AQLAS, a consortium spearheaded by Italy’s Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), has secured €2.5 million from the European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Transition programme to develop quantum computing innovation.
The funding will be channelled into developing a cutting-edge, high-precision laser module designed specifically for atomic quantum computers—a critical element for the evolving quantum technology market.
Quantum computing, a rapidly expanding field, relies heavily on frequency-stabilised lasers to perform tasks such as cooling, manipulating, and detecting quantum bits. Current laser systems are predominantly tailored for laboratory use, presenting challenges in scalability and affordability for commercial applications.
AQLAS seeks to bridge this gap by delivering a more economical, compact, and efficient solution. The proposed laser module is expected to be 4–10 times smaller and 2–5 times cheaper than existing high-performance systems, offering a leap in quantum computing accessibility and industry viability.
Dr Carlo Sias, Principal Investigator at AQLAS, expressed the vision driving the project: “Our AQLAS solution will facilitate access to high-quality hardware with lower pricing
and easier use, thus encouraging the production of commercial quantum computers
for the European quantum computing industry.”
The INRiM is a public scientific research body carrying out and promoting research in metrology, and developing the most advanced measurement standards and methods and related technologies. To this end, as a signatory to international agreements on metrology, upon delegation of the competent institutions, and similarly to the metrological institutes of other countries, INRiM creates and maintains the national standards for units of measurement.
The consortium comprises notable players from across Europe, including Acceler8 (Malta), SILENTSYS (France), and IDIL Fibres Optiques (France). These partners bring expertise in strategic R&D, ultra-low noise system development, and advanced optical fibre and laser technologies, respectively.
By leveraging this collaborative expertise, AQLAS aims to position Europe as a global leader in quantum computing—a field expected to define the next era of technological advancement.
By addressing the current limitations of quantum laser technology, AQLAS is contributing to the future of quantum computing and fostering the establishment of a robust European quantum industry.