Connecting quantum science and technology with industrial needs through an ongoing programme of outreach and training was the objective of the NQSTI project. Leonardo contributed across several technological and application areas, with a strong focus on atom-based and photon-based technologies, as well as their integration and modelling.

Organised according to the Spoke model, the NQSTI Innovation Grant programme brought together a total of 20 Italian organisations with the aim of studying and manipulating quantum objects (atoms, molecules, photons and electrons) to enable future industrial applications.

This objective led to the development of innovative technical infrastructures, the definition of new standards, the training of technical and professional personnel, and the establishment of a new coordination centre between the public and private sectors. Within this framework, Leonardo played an active role in the technological development of four Spokes, laying the foundations for new quantum architectures, photon-based quantum technologies, the integration of quantum devices into functional test systems, and the complete modelling and characterisation of the quantum demonstrators developed.
 

From Technologies to Use Cases
The activities strengthened competitive and innovative research in quantum science and technology while fostering future industrial innovation in this field.

A key area focused on identifying innovative techniques and resources for preparing homogeneous and hybrid atomic, molecular and ionic systems with reduced entropy. This was achieved through the use of new schemes for detecting quantum states with high spatial, temporal and spectroscopic resolution, together with optimal quantum control protocols designed to maximise the fidelity and speed of specific quantum tasks.

In parallel, with a focus on both bulk and integrated platforms, a wide range of materials (including molecules and semiconductor quantum dots), technologies and architectures (such as one-dimensional, two-dimensional and heterostructured geometries) were investigated through an interdisciplinary approach at the intersection of quantum optics, (nano)fabrication and photonics. The objective was to develop sources of photonic quantum states and detectors operating in the single-photon and multiphoton regimes.

To enable the integration of individual quantum objects into the building blocks of quantum computing, quantum simulation and quantum sensing architectures, particular emphasis was placed on developing scalable networks of interacting qubits and on creating new methods and tools for the high-fidelity control and readout of quantum devices.

In the area of modelling and characterisation, activities focused on developing innovative integration techniques for combining dedicated modules, creating integrated systems capable of combining sensing, transmission and processing functions, and designing innovative interfaces for managing the signals generated by these integrated systems.

Taken together, these activities represent a contribution focused on enabling technologies and concrete use cases, with applications across industrial and security domains.

Value Generated
Leonardo’s contribution to NQSTI strengthened the company’s expertise in emerging technologies, supported the development of innovative solutions in strategic fields, and reinforced collaboration with universities and research centres. The project demonstrates how cooperation between industry and academia can generate high-impact innovation, with direct benefits for security and the future industrialisation of low-TRL technologies.

The National Quantum Science and Technology Institute is a strategic initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under Directorial Decree No. 1564 of 11 October 2022 (NRRP – Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.3, "Extended Partnerships among Universities, Research Centres and Companies, and Funding for Research Projects") and by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU fund.

The project involved a total of 32 Leonardo personnel across the company's sites in Genoa, Rome and Florence, with an overall budget of €1,660,462.33, of which 60% of eligible costs were funded by the MUR.