Alfredo Troiano, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Netcom Group and Sole Director of QuantumNet, discusses the opportunities, applications and challenges of quantum computing on Digitalia.
Quantum computing is emerging as one of the most promising frontiers of technological innovation. While still at an early stage of development, it is already opening new perspectives in fields ranging from optimization and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and the management of complex infrastructures.
These were some of the key topics discussed by Alfredo Troiano, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Netcom Group and Sole Director of QuantumNet, during his appearance on Digitalia, in a special episode dedicated to quantum computing.
From bits to qubits: a new computing paradigm
Unlike classical computers, which process information using bits represented as 0s and 1s, quantum computers rely on qubits, exploiting phenomena such as superposition, entanglement and interference.
The difference is not simply a matter of computational power. Quantum computing introduces a fundamentally different approach to solving problems, making it particularly promising for specific classes of highly complex problems.
At the same time, building and operating quantum computers remains extremely challenging. Quantum states are highly sensitive to their surrounding environment and can easily lose their properties through a phenomenon known as decoherence. Different technological approaches are therefore being explored, including superconducting circuits, trapped ions and photonic systems.
From theory to real-world applications
The real potential of quantum computing becomes particularly interesting when moving from theoretical concepts to concrete applications.
One example discussed during the podcast concerns the classification of hazelnut varieties. Quantum algorithms have been explored to classify different varieties based on characteristics such as leaves or fruit. The results obtained through experimentation were particularly promising, highlighting the potential of quantum approaches for classification problems.
Another area of research is optimization, one of the fields where quantum computing could have a significant impact. Together with QuantumNet, Netcom is exploring optimization algorithms for smart cities, starting with traffic management and traffic-light optimization.
Interestingly, an algorithm initially tested through simulation also produced promising results when run on a real quantum computer. The experiment raised an intriguing hypothesis: quantum noise, rather than simply being an obstacle, may in some cases help represent the complexity and unpredictability of real-world environments such as urban traffic.
Quantum Computing and Smart Cities
The evolution of smart cities will increasingly depend on the ability to process and optimize enormous amounts of interconnected information.
Traffic lights, vehicles, sensors, weather conditions and other infrastructure components generate continuously changing data. Managing these variables simultaneously represents a complex optimization challenge.
Quantum algorithms could eventually contribute to solving these problems by exploring new ways of processing and optimizing complex scenarios.
The goal is not necessarily to make quantum computers visible to citizens. On the contrary, their impact could remain largely invisible, with quantum computing operating behind the digital services and cloud infrastructures that support increasingly intelligent cities.
The post-quantum cybersecurity challenge
Quantum computing also introduces a major challenge for cybersecurity.
The development of sufficiently powerful quantum computers could threaten some of the cryptographic techniques currently used to protect digital communications and information. This has led to growing interest in post-quantum cryptography, aimed at developing encryption methods capable of resisting future quantum attacks.
Another promising technology is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which uses the principles of quantum physics to enable secure key exchange.
Preparing for the quantum era therefore means not only developing new quantum technologies, but also ensuring that today’s digital infrastructure can evolve before quantum computers become capable of posing a practical threat.
Quantum Computing and critical infrastructure
One of the most significant long-term applications of quantum computing could concern critical infrastructure.
Transport networks, telecommunications, financial systems, healthcare, energy facilities and other strategic infrastructures increasingly rely on complex digital models and interconnected systems.
Quantum algorithms could support the simulation of highly complex scenarios, optimization processes, resilience analysis and the development of digital twins capable of modelling different possible situations.
In this perspective, quantum computing is not simply about achieving faster calculations. It is about developing new tools to understand, simulate and manage systems whose complexity continues to grow.
The importance of new skills
The transition to quantum computing also requires a new approach to software development.
Quantum software cannot simply be created by translating classical programs into a different programming language. Problems often need to be reformulated in terms of quantum circuits and algorithms, requiring a different way of thinking about computation.
For this reason, education and training are becoming essential elements of the quantum ecosystem.
QuantumNet, together with the University of Naples Federico II, has developed a free Quantum Computing Academy aimed at introducing students and STEM graduates to the foundations of quantum computing through both theoretical and practical activities.
The availability of new talent will be a key factor in turning quantum computing from a research topic into a technology capable of generating concrete industrial value.
NetCom Group and QuantumNet: investing in quantum innovation
The commitment to quantum computing is part of a broader innovation strategy.
In 2021, Netcom’s President, together with physicist Ciro Da Dio and engineer Alfredo Troiano, founded QuantumNet, a startup focused on quantum computing software solutions and quantum algorithms.
The objective is to contribute to the development of practical applications while building the expertise required to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Quantum computing is still in its early stages, and many of the most ambitious applications remain a long-term prospect. However, experimentation, research and the development of skills are already laying the foundations for the next generation of computing.
Looking ahead
The future of quantum computing will not necessarily mean having a quantum computer on every desk. More likely, users and businesses will access quantum capabilities indirectly, through cloud platforms, specialized services and digital infrastructures.
What matters today is understanding where quantum computing can create real value, experimenting with its potential and preparing for the technological changes it will bring.
The conversation with Alfredo Troiano on Digitalia offers an accessible overview of this rapidly evolving field — from qubits and quantum algorithms to smart cities, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure and the skills needed to shape the quantum future.
Listen to the full episode of Digitalia #837 – “Speciale Quantum Computing” to explore the topic in greater depth.
