First Long-Distance Quantum Communication Network Naples-Rome Starts from Naples
Naples, March 26, 2026 – The first long-distance quantum communication network, connecting Naples with Rome, has officially commenced operations. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the MedITech Competence Center and the University of Naples Federico II, in partnership with TIM Group and Exprivia, signifies a pivotal advancement in the commercialization of quantum cryptography technologies within Italy. The project solidifies Naples’ position as a national hub for quantum security.
The primary objective of this endeavor is to establish a robust, long-distance hybrid communication network designed to securely link two critical data centers. These centers are strategically located at MedITech’s headquarters on the Frederick Campus in San Giovanni a Teduccio and the TIM Group’s Acilia hub. The network is engineered to manage secure 1 Gbit/s links, ensuring high-capacity and unparalleled security.
Innovative Hybrid Architecture for Enhanced Security
The initiative leverages TIM Enterprise’s advanced digital infrastructure, augmented by the specialized expertise of Telsy, the Group’s competence center for cybersecurity and cryptography, and its subsidiary QTI, a leader in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solutions. A key innovation of this project is the integration of dedicated fiber with a commercial Gigabit Ethernet network, introducing hybrid solutions encompassing both Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and QKD. This pioneering architecture establishes a nationwide distributed model, utilizing TIM’s extensive fiber backbone to deliver advanced cryptographic protection. This protection is resilient against current cyber threats and prepared to counteract the potential risks posed by future quantum computers.
This development inaugurates the first Quantum WAN over Gigabit Ethernet fiber in Europe, enabling long-distance quantum communications with full interoperability with Naples’ pre-existing QMAN metro network.
Strategic Importance of Quantum Communication
Angelo Giuliana, General Manager of the MedITech Competence Center, emphasized the strategic importance of this achievement. “Quantum communication and cryptography represent today two strategic assets of MedITech, which, with their high level of technological maturity, are capable of guaranteeing high standards of security in data transmission and convincing openings to the market. Their development is made increasingly urgent by the rapid evolution of quantum computers. Ensuring the protection of critical information is no longer a desiderata, but an absolute must-have.”
Giuliana further highlighted that the development of the Naples-Rome hybrid network demonstrates the Italian ecosystem’s capability to construct concrete and competitive business solutions. “On these issues, our Competence Center has been active since 2024, having coordinated and supported an ecosystem of small and large companies, in strong synergy with the University of Naples Federico II, that have experimented and worked on building quantum cryptography solutions and its applications.”
Exprivia’s Role in Application Development
Exprivia is set to play a crucial role in defining and industrializing application use cases. This involves integrating quantum technologies into real application architectures and accelerating their market transferability across vital sectors such as Healthcare, Energy, and Enterprise. Specifically, Exprivia’s contributions will include safeguarding highly sensitive diagnostic image sharing in healthcare, securing links between edge energy management systems and cloud platforms, and fortifying Enterprise Resource Planning (SAP) platforms used by manufacturers and distributors.
The protection of critical infrastructure, both energy-related and otherwise, stands as a primary application area for quantum technologies, with direct implications for national security. In this context, quantum-safe solutions are poised to become a foundational element of future national and European digital infrastructures.
The project receives funding under the PNRR – Next Generation EU program, Mission 4 (M4C2I2.3).
Validation of New Architectures and Industrial Maturity
Giampiero Pepe, Professor of Experimental Physics of Matter at the University of Naples Federico II and MedITech Scientific Responsible for Quantum activities, commented on the project’s significance. “The work done by MedITech and Federico II for the realization of this new quantum communication network allows the validation of new QKD-PQC hybrid architectures directly on a real quantum safe data communication infrastructure, ready for the development of concrete industrial use cases, true anticipations of a ready-to-market scenario of these new technologies.”
Pepe further explained that network encryption technologies are vital for data security applications, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of transmitted information. The integration of diverse cryptographic approaches with quantum solutions, as demonstrated in the new WMAN experimentation, provides enhanced security levels and more reliable data protection, even if a single cryptographic algorithm or protocol is compromised.
Federico II’s Commitment to Quantum Technologies
The University of Naples Federico II has a long-standing commitment to Quantum Technologies, encompassing both communication and computation. Following the inauguration of the first multi-node quantum network in 2024 and the construction of Italy’s first quantum computer in 2025, this new hybrid network challenge further underscores the university’s achieved industrial maturity. This maturity is characterized by a high level of technological innovation in adopted solutions and the full utilization of Made in Italy technology. The Federico II contributes its wealth of research infrastructure and scientific expertise, alongside its comprehensive training program in quantum technologies, forming a fundamental cornerstone for the significant developments witnessed in Campania in recent years.
Italy’s Leadership in Quantum-Safe Technologies
Alessandra Michelini, Managing Director of Telsy, highlighted Italy’s leadership. “With the implementation of the first long-range quantum communication network Naples-Rome, Italy shows that it has reached a concrete maturity in bringing quantum-safe technologies out of the laboratories and into the real infrastructure. It is in the ability to make a system, between industry, academia and research, that this project expresses its most authentic value: from the integration between QKD and PQC to use cases in healthcare and energy, where data protection becomes an enabling factor. In this scenario, the TIM Group’s contribution is increasingly decisive in translating technological complexity into reliable and scalable solutions, strengthening the cybersecurity of critical infrastructures and accompanying the country towards a new paradigm of digital resilience.”
Domenico Favuzzi, Exprivia President and CEO, added, “The Quantum Safe infrastructure paves the way for a new paradigm for the security of critical data for both businesses and the public administration. With this project Exprivia strengthens its role in ecosystems of excellence and contributes to the development of innovative architectures, validating concrete use cases that are immediately transferable to the market. This is a fundamental step to address the security challenges related to the evolution of quantum computing.”
This experimentation, promoted by the MedITech Competence Center and the University of Naples Federico II, represents a tangible step towards a scalable quantum security model. This model is facilitated by a supply chain that spans from research to technology transfer, engaging significant industrial players to ensure the adoption of emerging technologies by companies and public administrations.
Source: https://www.unina.it/en/w/da-napoli-parte-la-prima-rete-di-comunicazione-quantistica-a-lunga-distanza-napoli-roma?redirect=%2Fen%2Ff2-magazine
