Academia/Research

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.

Simulation standards make additive manufacturing easier to adopt and more affordable for smaller companies. Clear guidelines reduce the learning curve, cut costly trial-and-error, and help SMEs achieve consistent part quality from the start. With access to reliable, standardised simulation tools, SMEs can optimise designs, prevent defects before production, and innovate without the heavy investment normally required. This levels the playing field and allows smaller firms to compete more effectively with larger industry players.

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 contribution may have an indirect but positive impact on both European SMEs and societies. For SMEs, especially those in IoT or data interoperability, improvements to the SAREF framework and tools could simplify the reuse of standards and reduce the effort to contribute new domain-specific content. By streamlining documentation and validation workflows, the project may lower technical barriers and help smaller organizations align with semantic standards. For European societies, SAREF is used in domains of public interest—such as energy efficiency, smart cities, and environmental monitoring. Enhancing its quality and maintainability may support more interoperable and sustainable digital solutions over time. Though effects are not immediate, the project strengthens infrastructure that can benefit societal initiatives based on interoperable data.

The work undertaken in this Fellowship intends to help clarifying for the EU SMEs and overall European Industry the direction they would have to take to ensure their autonomous systems are compliant with the guidelines developed in these IEEE and ISO/IEC/IEEE standardization efforts.The delivered and planned events/talks/tutorials intend to increase interactions and knowledge sharing of challenges and guidelines for the European SMEs and Industry to prepare Europe to be ready for the next-generation of trustworthy autonomous systems.
Indeed, providing a clear overview of the topic and of the ongoing standardization effort in the field of trustworthy autonomous systems aim to support European standardisation activities in order to set adequate guidelines for European SMEs to help the design and manufacturing of trustworthy autonomous systems which in turn are key enablers for both the economic growth and people well-being.

My contribution provides SMEs with an illustrative example and accompanying requirements to detect and mitigate bias in AI systems using tabular data. This contribution will assist AI providers and deployers with the detection and mitigation of unwanted bias and thereby assist them in complying with the EU AI Act and protecting fundamental rights.

AI-native networks can contribute to creating better networks that allow for reducing the digital gap (through pervasive and reliable communications) while being sustainable. As a byproduct of the integration of AI in telecommunications, it is expected that the entrance of new players (e.g., virtual operators, AI experts, over-the-top providers) into the ecosystem will increase the competitiveness of the sector, thus positively impacting the investments in the telecommunications infrastructure.

The contribution made within this fellowship adds value to the development of LoRa mesh network technology. SMEs may then feel more confident in adopting the technology.

This project has significant implications for SMEs across the EU. Many of these companies provide ICT services to regulated entities but may lack the resources to navigate complex, overlapping regulatory regimes. By providing a unified interpretation of NIS2 and DORA obligations, the project reduces uncertainty and helps SMEs avoid redundant compliance efforts.

Many of these standards, e.g. Bias, impact society. In terms of SMEs, I have been closely associated with a software SME, and always ask myself how this SME would be impacted.