Distributed Quantum Computing Systems and Infrastructure Workshop
QCE 2026
IEEE Quantum Week
Held in conjunction with QCE'26
Call openDQC-SI invites submissions of original research, work-in-progress, and position papers — up to 4 pages, IEEE format. Submit via EasyChair →
An IEEE QCE 2026 Workshop
Distributed Quantum Computing Systems and Infrastructure
A new workshop establishing cross-layer infrastructure as a foundational paradigm for scalable, networked quantum systems — connecting physical-layer constraints, quantum networking, system software, and applications.
Host Conference
IEEE QCE 2026IEEE Quantum Week
Format
Half / full dayInvited talks · peer-reviewed papers · discussion
This workshop explores systems and infrastructure for Distributed Quantum Computing (DQC), with an emphasis on how coordinated design enables scalable multi-QPU execution. Attendees will gain insights into integrating physical, network, system, and application layers to improve scalability, reliability, and overall efficiency in DQC.
As quantum computing systems continue to scale, DQC has emerged as a promising paradigm to overcome the limitations of individual quantum processors. Multiple quantum processing units (QPUs) are interconnected through quantum networks, enabling them to collaboratively execute computational tasks that exceed the capabilities of a single device. This shift from isolated processors to interconnected systems represents a fundamental step toward scalable quantum computing.
However, current approaches largely treat system layers in isolation, separating physical-layer constraints, network protocols, and application-level execution, which leads to inefficiencies in scalability and reliability. By explicitly connecting these layers, cross-layer approaches capture the interplay between hardware limitations, communication processes, and application requirements — enabling more efficient and scalable system designs. The long-term vision is to enable efficient quantum data centers and networked quantum systems that support large-scale scientific and industrial applications.
— Workshop in brief
20 – 50 expected attendees, drawing from academia, industry, and national laboratories.
1 keynote + 2–3 invited speakers, plus a peer-reviewed paper track and structured discussion sessions.
Proposed within QCE'26 topics on Distributed Quantum Computing, Quantum Systems Engineering, and Quantum Communications & Cryptography.
From isolated processors to interconnected quantum systems.
Cross-layer · Multi-QPU · Scalable
Cross-layer perspective
DQC-SI emphasizes integration across the full quantum systems stack, treating each layer's constraints as inseparable from the others:
Application
Distributed quantum algorithms — hybrid quantum-classical workloads, applications enabled by multi-QPU execution, and program-level abstractions over networked devices.
System / Software
Compilers, runtimes, and middleware — network-aware circuit partitioning, distributed circuit execution, and system software that orchestrates multi-QPU workloads.
Network
Quantum interconnects — entanglement routing, resource management, and topology design for the quantum links that bind QPUs together.
Physical / Link
Hardware foundations — physical-layer constraints of qubit interconnects, link-layer protocols, and the device characteristics that bound what the upper layers can achieve.
Objectives
The short-term objective of this workshop is to introduce the key challenges and emerging solutions in cross-layer infrastructure for DQC. Through invited talks and discussions, the workshop will present state-of-the-art approaches while fostering interdisciplinary exchange among researchers in quantum computing, networking, systems, and applications.
The long-term vision is to establish cross-layer infrastructure as a foundational paradigm for scalable quantum systems, and to build a sustained research community around this theme. The workshop aims to catalyze a shared research roadmap, common frameworks and benchmarks, and a structured community effort — including the formation of a DQC working group, special sessions, collaborative projects, and future editions.
Anticipated outcomes
DQC-SI is expected to catalyze a cross-layer DQC infrastructure community connecting researchers in quantum computing, networking, systems, and applications. Key outcomes include the identification of open challenges, an initial research roadmap for cross-layer quantum infrastructure (covering core design principles, system abstractions, and priority research directions), and progress toward shared frameworks and benchmarks integrating multiple system layers.
02 / Call for Papers
Call for papers
We invite original research, work-in-progress papers, and position papers on cross-layer infrastructure for distributed quantum computing.
DQC-SI workshop papers will be included in the QCE'26 Proceedings. Submissions must follow the IEEE conference format — 4 pages maximum including references, with 24 pt title and 10 pt main text. LaTeX users should use \documentclass[10pt, conference]{IEEEtran} without the compsoc options.
Review will be single-blind; author names and affiliations should be included. All submissions are peer-reviewed by the workshop program committee and must comply with the IEEE Policy on Authorship.
Topics of interest
Topics include, but are not limited to:
01System and infrastructure design for DQC
02Network-aware quantum circuit partitioning
03Distributed circuit execution and compilation
04Quantum interconnects and network topologies
05Quantum systems software, compilers, and middleware for distributed execution
06Quantum networking, entanglement routing, resource management for DQC
07Cross-layer DQC simulation and benchmarking
08Hybrid quantum-classical distributed systems
09Applications enabled by DQC
Important dates
Workshop paper abstract due
Monday, June 22, 2026
Full workshop paper due
Monday, June 29, 2026
Workshop paper acceptance notification
Monday, July 20, 2026
Workshop paper author registration
Monday, July 27, 2026
Final workshop paper for proceedings due
Monday, July 27, 2026
Workshop date
TBD (aligned with QCE'26 schedule)
Dates will be aligned with the QCE'26 conference schedule. Subscribe to the mailing list below for updates.
Submission types
Original research
4 pages + refs
Work-in-progress
4 pages + refs
Position papers
4 pages + refs
System / infrastructure designs
4 pages + refs
Early-stage ideas
4 pages + refs
Review process
Relevance to DQC infrastructure and cross-layer system design.
Technical soundness and methodological rigor.
Novelty relative to published work in quantum computing, networking, or systems.
Clarity of presentation and reproducibility of empirical claims.
Potential to spark interdisciplinary discussion at the workshop.
DQC-SI is structured around four thematic sessions covering the full quantum systems stack, plus a roadmap discussion. The final timing will be confirmed with QCE'26.
The workshop is interactive, combining 1 keynote, 2–3 invited speakers from academia, industry, and national laboratories, and a peer-reviewed contributed paper track. Each session is followed by structured discussion.
Opening & Keynote
Session opens
Session 1Physical- and Link-Layer Foundations for DQC
TBD
Physical-layer constraints of qubit interconnects, link-layer protocols, and the device characteristics that bound multi-QPU computation. Invited talk + contributed presentations.
Session 2Quantum Networking and Resource Management in DQC
TBD
Entanglement routing, network topologies, and resource management for the quantum links that bind QPUs together. Invited talk + contributed presentations.
Session 3Systems and Software for DQC Execution
TBD
Distributed compilers, runtimes, and middleware. Network-aware circuit partitioning and execution orchestration over multi-QPU systems. Invited talk + contributed presentations.
Session 4DQC Applications and Cross-Layer Co-Design
TBD
Applications enabled by DQC, hybrid quantum-classical distributed systems, and co-design opportunities that emerge when application requirements drive lower-layer decisions. Invited talk + contributed presentations.
Discussion — DQC Design Challenges and Future Directions
Open forum
Closing Remarks
Wrap-up
04 / Organizers & Committee
Organizers & committee
DQC-SI is organized by a team spanning Florida Atlantic University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and George Mason University, with a program committee drawn from across academia.
The program committee is being expanded. Researchers interested in serving on the PC are warmly invited to contact the chair.
05 / Attend
Joining DQC-SI
Attendance information, target audience, and how to follow workshop announcements.
DQC-SI is held in conjunction with IEEE Quantum Week (QCE 2026). Workshop attendance is included with QCE'26 registration; see the host conference for registration tiers and venue details once announced.
Logistics
Host conference
IEEE Quantum Week — QCE 2026
Format
In-person workshop with invited talks, peer-reviewed contributed papers, and structured discussion
Via the QCE'26 conference portal (link forthcoming)
Proceedings
Included in the QCE'26 Proceedings via IEEE Xplore
— Host conference
IEEE QCE 2026
The IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering — "IEEE Quantum Week" — is the flagship annual venue for the quantum computing community, organized by the IEEE Computer Society.
This workshop targets researchers and practitioners in quantum computing, quantum networking, computer systems, and applications — particularly those interested in scalable and distributed quantum infrastructures. It is also relevant to researchers in computer architecture, distributed systems, and high-performance computing exploring the integration of quantum technologies into larger computing ecosystems.
The workshop is designed to be accessible to participants with a general background in quantum computing or computer systems, with introductory context provided to ensure a common understanding across disciplines. Expertise in specific subfields (e.g., networking or systems) is not required. We aim to attract a diverse mix from academia, industry, and national laboratories.
Stay informed
For workshop updates, important dates, and the call for papers, please contact the workshop organizers — particularly the main contact, Dr. Zebo Yang (yangz@fau.edu). Announcements will also be distributed via QCE'26 channels and academic networks including LinkedIn.
