by InTrieste
In a move that could position Italy as a leader in quantum technology, the Universities of Trieste and Udine have inaugurated a fiber-optic quantum link, marking a significant step toward secure digital communication in Europe.
The link, part of the Quantum FVG project funded by the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, represents the first phase of an ambitious infrastructure designed to set a precedent for Italy and beyond. After five years of research, the project’s unveiling reflects the growing emphasis on quantum technologies in an era of heightened concerns over cybersecurity and data protection.
“The ability to lead in technological development, particularly in quantum computing, has profound economic and societal implications,” said Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste. “With Quantum FVG, we aim to be at the forefront of this transformation, excelling in research, education, and technological innovation.”
Quantum communication is seen as a cornerstone of next-generation cybersecurity, allowing for the transmission of encryption keys that are nearly impossible to intercept. Unlike traditional encryption methods, which can be vulnerable to future advances in computing, quantum communication relies on the principles of quantum mechanics to provide theoretically unbreakable security.
The new link between Udine and Trieste ensures ultra-secure cryptographic key generation for encrypted document exchanges. It is also built for stability, moving beyond a mere demonstration of technology to serve as a lasting, functional infrastructure.
“This is a major frontier in physics,” said Roberto Pinton, Rector of the University of Udine. “The universities of our region are now making a significant contribution to advancing research in this field.”
A Regional and Global Vision
The initiative is part of a broader vision for digital security in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Regional authorities have long invested in digital infrastructure, including a 1,600-kilometer public fiber-optic network that supports over 1,300 public institutions. With the addition of quantum communication, regional leaders see an opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity across industries, from government to maritime logistics.
“The region has invested heavily in its digital highways, and quantum technology will make them even more secure,” said Sebastiano Callari, Regional Councillor for Information Systems. “This is just the beginning.”
Looking ahead, the region has allocated additional funding through the EQUIP-FVG (Extended Quantum Infrastructure Project for Friuli Venezia Giulia), which aims to expand quantum-secure communication across other critical infrastructures and cross-border networks. Officials are also preparing a European initiative to extend the quantum link to Slovenia, solidifying Italy’s role in shaping the continent’s quantum future.
“There is a geopolitical and strategic urgency in developing this technology,” said Alessia Rosolen, Regional Councillor for Labor, Education, and Research. “What we are building here could become a model for Europe.”
As nations worldwide race to develop quantum-secure networks, the Trieste-Udine link marks Italy’s entry into a technological competition that could redefine global cybersecurity. The next challenge will be scaling this success beyond the region, integrating quantum networks into the broader internet, and ensuring Italy remains a key player in the quantum revolution.
Interviews: the Rector of the University of Trieste, Roberto Di Lenarda; Angelo Bassi, project coordinator for UniTS.
