The official kick-off ceremony of QIQO - Quantum Information & Quantum Optics hub - took place on July 16th, marking the beginning of this joint initiative between IPFN and Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT).

The collaboration protocol was signed by Bruno Gonçalves (IPFN) and Paulo André (IT Board Member), in the distinguished presence of Rogério Colaço, Dean of Instituto Superior Técnico (photo feature).

QIQO will be co-led by Emmanuel Zambrini Cruzeiro (IT) and Hugo Terças (GoLP/IPFN), combining their expertise in quantum information, quantum optics, and cold atom physics. This dual-leadership model is designed to foster strong interdisciplinary collaboration across theoretical and experimental domains.

The steering board includes Hugo Terças, Emmanuel Zambrini Cruzeiro, Paulo André, Bruno Gonçalves, and Luís Oliveira e Silva (IST).

QIQO aims to become a center of excellence in quantum technologies, with a focus on communications, computing, cryptography, and sensing. It will also provide advanced training in collaboration with Técnico’s Department of Physics (DF) and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC). The hub integrates two of Técnico’s most advanced labs: Quantum Matter Lab (QuMatt@GoLP/IPFN) and Quantum Photonics Lab (QuLab@IT)

This initiative responds to the growing need for cohesion within Portugal’s quantum research community, which remains fragmented and still in an embryonic phase. QIQO is anchored in more than €1.25 million in infrastructure, with expansion plans already underway.

Emmanuel Cruzeiro Zambrin states that "with the establishment of QIQO Lab, IST will deliver advanced education in quantum information and quantum optics for years to come."

More about QuLab: