The Quantum Technologies Center and the USP Embrapii Network aim to drive innovation, foster scientific integration, and strengthen the University's role in this strategic field
In October, USP inaugurated the Center of Excellence in Quantum Sciences and Technologies, an initiative that brings together laboratories and researchers from various units with the goal of consolidating the University's presence in one of the most promising fields of contemporary science. Coordinated by professor Vanderlei Bagnato, from the Institute of Physics of São Carlos (IFSC), the initiative seeks to integrate existing competencies within USP and strengthen Brazil's position in the global race for quantum technology leadership, a field that encompasses everything from computing to sensors and ultra-precise, secure communication systems.
According to Bagnato, the creation of this center reflects a global movement of scientific organization and collaboration aimed at addressing challenges and seizing opportunities brought about by the so-called "second quantum revolution." He explained that "these technologies have been part of our daily lives for decades, in things like lasers, transistors, and magnetic resonance imaging. The difference now is that quantum effects are no longer behind the scenes, they are taking center stage, underpinning new applications in sensing, communication, and computing".
The professor emphasized that these three areas - sensing, communication, and computing - form the foundation of quantum science and are at the core of modern society. He noted that "quantum sensors, for example, can detect diseases, monitor groundwater levels, or measure environmental changes with unprecedented precision. Quantum communication promises faster and more secure transmissions, while quantum computers will be able to solve problems that are currently impossible for conventional machines".
Bagnato stressed that the new group is not limited to theoretical physics but aims to focus on practical applications across multiple fields. He pointed that "we will also work in life sciences, agriculture, and atomic metrology. The idea is to coordinate laboratories, support those that need reinforcement, and organize international collaborations." According to him, USP already maintains partnerships with scientists from foreign universities and with leading companies in quantum technology, and this network of cooperation is expected to expand.
"Brazil cannot be left out of this revolution," Bagnato concluded. "USP has an almost complete infrastructure, with excellent groups in both theory and experimentation. The center will allow us to coordinate these capabilities and participate meaningfully in the global development of this technology, which will undoubtedly shape the future".
For USP's President, professor Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior, the formation of this group represents an institutional milestone. He added that "at the University, we have dozens of schools, colleges, and institutes with well-established activities. By creating interunit centers and nuclei, we establish a parallel layer to these administrative structures - between them and society - to give faculty greater freedom and interdisciplinarity. We want these centers to be able to address concrete questions and remain at the frontier of knowledge while always staying connected to our academic units. They do not replace the units but add agility and quality to what we do".
Carlotti also highlighted the collaborative spirit behind this type of initiative. He noted that "it fosters integration and dynamism. Researchers from across the University were invited to participate, ensuring that the center is truly collective and representative. When USP creates a center like this and associates its name with quantum technology, it greatly enhances our visibility on the international stage and shows that we are ready to take part in the major scientific and technological transformations of our time".
Another initiative launched in October at USP São Carlos was the creation of the USP Embrapii Network, a collaborative platform that brings together the nine USP units accredited by the Brazilian Company for Industrial Research and Innovation (Embrapii). The goal is to consolidate expertise and enhance cooperation among USP research groups already engaged in partnerships with the productive sector. The network also seeks to increase the University's visibility within the national innovation ecosystem and facilitate joint projects with companies in areas ranging from healthcare and engineering to artificial intelligence.
The Embrapii model is based on tripartite collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Bagnato explained that "the system operates under a matching-fund scheme: one-third of the investment comes from Embrapii, another from partner companies, and the remainder is contributed by the University in the form of infrastructure, personnel, and knowledge. It's a model that generates real innovation, products, and jobs". He emphasized that USP currently holds the highest number of Embrapii-accredited units in Brazil and that "our unit in São Carlos alone has carried out nearly one hundred projects, resulting in forty products on the market and more than R$160 million in tax revenue. These are tangible outcomes that show how science can be transformed into social and economic benefit".
According to him, the creation of the network represents a strategic milestone. He explained that "each unit has its own area of expertise, such as optics, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, or civil engineering. Now we can combine forces. A company can approach the USP Embrapii Network and access, in one place, the full range of competencies across all our areas. This makes us far more competitive and attractive. We will have a unified website, annual events, patent training courses, and a communication channel to showcase the progress of each unit. The idea is to show who we are and what we are capable of".
For USP's President, the creation of the USP Embrapii Network also reflects a spirit of synergy. He noted that "when we took office, there were only a few Embrapii units at USP, and many operated in isolation. Coordinators faced challenges in engaging with companies and navigating the system's bureaucracy. So the idea was to bring everyone together, foster collaboration, and allow experienced teams to support those just starting out. We created a support structure, hired staff, and encouraged the formation of this network so that units could share experiences and work more cohesively".
Carlotti emphasized that "it is important to note that the Embrapii units remain autonomous - we are not creating a 'super Embrapii' within the University. Quite the opposite: the goal is to provide support so that each coordinator, with their unique approach, can achieve even greater results. This structure will consolidate innovation at USP and enhance our capacity to engage with the productive sector, without losing the diversity and creativity that define our research groups".