In early 2023, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, Turkey’s Informatics and Information Security Advanced Technologies Research Center, established a Quantum Technologies Division as a new unit under its National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology (UEKAE). According to the TÜBİTAK BİLGEM website, the division was created to build infrastructure and trained human resources, carry out R&D projects with high innovation content, and develop quantum technology-based systems.
UEKAE had previously conducted quantum information science research in areas including quantum cryptography, quantum random number generation (QRNG), quantum key distribution (QKD) using attenuated laser sources, and quantum ghost imaging. Those earlier studies used the UEKAE Electro-Optics and Laser Systems Laboratory and Test and Evaluation Department facilities.
With the new division, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM outlined a scope covering quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum imaging, quantum sensing, and metrology. The division also recruited researchers through TÜBİTAK’s career system, including part-time candidate researcher positions for university students in relevant engineering disciplines.