n.1 | April 2025
Quantum technologies:
the Italian strategy
We are in the midst of the second quantum revolution: the crucial phase in the history of physics in which we are learning to tame the quantum properties of matter. While, in fact, with the first revolution at the beginning of the twentieth century we discovered and understood the laws of quantum mechanics, and subsequently created digital technologies based on these laws, such as lasers or electronic devices, we now aim to control and manipulate quantum objects individually: an atom, an electron, a photon. The impact of second-generation quantum technologies is potentially transformative, and Europe, already in 2018, launched the Quantum Flagship programme to support European research in developing commercial applications that fully exploit quantum resources. Among the initiators of this programme is Tommaso Calarco, physicist, author of the document from which it all started, the Quantum Manifesto, and currently in charge of coordinating the Italian strategy for quantum technologies. Italy already has several projects underway in this field, and INFN plays a leading role in them. To mention just a few of the national initiatives in which the Institute is involved, INFN is part of the extended partnership NQSTI – National Quantum Science and Technology Institute, funded by the PNRR (Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan) for the creation of a hub dedicated to research in quantum sciences and technologies, and collaborates in the Q@TN laboratory, born in Trento from an idea of the University of Trento, the Bruno Kessler Foundation and the INFN, to research and prototype of quantum systems ready for industrialisation. It is also the proposing institution of the ICSC National Centre for supercomputing, big data and quantum computing, founded in Bologna with PNRR funds to work on high-performance simulations, computation and data analysis. It also participates in international projects such as SQMS – Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Centre at Fermilab (USA), and European projects such as the QUANTERA network.
Physicist specialised in the optimisation of quantum processes, coordinates the Italian strategy for quantum technologies and has always been engaged in strategic initiatives for quantum technology research at a European level. He is among the authors of the Quantum Manifesto, which led to the European Quantum Flagship, and chairs the Quantum Community Network within the scope of the programme. He is also Director of the Peter Grünberg Institute for quantum control, Professor of Quantum Information at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Cologne and lecturer at the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Bologna.
TOMMASO CALARCO
Interview with Tommaso Calarco, among the authors of the Quantum Manifesto, the initiative that aims to put Europe at the forefront of the second quantum revolution, and now in charge of coordinating the Italian strategy for quantum technologies
We will get to the Italian strategy, but let’s start with you: where did your interest in quantum technologies come from?
My interest stems from the fact that quantum mechanics is an absurd thing, which, surprisingly, can even be proved by experiments. Not only can we not form a mental image of certain quantum phenomena that occur, but if we just try to do so, we get it wrong. This is what fascinated me from the outset and remains a driving fascination for me
to this day.
Why did you feel the urgency to propose the Quantum Manifesto nine years ago?
Actually, the Quantum Manifesto was not the starting point. There is a document, a Strategic Report on Quantum Technologies, that goes back as much as twelve years earlier, to 2004. At that time there was not yet the maturity to develop a roadmap and set clear milestones, but the scientific community was already wondering about the insights to be provided to the European Commission in this area. That first group, which included the later Nobel laureates in quantum information science of 2022 [Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger, ed.], included just a few dozen people. Over time the community grew, and with it the active projects on quantum technologies, to the point that we felt the need to frame them, put them in writing. So, in 2016 the Quantum Manifesto came about: as a summary of everything the community had been working on for a long time. We clearly sensed it was the right time to pool knowledge, reach a new level of awareness and attract the corresponding funding.
- 7-13Cassano delle MurgeCassano Science FestivalCassano Science Festival
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