Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy at the European Commission, visits ICFO

Yesterday, after her visit to the Quantum Flagship stand at MWC25, ICFO had the honor of welcoming Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy at the European Commission to the center. After her visit to the Quantum Flagship stand, curated by ICFO, at Mobile World Congress 2025 in the early afternoon, Virkkunen visited the research center to gather insights on the different ongoing research initiatives and programs. As a strong advocate for scientific and technological advancement in Europe, Ms. Virkkunen expressed keen interest in the photonics and quantum technology projects ongoing at the center, such as quantum secure communications (Quantum Secure Network Partnership), quantum internet (Quantum Internet Alliance) and quantum computing and simulation (Pasquans²), and the nano fabrication facilities as well, which will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Photonics Integrated Chips Pilot Line PIXEurope, coordinated by ICFO.

Her visit underscored the European Commission’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and innovation, ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of scientific and technological development. By engaging with renowned research institutions in the field of quantum technologies such as ICFO, Ms. Virkkunen aims to advance the frontiers of science and strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

During the visit, she had the opportunity to explore ICFO’s state-of-the-art clean room facilities in the Mir-Puig building, guided by the NFL staff Paula Diaz, visit the QUIONE lab led by ICREA Prof. at ICFO Leticia Tarruell, interact with the experts ICREA Prof. Valerio Pruneri, director of the PIXEurope Pilot line, and ICFO spin-off companies Quside, with CEO Carlos Abellan, and LuxQuanta, with CEO Vanesa Diaz, and gain insights into the institute’s groundbreaking contributions to photonics and quantum technologies. Her support for such initiatives reflects a clear vision of reinforcing Europe’s position as a leader in scientific excellence and innovation.

The visit concluded with closing remarks by ICFO director Oriol Romero-Isart, who acknowledged the significant importance of her visit and the support given by the EC in advancing frontier research in Europe. The visit ended with final words from Virkkunen, addressing ICFOnians, thanking them with an inspiring speech on how important collaborative research conducted at the center is to maintain European technological leadership worldwide.

ICFO is honored to contribute to this shared mission and looks forward to a continued collaboration with the European Commission in driving forward scientific progress for a sustainable impact on society.