Italian quantum computing experts profile ten key figures shaping the field

EconomyUp reported that Italian quantum computing experts profile ten key figures shaping the field. The article profiles ten protagonists and protagoniste of Italian quantum computing who work in universities and companies across Italy and abroad while maintaining a tight link to the nation. In 2016 the Quantum Manifesto, signed by Tommaso Calarco and others, called for a billion-euro European program to develop quantum technologies coordinate investments and support new enterprises, leading to the Quantum Flagship launched in 2018. Tommaso Calarco, since 2018 full professor at the University of Cologne and since 2023 at the University of Bologna, and director of the Institute for Quantum Control at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany, coordinated the expert group at the Ministry of University and Research that drafted the definitive Italian quantum technologies strategy published in September 2025. Elisabetta Paladino, full professor of theoretical physics at the University of Catania and vice-director of the Ettore Majorana department, has studied quantum device dynamics and control since 2001, focusing on superconducting circuits and reducing qubit noise.

She coordinates the NQSTI spoke nine on education and outreach, which develops quantum technologies through the PNRR partnership linking universities, research centers and companies. Simone Montangero, full professor of theoretical physics at the University of Padova and director of the quantum simulation center, develops computational methods and tools for controlling quantum systems and simulating complex physical phenomena, and is co-responsible for the quantum computing spoke of ICSC, the national center for supercomputing big data and quantum computing funded by the PNRR. Giuliano Benenti and Giulio Casati, theoretical physics professors at the University of Insubria, co-wrote the book Il computer impossibile published by Raffaello Cortina Editore in February 2025, introducing quantum computing principles and applications in communications, sensors, medicine and cybersecurity for non-specialist readers. Sabrina Maniscalco, CEO of Algorithmiq which transferred its headquarters from Helsinki to Milan in May 2026 alongside an 18-million-euro funding round led by United Ventures and CDP Venture Capital, studied in Sicily before pursuing academic positions at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh and universities in Turku, Aalto and Helsinki.

She dreams of creating a Mediterranean quantum physics institute in Mazara del Vallo and is cofounder of Women for Quantum, a network of professors supporting women in quantum sciences. Fabio Sciarrino, full professor at Sapienza University of Rome and delegate for international research policies, focuses on experimental quantum optics and information processing through integrated photonic circuits using light particles, with ERC-funded projects 3D-QUEST and QU-BOSS.