Istella joins HAQCES (HPC, AI, and Quantum solutions for CybErsecurity and Sustainability), an applied research project selected under the Italian Ministry of University and Research’s Synergy Grant 2026 call and coordinated by the ICSC National Centre. As announced by ICSC in its official press release, the initiative aims to create an integrated national ecosystem combining High Performance Computing, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to develop industrial demonstrators at a high level of technological maturity in cybersecurity and sustainability.

With a total project budget of €5.8 million and over €4.67 million in funding from the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), HAQCES represents a significant national initiative to strengthen Italy’s research and innovation capabilities. The project brings together expertise developed through four major national initiatives funded under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)—ICSC, NQSTI, FAIR and RESTART—and involves, alongside Istella, CINECA, CNR, Politecnico di Milano, the University of Padua, ThinkQuantum, Intesa Sanpaolo and Algorithmiq Italia.

HAQCES explores the convergence of supercomputing, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, with the aim of turning advanced computing capabilities, data and models into scalable, reusable solutions for businesses and public administrations. Activities will focus, among other areas, on protecting the security and privacy of data used to train AI models, post-quantum cryptography, financial fraud prevention, and the development of trustworthy and sustainable AI models.

Within this framework, Istella will contribute to the development of new language models and proprietary components, drawing on its expertise in integrating artificial intelligence with advanced computing capabilities. Project funding will support the development of technology assets underpinning new AI applications for increasingly complex enterprise use cases, strengthening the company’s ability to bring sovereign, secure and technologically competitive AI solutions to market.

Taking part in this project is a source of pride for Istella and a significant milestone in our innovation journey. Participation in the partnership highlights the expertise and technology assets the company has developed over time and strengthens its role in Italy’s innovation ecosystem. It also contributes to the development and continuous improvement of European, sovereign and trustworthy AI: AI designed to turn data and knowledge into tangible value for businesses and institutions, while ensuring control over security, governance and technological autonomy.