This goal takes shape through the QUANTUMABLE-2 project, which focuses on manufacturing and testing the components that will make this new type of light-based chip possible.

The project is part of the Valencian Community's Quantum Communication Plan, a collaborative effort between the University of Valencia, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the University of Alicante, and CEU Cardenal Herrera University. Together, these institutions are driving a new wave of innovation to position the Valencian Community as a leader in quantum technologies applied to fields such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

In this regard, Jose Capmany, head of the project, highlighted that "quantum science does not advance only within laboratories, it is also built thanks to alliances between universities, shared talent and a commitment to strong public research.".

An emerging field that is growing rapidly

The project falls within the field of programmable integrated photonics, a research area that is gaining prominence worldwide. Although the term may sound complex, the underlying idea is simple: to create chips that operate using light and can be adapted to different tasks without having to manufacture a new one each time.

This line of work is based on an architecture designed by the ITEAM-PRL group of the Universitat Politècnica de València, already transferred to the spinoff company iPronics Programmable Photonics.

Technical challenges that bring the future closer

QUANTUMABLE-2 is facing one of the most important steps in the process: bringing theoretical designs into reality. To do this, the team is manufacturing and testing the photonic building blocks that will form the future reconfigurable quantum chip. This phase is essential to verify that each piece functions correctly and can be integrated into a complete device.

Much of the work focuses on getting light to flow through the chip with minimal loss, even when different materials are involved. Solutions for manufacturing more compact chips are also being explored, a key aspect in quantum applications where precision is paramount.

As the project manager explained, “transforming a design on paper into a real chip is one of the most complex challenges, but also the moment when ideas begin to become technology.”.

A breakthrough with industrial potential

The overall goal of QUANTUMABLE-2 is to expand the capabilities of current photonic chips so they can also work with quantum information. If this phase is successful, it will pave the way for a prototype that could potentially reach industry.

Communications and digital security are the sectors that could benefit most from this advancement. These are areas that will be essential in the technological transformation of the coming years.

A university that looks to the future through research

This project is one of eleven that make up the Quantum Communication Plan, led by four prestigious universities: the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), the University of Valencia (UV), the University of Alicante (UA), and the CEU Cardenal Herrera University (CEU-UCH). Together, these initiatives encompass a wide range of research and development lines with the aim of promoting quantum technology and its applications in strategic areas such as telecommunications and cybersecurity, thus consolidating the Valencian Community as a leader in technological innovation at both the national and international levels.

With over half a century of history, the Universitat Politècnica de València is a leading public institution in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer. With nearly 28,000 students, 2,500 faculty and researchers, and 1,500 administrative and support staff, the UPV maintains a constant commitment to innovation and technological development.

“Quantum science progresses when we combine capabilities and look beyond the present,” concluded Jose Capmany. “Our goal at the UPV is for the research we conduct to translate into useful innovations that add value and become integrated into people’s lives.”.

About the Valencian Plan for Quantum Communication

The Complementary Plan for Quantum Communications is part of the EU Resilience Plan and has a total budget of €76 million. This plan aims to promote research and development in the field of quantum communications, a key technology for the future of telecommunications.

The Valencian Community is one of the communities that have participated in this project since 2022, along with Castile and León, Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia and the Community of Madrid, as well as the Higher Council for Scientific Research.

In the case of the Valencian Community, the funding for this plan comes mostly from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, which provides 65% of the funds, equivalent to €1,169,671.10, while the remaining 35%, some €629,822.90, is financed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment.