commercialisation of quantum technologies.

The agreement was signed on 11 September 2026 during the Q-Con Quantum Conference in Gdańsk by Prof. Marek Żukowski, Director of ICTQT, and Michał Szczupaczyński, Vice-President of the Management Board of PSSE. One of the key outcomes of the cooperation will be the development of a dedicated incubation pathway for quantum technology startups at the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park (GPN-T).

The initiative brings together two complementary areas of expertise. ICTQT contributes scientific knowledge, research teams and experience in quantum technologies, while PSSE and GPN-T provide expertise in supporting startups, entrepreneurship, investment and technology commercialisation.

The objective is to help promising quantum ideas move beyond the laboratory and develop towards practical applications and market-ready solutions. The partners plan to support research teams and emerging companies in developing their ideas, identifying funding opportunities, and building relationships with businesses and investors.

As Michał Szczupaczyński, Vice-President of the Management Board of PSSE, explained:

“Quantum technologies may in the future change the way many sectors of the economy operate. Pomerania already has a strong scientific base, so we want to take the next step – helping the best ideas find their way into business.”

The cooperation also builds on Gdańsk’s long-standing role in the development of quantum research in Poland. During the signing ceremony, Prof. Marek Żukowski, Director of ICTQT, emphasized this connection between the region’s scientific tradition and the ambition to translate research into practical technologies:

“It is worth remembering that Polish quantum research began right here, in Gdańsk. We hope that the solutions we propose will attract enthusiasts who will want to commercialise them.”

The dedicated incubation pathway planned at GPN-T will support startups and scientific teams working on quantum solutions at different stages of development – from early ideas to preparing technologies and business models for market entry.

“Cooperation with ICTQT allows us to combine two complementary areas of experience. The University has knowledge and scientific teams, while PSSE understands the needs of entrepreneurs and knows how to support the development of young companies. We want these two worlds to meet in one place and give good ideas an opportunity to move from the laboratory to business. The Gdańsk Science and Technology Park is a natural place for this,” said Michał Szczupaczyński.

The cooperation will extend beyond startup incubation. The partners also plan workshops, events and educational activities designed to strengthen connections between scientists, startups, established companies and investors. The Letter of Intent also provides a foundation for potential joint projects and participation in national and European funding programmes.

The signing took place during Q-Con Quantum Conference 2026, a business-focused quantum technology conference bringing together representatives of academia, industry, startups, investors and public institutions. The cooperation between ICTQT and PSSE was presented during the conference as a special announcement, “From Quantum Research to Industry: Launching Pomerania’s Quantum Incubation Track.“

For ICTQT, the agreement represents another step towards complementing fundamental research excellence with stronger pathways for technology transfer, entrepreneurship and commercialisation. By connecting scientific expertise with an established innovation and business-support ecosystem, the cooperation aims to help transform quantum research developed in Pomerania into new technologies, products and companies.

Quotations from Michał Szczupaczyński are based on the article published by the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park (GPN-T) in Polsih at https://gpnt.pl/aktualnosci/z-laboratorium-na-rynek-psse-i-ug-tworza-miejsce-dla-kwantowych-startupow. Also the photo was taken from there.