EQUIVALEMT is a European project that aims to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Europe by creating a pan-European Quantum Innovation Valley. It promotes collaboration between regional innovation ecosystems, encouraging joint experimentation, knowledge transfer, and co-investment in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications. By engaging with businesses, universities, research centres and institutions, EQUIVALEMT seeks to bolster Europe's ability to convert research into innovation, facilitate the development of scalable solutions, and promote European leadership in deep tech.

As part of the project, the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering at Politecnico di Milano is leading on two key activities. The first activity involves mapping the European quantum technology ecosystem in order to identify key players, analyse best practices and formulate recommendations to promote innovation uptake. The second activity involves strengthening innovation capabilities and collaboration across the quantum sector's value chain by developing shared knowledge management tools, promoting collaborative networks, and supporting the scalability of technologies.

The department is also coordinating the “Entrepreneurship and Value Chain Collaboration” work package, which aims to foster growth in the European entrepreneurial ecosystem within the quantum technologies sector. This involves engaging with SMEs and start-ups, defining co-investment strategies and joint action plans, strengthening cooperation between research, industry and institutions, and supporting access to new markets and funding opportunities.