Project Overview
About PIQCS
Quantum technologies are set to revolutionize our world, especially in secure data transmission. As quantum computers threaten current encryption, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a solution based on quantum mechanics, ensuring perfectly secure key exchange. The PIQCS project aims to overcome the limitations of current QKD systems—which are bulky, expensive, and power-intensive—by using Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).
By integrating QKD and Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG) on a single chip, we aim to create compact, cost-effective, and high-performance devices. This will make quantum-secure networks more flexible, scalable, and accessible, aligning with European initiatives like the EUROQCI and the European CHIPS Act.
Key Innovations
- Monolithic integration of QKD and QRNG on a single chip
- Development of next-gen QKD transceivers
- Utilization of different photonic platforms (SOI, InP, SiN)
- Compact, energy-efficient devices for terrestrial and space applications
Project Timeline
5-year research program
June 2025 - May 2030
Location
Italy
Research Institution: University of Padova
Host Institution: ThinkQuantum S.R.L
Funding Agency
FISA
Fondo Italiano per le Scienze Applicate
Project
Project Details
Project Ambition
The PIQCS project is a direct response to the challenges in quantum cryptography, aiming to develop a complete Photonic Integrated Quantum Cryptography System . We will combine the latest advancements in photonic integrated platforms from academia with the solid industrial development experience of ThinkQuantum.
Our goal is to develop and industrialize all components needed for a practical and commercially viable integrated QKD system. The project will explore three main photonic integrated platforms: Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI), Indium Phosphide (InP), and Silicon Nitride (SiN). This will enable the creation of next-gen QKD transmitters and receivers, making quantum networks more flexible and scalable.
Work Packages
WP1: Component Design & Characterization
Focus on the design and characterization of single components on SOI, InP, and SiN platforms. This phase covers the fundamental research of the project.
WP2: Technology Enhancement & Industrialization
Refine the technology to improve performance, robustness, and industrial scalability. This phase is focused on the industrial research aspects.
WP3: Prototyping & System Integration
Create and incorporate a prototype into QKD systems, followed by comprehensive testing in both laboratory and field conditions. This covers the industrial development part of the project.
WP4: Electronics & Final Demonstration
Development of high-speed digital and RF electronics to manage and stabilize the PICs. The PICs will be integrated with electronics to demonstrate a full QKD protocol.
Project Background
The Challenge with Current QKD Systems
Despite being a mature technology, the widespread adoption of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG) is limited. The main issues are the high cost, large size, and significant power consumption of current devices. These systems are built with bulky fiber optical components, which are expensive and require manual assembly, hindering mass production. A typical QKD system fits in a 19-inch 2U rack module, with the QRNG taking another 1U slot.
The Integrated Photonics Solution
The situation is similar to the early days of classical optical communication. The breakthrough came with photonic integration, which allowed for the dense packing of optical components onto chips, reducing costs and enabling mass production. We believe the same strategy can be applied to quantum photonic systems.
However, quantum applications require a much higher level of control and lower losses. While research institutions have made progress, there is a significant gap between the current state-of-the-art and a commercially robust product. PIQCS aims to fill this gap.
Key Technologies
- Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI)
- Indium Phosphide (InP)
- Silicon Nitride (SiN)
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG)
Project Funding & Acknowledgments
Funding Agency
FISA - Fondo Italiano per le Scienze Applicate
Italian Applied Sciences Fund
Grant Number: Decreto Dirigenziale n. 7321 del 22-04-25Project Leadership
Principal Investigator: Dr. Marco Avesani
Project Duration: June 2025 - May 2030
Participating Institutions
- Host Institution: ThinkQuantum S.R.L
- Research Institutions: Università degli Studi di Padova
Project Timeline
June 2025 - May 2030
Impact
Advancing quantum security technologies for Italy and Europe
Research Team
Collaborating Institutions
University of Padova
One of the leading universities in Italy with a long tradition of scientific excellence. The QuantumFuture Research group has over 20 years of expertise in quantum communications and has pioneered research in the field, with strong experience in designing, testing, and characterizing quantum photonic systems.
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ThinkQuantum S.R.L
An innovative start-up and spin-off from the University of Padua, specializing in quantum cryptography systems for terrestrial and space applications. The company develops both QRNG and QKD systems and is a key player in the EUROQCI project.
Visit WebsiteUniPD key members
Dr. Marco Avesani
Principal Investigator & Researcher (RTT)
Expert in QKD, QRNG, and integrated photonics. Co-founder of ThinkQuantum.
Prof. Giuseppe Vallone
Professor
Prof. Giuseppe Vallone is Full Professor at the University of Padova since 2024. His research interests are quantum communication, quantum information, photon entanglement and Space applications.
Prof. Paolo Villoresi
Professor
Prof. Paolo Villoresi is full professor of Physics at UP, in the Department of Information Engineering. He served as coordinator in several national and international research projects, including the area of high order harmonics generation, space quantum communication, application of laser in Medicine and Industry. He is also the Group Leader of the QuantumFuture research group, which is active in Quantum Information and Communications.
Luca Bombonati
PhD Student
Working on the PIQCS project, focusing on photonic integration.
TQ key members
Dr. Marco Avesani
Co-Founder & Principal Investigator
Leading the PIQCS project and quantum cryptography development.
Dr. Luca Calderaro
Project Manager & Technical Lead
Managing project development and technical implementation.
Simone Capeto
Co-Founder & Board Member euroQuIC
Member of the Governing Board of euroQuIC, the European Quantum Industry Consortium. TLC engineer with a PhD in Space Science and Technology, with experience in Telecommunication Systems, Space technologies, Operations, business innovation, Merge & Acquisition.
Dr. Elisa Spoladore
Administration
Handling administrative and operational management.
Dissemination
Scientific Publications
Journal Articles
Upcoming: "Integrated Quantum Cryptography Systems: A Photonic Approach"
Target Journal: Nature Photonics | Status: In preparationPlanned: "Miniaturization Strategies for Quantum Key Distribution"
Target Journal: Optics Express | Status: Planned for 2025Conference Papers
Submitted: "PIQCS Project Overview and Initial Results"
Conference: Quantum Information Processing 2025 | Status: Under reviewPublication Targets
- High-impact journals
- International conferences
- Book chapters
- Technical reports
Conference Presentations
Quantum Information Processing 2025
Presentation on PIQCS project methodology and preliminary results.
Location: [Conference Location] | Type: Invited TalkConference Strategy
- International visibility
- Community engagement
- Knowledge sharing
- Collaboration opportunities
Public Outreach & Education
Educational Activities
University Courses
Development of quantum cryptography modules for undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and engineering.
Student Training
Supervision of master's and PhD students working on quantum photonics and cryptography projects.
Impact Goals
- Student education
- Public awareness
- Knowledge transfer
- STEM inspiration
News & Updates
Project Kickoff Successful
The PIQCS project has officially started with the first team meeting and initial planning phase. The meeting brought together all team members from the University of Padova and ThinkQuantum to establish the foundation for our three-year research program.
Key achievements from the kickoff include finalizing the technical specifications for the first work package, establishing laboratory access protocols, and confirming collaboration agreements with all partner institutions. We are excited to begin the development of our Photonic Integrated Quantum Cryptography System.
FISA Grant Awarded
We are excited to announce that the PIQCS project has been awarded funding from FISA for the next five years. This prestigious grant recognizes the importance and potential impact of our research in quantum cryptography.
The funding will enable us to develop cutting-edge quantum cryptography technologies using integrated photonic platforms, combining the latest advancements from academia with the solid industrial development experience of ThinkQuantum. This support will allow us to explore three main photonic integrated platforms: Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI), Indium Phosphide (InP), and Silicon Nitride (SiN).
Upcoming Events
Team Meeting #2
January 15, 2026First Quarterly Review
March 2026Contacts
Principal Investigator
Dr. Marco Avesani
Principal Investigator
marco.avesani@unipd.it
marco.avesani@thinkquantum.com
Institution
University of Padova
ThinkQuantum S.R.L
Address
Information Engineering Department
Via Gradenigo, 6/B, 35131
Padova (PD)
Italy