The new agreement brings together the University of Bologna, CINECA, CMCC, CNR, INAF, INFN, and INGV to integrate their extensive expertise in cutting-edge quantum science, from fundamental research to scientific and industrial applications.

Press release (in Italian)

The future of quantum sciences and technologies now has a new national and European reference point in Bologna. It is the Bologna Quantum Alliance (BOQA): an agreement that unites Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Interuniversity Consortium CINECA, Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC), National Research Council (CNR), National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), and National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

Signed on the eve of the G7 Science and Technology meeting, hosted at the Bologna Technopole, the agreement integrates the diverse expertise distributed across the national territory related to cutting-edge topics in quantum science, from fundamental research to scientific and industrial applications.

Thanks to the coordination role played by Alma Mater, the Bologna Quantum Alliance aims to provide a strong coordinated boost to the development of the entire quantum sector, promoting strategic areas such as quantum computing, secure quantum communications, and precision quantum sensing. This represents a crucial addition to the innovation ecosystem of Bologna and Emilia-Romagna.

Central themes for technological and social development, such as Big Data, supercomputing, and Artificial Intelligence, can now merge with the vast potential of quantum sciences, with possible applications in multiple fields including healthcare, climatology, earth sciences, and industrial innovation.

The Bologna Quantum Alliance will foster joint projects, collaborative activities to promote innovation in both fundamental and applied research, and partnerships with companies, including those aimed at technology transfer.

Education is also a key focus: training programs in quantum sciences will be developed for students, to qualify researchers and to update professionals. There will also be communication and outreach activities about quantum technologies at local and national levels.

Building on the numerous initiatives already launched by the founding partners, the Bologna Quantum Alliance aims to further expand its scope, involving other entities in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and other European countries. The goal aligns with the “European Declaration on Quantum Technologies,” aiming to contribute to making Europe a global leader in quantum sciences and technologies.