On September 17, Villa Campolieto, an elegant Neoclassical landmark in Ercolano (Naples) and home to the Stoà School of Higher Education, hosted the Quantum Cafè, an event dedicated to quantum computing, organized by NetCom Group in collaboration with QuantumNet. Founded in 2021 as a joint venture between NetCom Group SpA and l’Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II“, QuantumNet holds the distinction of being Italy’s first innovative start-up exclusively focused on quantum computing.
«An important event that we are proud to host at Stoà’s historic venue – stated Enrico Cardillo, general director of Stoà – which stands as a great hub of knowledge and innovation in the world of learning, and highlights an outstanding excellence among companies operating at the frontier of innovation.».
The event proved to be an opportunity to take stock of the state of quantum computing development in Campania, to highlight the Quantum Computing Academy – now approaching its third edition—and to present the new Quantum Valley project in Salerno, launched by the Campania Region with an initial investment of €100 million.
As outlined in the event’s program, the talks covered topics such as:
The scientific and technological prospects of quantum computing, presented by Giovanni Acampora, Professor at the University of Naples Federico II.
The Campania Region’s strategies for growth and innovation, delivered by Valeria Fascione, Regional Minister for Research, Innovation, and Startups, Campania Region.
The current state of quantum technology in Campania, discussed by Angelo Giuliana, Director of the Meditech Competence Center.
A compelling testimony from one of the young talents trained by the Quantum Computing Academy, Alessandro Caraceni, who currently serves as R&T and Advanced Research Project Manager at Leonardo SpA.
The President of NetCom Group, Domenico Lanzo, emphasized the region’s commitment:
«QuantumNet is our startup that arose from a need identified over these past years. Cutting-edge innovation requires significant effort in new technological contexts that demand extremely high computational capacity. In Campania, there is a strong commitment from companies, research centers, universities, and institutions. The greatest focus is dedicated to training in the field of quantum computing applications.».
After the institutional greetings, Giovanni Acampora, Professor at Federico II and Director of the Quantum Academy, highlighted the value of training:
«Today, it is important to have an Academy that trains the first Italian quantum programmers: it is fundamental for Campania and for Italy. This is pioneering work that will yield its best results in the future».
The Quantum Computing Academy, born from the collaboration between CeSMA (Center for Advanced Metrological and Technological Services), the University of Naples Federico II, and QuantumNet, aims to create an innovative and challenging educational path in the field of quantum computing.
Regional Minister Valeria Fascione outlined the strategy of the Campania Region:
«Campania has positioned itself as a pioneer at the frontier of quantum technologies, in line with both the European strategy and the national government’s plan. We have launched a significant investment for a quantum infrastructure in Salerno, which will give life to the Quantum Valley. The Region will provide tools and initiatives to create a favorable ecosystem for the sector’s development, allowing researchers, universities, and companies to test products and services on a public infrastructure while supporting human capital. We sponsored the first Quantum Academy, which has proven to be a success also thanks to NetCom Group: it is fundamental because in these new frontiers we need to train professionals capable of meeting the challenge.».
Angelo Giuliana, Meditech Competence Center, added:
«Quantum technology in Campania has finally moved beyond a purely research enclave and is entering the industrial domain. We are achieving excellent results.».
During the event, Alfredo Troiano, Director of QuantumNet, also spoke:
«This initiative marks the conclusion of the second edition of the Academy and the launch of the new one. It was an important opportunity to bring together the ecosystem that has developed around QuantumNet—institutions, major international players, and small enterprises—and to take stock of the results achieved and the future challenges in the world of quantum computing».
The Quantum Valley project was presented in detail by Massimo Bisogno, Director of the Special Office for Growth and Digital Transition of the Campania Region:
«This is a very significant investment, a clear political decision by the regional administration led by President De Luca. We aim to create a quantum infrastructure that serves not only research but also the development of skills and industrial applications. It is a project that involves the entire supply chain: public administration, universities, research centers, and companies—from multinational corporations to small local businesses—which will be able to access the platform to develop algorithms, test new solutions, and generate new business».
Of the total funding, €61 million will be allocated to the purchase, installation, and maintenance of a quantum system that will be hosted at the University of Salerno, which is set to become a European reference hub, also thanks to the collaboration with IBM.
At the final roundtable, experts and company representatives also participated.
«We are at a turning point in technological innovation related to quantum computing,- stated Antonio Amato, President of the Young Entrepreneurs of Naples, – and this project can literally change the future of our companies. Much has been done, but there is still a lot to do, and businesses are ready to get increasingly involved.».
This strategic initiative further consolidates Campania’s role as a key region for the development of digital skills and cutting-edge technologies.
