Quantum Technologies

A clearer framework for quantum network switching lowers the complexity barrier for smaller companies entering the quantum technology space. By harmonising terminology and defining core functions such as entanglement management, the project removes ambiguity that slows down development and increases costs. SMEs gain access to a shared reference point—state-of-the-art analysis, identified gaps, and actionable definitions—which helps them build interoperable solutions, align with emerging global standards, and participate in early-stage quantum markets with greater confidence and reduced risk.

A key challenge in building the Quantum Internet is integrating different qubit technologies, each with its own strengths and limitations, since no single qubit platform can fulfill all the requirements for storage, processing, and communication simultaneously. Indeed, both the scientific and industrial communities widely agree that the Quantum Internet will likely rely on superconducting qubits for information processing while flying qubits will be used to distribute entangled states across network nodes.
Indeed, on one hand, superconducting circuits are adopted for quantum computation because of their capabilities to realize fast gates and their high scalability. These benefits come at the price of operating at cryogenic temperatures, which in turn challenge the development of large-scale quantum networks. On the other hand, optical photons are recognized as quantum carriers to fulfill communication needs, as they enable high-rate, low-loss transmission and can be easily controlled using standard optical components. However, the main challenge underlining the interaction between these two technologies lies in the huge gap between their operating frequencies: optical photons work at hundreds of terahertz while superconducting circuits at a few GHz.
Therefore, it is mandatory to realize a matter-flying interface, namely a quantum transducer, performing quantum transduction to enable the interaction among different qubit platforms. This interface must convert one type of qubit to another and be compatible with the characteristics of the physical channels used for flying qubits, including optical fibers and free-space optical links.
In this project, we present quantum transduction from a communication perspective, by shedding the light on its fundamental role within quantum network design and deployment.

The project impacts European SMEs and societies by supporting SME Involvement in Quantum Standardization. The aims is to provide guidance and best practices for quantum technology startups, and to createa roadmap for SME-friendly quantum communication deployments.

Rapid advancements in quantum computation, communication and a recent surge in QIPC startups are reshaping the landscape for the European innovation. Initiatives like the European Quantum Flagship, alongside global R&D programs, are channeling billions of euros into developing breakthrough quantum solutions. SMEs, long a cornerstone of the European industry, are now poised to harness quantum standards for critical communication infrastructures, including qubit development, advanced encryption, and network interoperability. These standards, including QRNG standards, will further boost state-of-the-art cybersecurity, laying the foundation for a future quantum internet, driving sustainable techno-economic growth, and ensuring that European SMEs and society remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

My contributions in JTC22/WG3 are mostly related to quantum software, i.e., software that is executed on quantum computers but also software that is executed on classical computers for enabling/supporting quantum computations. In Europe, new SMEs are growing around the quantum software topic. Therefore, I feel that the activity I am carrying out in the context of JTC22/WG3 will be beneficial for those companies.

The formation of a new IEC working group on fibre optic quantum interconnect will align with the technologies of many European SMEs who would benefit from early engagement to develop standards, which help accelerate commercial adoption of their approaches. Therefore, I am strongly engaging with European quantum SMEs to secure support for the proposal and encourage participation. The successful formation of the WG would be followed by the establishment of liaisons to ISO/IEC JTC3 and CEN/CENELEC TC86

The formation of IEC TC86 WG11 aligns well with the technologies of many European SMEs who would benefit from early engagement to develop standards, which help accelerate commercial adoption of their approaches. I am strongly engaging with European quantum SMEs to encourage participation from Europe; at the moment, the membership of the group overwhelmingly European (85%).