AI-PHOQUS (Artificial Intelligence and advanced networks embedded in PHOtonics and QUantum Sciences and Technology)

AI-PHOQUS is a project that brings together artificial intelligence, photonics and quantum technologies, progressively integrating AI and quantum technologies based on atoms and photons with the photonics, manufacturing and advanced networks value chain. AI-PHOQUS establishes a multidisciplinary infrastructure that promotes collaboration between public and private stakeholders and the development of new services and technologies, benefiting both the scientific community and businesses, with strategic applications in the fields of healthcare, industry, energy and the environment.

At the heart of the project is the enhancement of the LENS research infrastructure, internationally recognised for excellence in photonics, its applications, and quantum science and technology, through the establishment of three potential new nodes in Naples, Lecce and Messina.

The enhancement will rely on the synergistic contribution of other infrastructures: I-PHOQS (a network established under the PNRR by the LENS, CUSBO, BeyondNano and ELI research infrastructures) for expertise in photonics and quantum technologies; SoBigData (an ESFRI-pathway research infrastructure strengthened through the PNRR) for big data management and the development of AI systems, with a focus on open science and the ethical use of data; SLICES (an ESFRI research infrastructure), supporting the evolution of the Internet, including the integration of classical and quantum networks; and EUAPS (a research infrastructure established under the PNRR) for high-energy laser sources.

In this way, AI-PHOQUS aims to contribute to economic development and technological innovation in Italy, with particular attention to the growth and strengthening of research infrastructures in Southern Italy.

AI-PHOQUS involves a broad national partnership comprising the National Research Council (CNR), IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, the University of Messina, Politecnico di Milano, the University of L’Aquila, the University of Pisa, the University of Genoa, Scuola Normale Superiore, the University of Palermo, Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Catania, and the University of Bologna.

Funding: National Research Programme for Research, Innovation and Competitiveness for the Green and Digital Transition 2021–2027 (PN RIC 2021–2027), under MUR Public Notice No. 310 of 18 March 2025 – Action 1.1.1

CUP: B83C26000470007

Start date: 1 June 2026

End date: 31 May 2029

Application areas: AI, Big Data, photonics, quantum technologies, classical/quantum networks, high-energy lasers.

Project Coordinator at ICAR: Giuseppe Manco and Stefano Silvestri

Website: https://www.ai-phoqus.eu/