An effective, accessible abstraction hierarchy has made using and programming classical computers possible for people across all disciplines. It is our hope that the same can be achieved for quantum computing. However, despite a growing ecosystem of programming languages, libraries, and tools, current quantum programming still often requires users to have PhD-level knowledge of information theory, mathematics, physics, and/or chemistry.
At the applications level, the prevalence of gate-based reasoning continues to dominate quantum algorithm development, limiting accessibility and constraining workflows to low-level representations rather than higher-level, symbolic computation models.
At the hardware level, frameworks remain tightly coupled to device-specific implementations and qubit modalities, making it difficult to design portable and flexible quantum software. This highlights the need for a hardware abstraction layer that decouples algorithm design from physical constraints, alongside an execution layer capable of unifying heterogeneous quantum hardware.
To push the field of quantum computing forward, it is essential to develop a cohesive abstraction hierarchy that bridges not only software and hardware, but also broader gaps—such as those between academia and industry, and between theory and practice.
The workshop seeks to bring together experts and stakeholders spanning the entire quantum software stack to address these challenges. Building on previous editions, it aims to consolidate progress, identify new directions, and strengthen ongoing efforts such as the Quantum Programming Models working group.
We highlight the necessity for:
more user-friendly and information-rich programming languages grounded in quantum software engineering principles,
a hardware abstraction layer that separates programming from physical implementation constraints,
an execution model that unifies diverse hardware platforms while enabling new programming paradigms,
stronger integration of quantum software engineering practices to improve reliability, maintainability, and scalability of quantum applications.
The workshop will feature sessions structured around key “bridges” in the abstraction hierarchy, focusing on how different stakeholders perceive and are impacted by the lack of cohesive abstractions:
Progress in Quantum Computing (one-year update): examining advancements in hardware, software, adoption trends, and investment.
Bridge between industry and academia: exploring how abstraction gaps affect educators, employers, students, and investors.
Bridge between theory and practice: analyzing perspectives from hardware developers, algorithm designers, system integrators, and end users.
Each session will combine lightning talks, audience discussions, and panel debates to encourage active participation and cross-disciplinary exchange.
Here is a refined list of key topics to be addressed:
Beyond gate-level abstractions: What are the limitations of gate-based models, and can higher-level abstractions enable more expressive and scalable quantum workflows?
Seamless quantum–classical integration: How can hybrid systems and HPC–QPU integration evolve beyond the accelerator model?
Reconciling different perspectives: Can a unifying programming model align the needs of software engineers, hardware developers, and physicists?
Classical paradigms vs. quantum thinking: Does mimicking classical programming help or hinder the development of quantum-native solutions?
Abstraction vs. performance trade-off: How can we balance portability and usability with device-specific optimizations?
Premature standardization vs. flexibility: Should the field define conventions now, or allow them to emerge organically?
Accessibility vs. inherent complexity: Can quantum programming be simplified without losing essential understanding?
Quantum software engineering practices: How can established software engineering principles improve quantum development workflows and system design?
Room: TBA
Session 1 - 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT
Progress in Quantum Computing (one-year update)
Session 2 - 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT
Bridge between theory and practice
Session 3 - 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM EDT
Bridge between industry and academia
Organizers
Olivia Di Matteo, University of British Columbia
Edo Giusto, University of Naples Federico II
Santiago Núñez-Corrales, NCSA/UIUC
Vlad Știrbu, University of Jyväskylä