RoNaQCI Festival - Conquer the Quantum World, June 18^th - 20^th,
Central Library, Room 2.1, POLITEHNICA Bucharest

Looking back at RoNaQCI Festival - 18-20 June 2025, POLITEHNICA Bucharest

The RoNaQCI Festival, held 18-20 June 2025 at POLITEHNICA Bucharest, delivered on its promise to showcase Romania’s growing quantum ecosystem. Over three days we welcomed senior Romanian and EU officials, industry leaders from IBM, Fsas Technologies - a Fujitsu Company, Dendrio, IDQuantique and Equal1, PETRUS, and researchers from three national QCIs. Highlights included visionary keynotes on large-scale quantum networks and entanglement, the unveiling of the Romanian QKD blueprint and monitoring solution, and three celebratory award galas — capping the first Romanian MSc in Quantum Computing cohort, a nationwide student hackathon, and RoNaQCI's official Quantum Certification awarded to key personalities. The Festival also marked two milestones: ten years of the POLITEHNICA Quantum Team and fifty years since Romania’s first microprocessor computer. With packed research sessions, poster exchanges and an on-site prototype QKD demo, the Festival firmly positioned Romania at the heart of Europe’s International Year of Quantum.

Photos from the event

Within the International Year of Quantum (2025), RoNaQCI is organizing the RoNaQCI Festival on 18-20 June 2025. The Festival will include invitees from national and European high-impact political structures, research presentations, and updates on the Romanian QKD infrastructure. During the event, several award galas will be held: awards of the official quantum certification organized by RoNaQCI; awards for the Quantum Hackaton for students organized in the week prior; and honorary awards for the graduates of the Quantum Computing MSc program at POLITEHNICA Bucharest (2023-2025), the 1st quantum MSc program in Romania. The book on Basic Quantum Knowledge will be freely distributed to the participants. Additionally, the Festival celebrates two important events: the 10 years anniversary of the Quantum Team at POLITEHNICA Bucharest, and the 50 years anniversary of the first microprocessor computer built in Romania by our mentor, Prof. Acad. Nicolae Țăpuș.

Agenda

Wednesday, June 18^th

•   9:00 – 10:00 Registration
• 10:00 – 10:35 Opening
  • Rector Mihnea-Cosmin Costoiu (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Rector Gabriel Raicu (Maritime University of Constanța)
  • Vicerector Horia Necula (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Vicerector Ciprian Dobre (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Vicerector Simona Caraiman (Technical University Gheorghe Asachi Iași)
  • Dean Marius Marcu (Polytechnic University of Timișoara)
  • Dean Cosmin Bonchiș (West University of Timișoara)
  • Dean Ion Bica (Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I")
  • Dean Mihnea Moisescu (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Dean Mihnea Udrea (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Dean Ilona Costea (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Vicedean Marius Marian (University of Craiova)
  • Director Vasile Manta (Technical University Gheorghe Asachi Iași)
  • Director Sorin Tașcu (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași)
  • Director Gabriel Pavel (Fsas Technologies - a Fujitsu Company)
  • Director George Gugulea (CertSIGN)
  • Director Pejman Panahi (ID Quantique)
  • CFO Fănel Enache (IBM Romania)
  • CEO Cristian Herghelegiu (Dendrio)
• 10:35 – 10:45 Ro Government
  • Ministry of Education and Research State Secretary Prof. Tudor Prisecaru
• 10:45 – 11:15 RoNaQCI - Prof. Mihai Carabaș & Prof. Pantelimon George Popescu (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
• 11:15 – 11:30 Future of Quantum Computing, Dr. Daniel Mitroi Quantum Ambassador (IBM)
• 11:30 – 11:50 Coffee Break & Poster presentation
• 11:50 – 12:20 Main Keynote - Dr. George T. Kanellos (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) - Towards Large Scale Quantum Communications Networks
• 12:20 – 12:35 Spotlight Keynote - Ciprian Jichici - Entangled Things
• 12:35 – 13:00 QKD Full Software Stack and KMS Blueprint - Dr. Alin Popa (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
• 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break (on-site)
• 14:30 – 15:30 Research Session #1 - Chaired by Ciprian Jichici (Entangled Things)
  • Quantum Weight Optimization for Neural Networks Using Grover's Algorithm - Prof. Mihai Udrescu (Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara)
  • Quantum, Post-Quantum and Side-Channels - Prof. Marios Choudary (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Entanglement of the Rings - Bogdan Ciobanu (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
  • Mind the Gap between Quantum Computing Advancements and Practical Post-Quantum Cryptography - Dr. Diana Maimuț (Advanced Technologies Institute)
  • Quantum Research at TUIași - Prof. Vasile Manta (TUIași)
• 15:30 – 16:00 10 Years of Quantum in POLITEHNICA Bucharest - Prof. Pantelimon George Popescu (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
• 16:00 – 16:20 Coffee Break
• 16:20 – 16:40 RoNaQCI QKD Network Technical Aspects - Prof. Mihai Carabaș (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
• 16:40 – 17:40 Nat QCIs Session - Chaired by Keith Elder Programme Director (Deutsche Telekom):
  • RoNaQCI - Prof. Mihai Carabaș (Romania)
  • Recent Developments of the HellasQCI Project - Dr. George T. Kanellos (Greece)
  • Slovak Quantum Communication Infrastructure - Dr. Djeylan Aktas (Slovakia)
  • HungaryQCI - Dr. Zsolt Kis (Hungary)
• 17:40 – 18:00 Sponsors: IBM (Daniel Mitroi, Quantum Ambassador; Fanel Enache, CFO IBM Romania), Fsas Technologies – a Fujitsu company (Gabriel Pavel, Regional Director Balkans, Hungary, Czech & Slovakia), Dendrio (Cristian Herghelegiu, CEO), ID Quantique (Pejman Panahi, Director of Business Development), Amazon (Alin Popa, Senior Applied Scientist ML/CV), Equal1 (Vali Mureșan, Manager of R&D Center)
• 

  

  

  

  

  
• 18:00 – 20:00 Welcome Cocktail & Supper (on-site)

Thursday, June 19^th

•   9:00 – 10:00 Registration
• 10:00 – 10:15 European Officials - Dr. Laurent Olislager (European Commission, DG CNECT)
• 10:15 – 10:50 Large Quantum Projects Session
  • PETRUS - Keith Elder (Deutsche Telekom)
  • NOSTRADAMUS - Keith Elder (Deutsche Telekom)
  • CERN QTI
  • Open Quantum Institute
• 10:50 – 11:25 50 Years Anniversary of First Microprocessor Computer in RO - Prof. Nicolae Țăpuș (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
• 11:25 – 11:40 Spotlight Keynote - Dr. Sorin Tașcu (RAMTECH) - Integrated Optics @ RAMTECH
• 11:40 – 12:00 Coffee Break & Poster presentation
• 12:00 – 12:30 Main Keynote - Dr. Djeylan Aktas (Research Center for Quantum Information) - Entanglement & the second quantum revolution
• 12:30 – 12:45 Transition to a Quantum-Safe environment, Pejman Panahi Director of Business Development (ID Quantique)
• 12:45 – 13:00 The Quantum Leap: Fujitsu's Vision for a Smarter Future, Gabriel Pavel Regional Director Balkans, Hungary, Czech & Slovakia (Fsas Technologies – a Fujitsu company)
• 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break (on-site)
• 14:30 – 15:30 Research Session #2 - Chaired by Gabriel Pavel Regional Director Balkans, Hungary, Czech & Slovakia (Fsas Technologies – a Fujitsu company)
  • Integrated optics on PPLN for Quantum Communication - Dr. Sorin Tașcu (RAMTECH)
  • Fiber Optic QKD System - Dr. Zsolt Kis (Wigner Research Center for Physics)
  • The use of the output states generated by the cloning of entanglement in quantum teleportation - Prof. Iulia Ghiu (University of Bucharest)
  • Computational Materials for Fault-Tolerant Superconducting Quantum Computing - Dr. Luiza Buimaga-Iarinca (INCDTIM)
  • Quantum Leaps and Dreams - Dr. Aurelian Isar (IFIN-HH)
• 15:30 – 16:10 QKD Monitoring and Solutions - RoNaQCI
• 16:10 – 16:40 Coffee Break
• 16:40 – 17:20 RoNaQCI Quantum Panel - Chaired by Catherine Simondi, VP Marketing & Communications (ID Quantique): Mihai Udrescu (UPT), Cosmin Bonchiș (UVT), Alin Popa (POLITEHNICA Bucharest), Tudor Palade (UTCN), Diana Maimuț (ITA), Aurelian Isar (IFIN-HH), Liviu Zârbo (ITIM), Vasile Manta (TUIasi), Sorin Tașcu (RAMTECH), Iulia Ghiu (UB)
• 17:20 – 18:00 Romanian In-House QKD Student Project (site visit - PRECIS PR208) - Eng. Irina Bradu (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)

Friday, June 20^th

•   9:45 – 12:15 RoNaQCI Plenary (private) / Short Visit Bucharest City Center
• 12:15 – 12:45 First Romanian MSc in Quantum Computing Awards - Chaired by Cerasela Băiculescu, CEO (IBM)
• 12:45 – 13:00 Spotlight Keynote - Prof. Florin Pop (POLITEHNICA Bucharest)
• 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch Break (on-site)
• 14:30 – 15:30 Hackathon Final Presentations - Chaired by Vali Mureșan, Manager of R&D Center( Equal1)
• 15:30 – 15:55 Foundation of QKD Software - Quantum Team @ POLITEHNICA Bucharest
• 15:55 – 16:15 Coffee Break
• 16:15 – 16:45 Hackathon Awards - Chaired by Gabriel Pavel, Regional Director Balkans, Hungary, Czech & Slovakia (Fsas Technologies – a Fujitsu company) and by Marius Olteanu, Chief Marketing Officer (Dendrio)
• 16:45 – 17:00 Closing

Accomodation

Hotels closer to the venue

City center accommodation (20 minutes by taxi/uber to POLITEHNICA, 35 minutes by public transportation)

Getting Here

Subway

• M3 Line, POLITEHNICA Station
• Operating hours: 5:00 – 23:00 (Last trains depart at 23:00 from terminal stations).
• Tickets: Available at station kiosks or directly via contactless card payment.
• Cost: 5 RON (~1 EUR) per trip.

Bus

• Lines 105, 139, N1, 93, N10, N110
• Operating hours: 5:00 – 23:00 (Departure times from endpoints vary between 22:45 – 23:00).
• Tickets: Payable by contactless card inside the bus.
• Cost: 5 RON (~1 EUR) per trip.

Trolleybus

• Lines 61, 62, 63, 90, N115
• Operating hours: 4:30 – 22:50, depending on the route.
• Tickets: Payable by contactless card inside the trolley bus.
• Cost: 5 RON (~1 EUR) per trip.

Tram

• Lines 10, 11
• Operating hours: 5:00 – 23:00 (Departure times from endpoints vary between 22:45 – 23:00).
• Tickets: Payable by contactless card inside the bus.
• Cost: 5 RON (~1 EUR) per trip.

Other Options

• Ride-sharing: Uber, Bolt, and local taxis.
• Bike & Scooter Rentals: Lime, Bolt, and other local providers.
• Parking: Available on the campus. Entrance costs 10RON (~2EUR).
• Walking: The venue is a short walk from POLITEHNICA metro station.

Directions and estimated travel time

City Attractions

• Bucharest – The Little Paris
• Romania’s vibrant capital, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Known for its grand architecture, bustling streets, and dynamic cultural scene, Bucharest offers something for every visitor.

• A Glimpse into Bucharest’s History
• Founded in the 15th century, Bucharest began as a small trading town along the Dâmbovița River. It became the capital of Wallachia in the late 1600s, gradually evolving into a major cultural and economic center. Over the centuries, the city has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires and dynasties, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire shaping its development.
• The 19th and 20th centuries marked a period of rapid modernization, as the city embraced European architectural styles and innovations. Bucharest earned the nickname “Little Paris” in the early 1900s, reflecting its French-inspired architecture and cultural life. After the fall of communism in 1989, the city began to rebuild and modernize, becoming the vibrant, diverse metropolis it is today, blending its rich history with a forward-looking outlook.

Must Visit

• Bucharest offers a rich mix of historical and architectural landmarks, each telling a unique story. The Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world, stands as a monumental example of Romania’s Communist past, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation’s turbulent history with guided tours of its grandiose halls and rooms. Nearby, the Triumphal Arch celebrates Romania’s World War I victory, providing a symbolic connection to the country’s struggle and triumphs, with its intricate carvings and commanding presence in the city’s landscape.

Palace of the Parliament

Romanian Athenaeum

Old Town (Lipscani District)

• A short walk away, Bucharest’s Old Town (Lipscani District) is a lively hub of culture and history, where cobbled streets are lined with charming buildings that range from medieval to neoclassical. Visitors can wander through narrow alleys filled with vibrant cafes and bars, while also exploring the Romanian Athenaeum, a neoclassical concert hall with stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, home to world-class performances and concerts. This blend of history and modern energy offers an experience of Bucharest’s heart and soul.

• For those seeking to dive deeper into the city’s heritage, the Court of Appeal stands as a neoclassical testament to Romania’s legal system, with its elegant facade and rich historical background. Situated near University Square, it adds to the city’s classical architecture alongside other landmarks, making it a perfect stop for visitors keen on exploring Bucharest’s storied past.

Triumphal Arch

Court of Appeal

Museums and Cultural Venues

A short list of Bucharest’s most important museums and cultural venues

Dining and Local Cuisine

A delicious mix of savory that represent Romania’s rich culinary traditions

• Must-Try Romanian Dishes

• Sarmale – Cabbage rolls stuffed with pork, beef, and rice, often served with sour cream and polenta.
• Mămăligă – A traditional cornmeal dish similar to polenta, often paired with cheese, sour cream, or stews.
• Mici (Mititei) – Grilled sausages made of minced meat (beef, lamb, or pork), seasoned with garlic, thyme, and other spices.

• Must-Try Romanian Desserts

• Papanasi – A delicious dessert made from fried or boiled dough, topped with sour cream and jam.
• Plăcintă - A pastry filled with sweet ingredients like apples, cherries, or pumpkins. It is often prepared in a similar style to a pie or turnover.
• Salam de Biscuiți – A unique Romanian dessert resembling a “biscuit salami.” It’s made from crushed biscuits, cocoa, nuts, and sugar, all bound together with a syrupy mixture.

Itinerary suggestion

• Explore Bucharest’s must-see landmarks and museums with our one-day itinerary, designed to make the most of your visit.

• Click to open Interactive map