Ostrava, once a hub for coal and steel, has stepped into the future with Czechia’s first public quantum computer, unveiled at the Technical University of Ostrava. Named VLQ, the machine is among only two in Europe open to universities, research centers, industries, and public institutions. Built with 24 superconducting qubits in a star-shaped layout, it operates at ultra-cold temperatures and links with the Karolina supercomputer to enhance performance. Costing CZK 125 million, the project is co-funded by EuroHPC JU and the LUMI-Q consortium. VLQ will support research in medicine, AI, materials design, transport, security, and more, opening access to European users by the end of 2025. Experts see this as a milestone for Czech innovation, with the potential to boost economic growth and create new opportunities in tech and research.