Leonardo Launches Solvers Wanted to push Quantum Innovation
Leonardo launches the “Solvers Wanted” challenge to bridge quantum theory and practice.
Overview
Leonardo Technology's latest Solvers Wanted challenge, “Beyond Classical Limits,” promotes quantum imaging, communication, and sensing. This research attempts to bridge theoretical lab experiments and actual implementations by creating scalable, reliable quantum and photonics solutions. Researchers and startups can suggest innovative quantum LiDAR algorithms, optical links, and modeling methods. Successful candidates will work with the firm's professionals to create a Proof of Concept and get up to €30,000. Winners also receive professional mentoring and Leonardo Innovation Labs infrastructure. This project shows the company's commitment to open innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Quantum Information Needed
Leonardo is leading the quantum revolution as technology evolves. The company thinks quantum technology and advanced photonic systems will drive the next generation of imaging, communication, and sensor applications. The sources claim that these technologies can outperform traditional methods in information content, accuracy, and robustness.
There is still a major obstacle. Quantum prototypes have showed promise under lab conditions, but their deployment in unexpected real-world environments is technologically challenging. Leonardo's new task is to turn experimental prototypes into scalable, reliable, and valuable solutions.
Three Innovation Pillars
Instead of a broad request for ideas, the aim is to research three high-priority areas:
Quantum Sensing Modeling and Innovative Solutions: Finding ways to measure and detect physical quantities with unprecedented accuracy. Free-Space Optical Links and Quantum Communications: Quantum physics improves security and speeds up data transport.
Algorithms and Techniques for Real-Time DVE Quantum LiDAR: Emphasizing “Degraded Visual Environment” (DVE) capabilities, which helicopters and airplanes need in smoke, dust, or heavy rain. Leonardo is working with entrepreneurs, self-employed researchers, and start-ups with quick thinking and specific knowledge to advance photonics and quantum physics.
Prizes and Opportunities for Partnership
In addition to financial advantages, the “Solvers Wanted” portal provides direct access to Leonardo's industrial ecosystem. Two key competitive tracks:
Technology Challenge winner receives €30,000 cash. More importantly, they will gain access to Leonardo Innovation Labs and start a 12-month partnership with the company to produce a Proof of Concept.
The Infrastructure Challenge: This challenge is for those who flourish in certain technology environments. The winner receives €10,000 and uses Leonardo's specialist infrastructure to test and refine their solutions.
In addition to these accolades, Leonardo's Team for Innovation will help recipients launch their solutions and promote their brand at major industry events.
A Record Year for Leonardo Innovation
Leonardo's “Open Innovation” policy faces a quantum challenge at a peak period. With almost 1,000 entries, the company announced that its Innovation Award 2025 had reached a record high, demonstrating global IT community participation.
Companies' strategic and financial health reflect this dynamic. On February 25, 2026, the Board of Directors reviewed the preliminary 2025 findings and decided that long-term growth and industrial planning were prioritized. Leonardo expands its global reach and partner network. Recent deals include a high-profile C-27J MPA deal with Saudi Arabia and a major cyber defense partnership with the Indra Group.
Function of Leonardo Innovation Labs
These projects require the Leonardo Innovation Labs network and davinci-1 supercomputer. These centers encourage knowledge transfer and collaborative research across Leonardo's Cyber & Security, Electronics, Helicopters, Aeronautics, and Space business divisions.
Leonardo intends to incorporate cutting-edge quantum research into its Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and other sustainability programs like supply chain decarbonization by inviting outside "solvers."
In conclusion, seeking tomorrow's problem-solvers
Leonardo uses the “Solvers Wanted” challenge to maintain its technical edge in a competitive global market. Instead of making incremental advancements, the company is focusing on quantum sensing and communication to create “beyond classical” technologies that will transform aerospace and defense.
As the deadline approaches, the international scientific community is encouraged to submit ideas that could change how we see, interact with, and protect our planet. Leonardo knows the future is quantum, and the search for its designers has begun.
What Solvers Want?
Leonardo created the digital portal Solvers Wanted to find cutting-edge technology solutions from research centers, startups, and universities. The platform addresses unique technological issues in artificial intelligence, quantum sensing, and aerospace using demand-driven innovation. Competition categories range from early-stage research partnerships to industrial patent utilization. These tasks earn innovators direct contracts and membership in the Leonardo Team for Innovation. Finally, this program speeds up the process of finding and evaluating creative ideas to achieve the group's strategic industrial goals.
