EDHEC Quantum Institute

This initiative positions EDHEC Business School at the forefront of a global movement, aligning with the school’s commitment to shaping students and future leaders capable of leveraging quantum advancements for economic and societal progress.

• (Nov. 2025) Download the press release "EDHEC Business School launches Quantum Institute" (pdf)
• (April 2025) EDHEC Vox "4 questions to Lionel Martellini about his research in finance and... in astrophysics and quantum physics!"

FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND QUANTUM REVOLUTION

The first quantum revolution was driven by advances in quantum mechanics, a branch of theoretical physics developed in the early part of the 20th century from the research of pioneers such as Planck, Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg and Schrödinger. 

Interested in physical phenomena at the atomic and subatomic scale that classical physics could not explain, quantum mechanics has not only reshaped our fundamental understanding of the universe, but it has also led to the development of various technologies we rely on for daily applications: semi-conductors and transistors, lasers, MRI scanners, atomic clocks, etc.

Since the turn of the new millennium, a second quantum revolution has been gradually taking shape, promising to transform industries such as finance, energy, cybersecurity, space, and biotechnology. This new era is characterized by the ability to actively prepare, control, and measure quantum states, enabling quantum knowledge to be embedded directly into the design and manufacture of advanced technologies. 

While their full potential has yet to unfold, there is little doubt that these new quantum technologies will transform industries in profound and lasting ways, from such as quantum computing (for solving complex optimisation problems in finance, climate modelling, and logistics), quantum simulation (for the development of new drugs and materials), quantum information (to achieve faster and more secure data processing for telecommunications, cryptography, and cybersecurity), to quantum metrology (for ultra-precise measurements).

Recognizing the vast potential of this field and marking the centenary of the mathematical foundations laid by Heisenberg and Schrödinger, the United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This global initiative aims to raise public awareness of quantum research and its applications, while encouraging efforts by leading research centres and major industrial players across data science, engineering, energy, and information technology. In France, the government has launched a national quantum strategy for 2021–2025, backed by a more than €1 billion investment, to support these developments.

A 'QUANTUM' MOMENTUM, FERTILE GROUND FOR MAJOR FUTURE INNOVATIONS

By creating a dedicated institute, the EDHEC Quantum Institute, led by Lionel Martellini, Professor at EDHEC, holder of a PhD in finance and astrophysics, and a former member of the LIGO international collaboration for the detection of gravitational waves, EDHEC Business School is choosing to fully engage with this momentum. 

This strategic move reflects EDHEC’s broader mission to diversify its research portfolio, integrating science and technology as pillars of its academic and societal impact. Its ambition is to translate advances in quantum science into opportunities for economic growth and societal progress, in line with the School’s strategy and identity. 

Through new research and education programmes, EQI will empower students, executives, and policymakers to understand and harness quantum logic, ensuring that EDHEC graduates and partners are equipped to lead in this new era.

Lionel Martellini : "Quantum physics is too often presented as incomprehensible, even esoteric - grounded in mysterious notions such as superposition or entanglement. Yet quantum technologies are neither magical nor mystical; they embody our best effort to harness the logic through which nature has written the laws of the physical world at its most fundamental level. Applied research programs must therefore be accompanied by awareness and training initiatives devoted to this quantum logic, aimed at economic and political decision-makers, the general public, and students alike. From “mystery to mastery”: reclaiming the quantum narrative and transforming fascination into understanding is essential to foster the informed adoption of quantum technologies as a driver of knowledge and innovation for the benefit of society"

RESEARCH, EDUCATION, INNOVATION, AND OUTREACH

Set to launch in early 2026, the EDHEC Quantum Institute is founded on an ecosystem driven by a strong research culture and track record, and is supported by a privileged partnership with EURECOM - a leading digital engineering school and world-renowned research centre whose governance includes 15 other international institutions (founding member: Institut Mines Telecom).

This collaboration with an institution covering key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and future networks has led to the creation of a new joint laboratory on quantum communication systems, enhancing EDHEC’s capacity to bridge quantum science with practical applications, reinforcing its position as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation. 

EQI’s mission is anchored in four strategic pillars: Research, Education, Innovation, and Outreach.

Research forms the central pillar and foundational basis for all activities of the EDHEC Quantum Institute. In its initial phase, the Institute will focus on three initiatives: The EDHEC Foundations of Quantum Mechanics Initiative, The EDHEC Quantum Technologies for Finance and Insurance Initiative and the EDHEC Quantum Technologies for Information and Communications Initiative, which will host the Joint Lab with EURECOM; the aim of this lab is to develop a scientific programme on quantum technologies applied to information and communication, involving a team of researchers from both institutions and led on the EURECOM side by Prof. Arun Padakandla. 

These initiatives will blend cutting-edge research with real-world applications to advance understanding in quantum foundations promote innovation in applications of quantum technologies to the financial industry or for secure communication systems and cyber security, positioning EDHEC as a leading institution in the emerging field of applied quantum research.

EQI will also educate students and executives to bridge the gap between deep tech and business, foster innovation through startups and corporate partnerships, and engage the public to build broader understanding.

Emmanuel Métais : "EDHEC is continuing its development by opening up new horizons for its research, building on its successes in the fields of finance, climate and law. With this launch, we are taking a bold step into science and technology, reinforcing our tradition of impactful research and preparing our community to lead in the quantum age. EDHEC will integrate quantum science into actionable solutions for industries and educational programs, ensuring tangible benefits for businesses and society"