Startup Tales | G2Q Computing: The Startup That Brings Together AI and Quantum Mechanics to Transform Finance and Aerospace

20 February 2026
Innovation Center, Startup Development, What if, Startup Tales, startup

In a world where data is becoming increasingly complex, abundant, and difficult to interpret, G2Q Computing brings into everyday reality what until a few years ago seemed confined to research laboratories: software that integrates quantum mechanics, high-performance computing, and advanced optimization and artificial intelligence algorithms. The goal is to help companies and institutions work with complex, large-scale, or hard-to-interpret data using more than just traditional tools.

Ekaterina Polyakova - G2Q Computing Ekaterina Polyakova - G2Q Computing

From Research to Market: The Origins of G2Q Computing

The startup was founded in 2023 through the combination of expertise in financial modeling, quantum physics, machine learning, and engineering. The underlying insight is that many contemporary problems—fraud detection, risk analysis, interpretation of complex images, network optimization—are exceeding the limits that can be addressed through classical approaches.

The two founders, Ekaterina Polyakova and Leonardo Chhabra, come from different backgrounds but share the same passion for quantum technologies in the financial sector. Ekaterina studied at Bocconi University in Milan and completed a Master’s degree in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management. She has over 11 years of experience in quantitative finance and software development. Before founding G2Q Computing, she worked for major banking groups, focusing on financial modeling and risk management. At G2Q, she leads technological strategy and the application of advanced models in projects with financial institutions and industrial partners.

Leonardo Chhabra is Co-founder and COO/CTO of G2Q Computing. He is a mechanical engineer with a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Warwick in the UK. His main professional experience was at the European Central Bank, where he worked on the validation of mathematical models used for pricing complex derivative instruments. In particular, he specializes in computational architectures and highly reliable quantitative systems. At G2Q, he coordinates product development, solution engineering, and the integration of optimization and machine learning models across different verticals.

In just over two years since its founding, the Milan-based startup has grown significantly. Today, in addition to the two co-founders, the team includes seven other members—researchers, developers, and engineers—with expertise ranging from quantum physics and machine learning to software engineering.

G2Q Computing’s objective has always been to act as a bridge between laboratory-born innovations and industrial applications. Today, the company offers solutions for financial risk analysis, cybercrime prevention, satellite image optimization, satellite data analysis, quantum-enhanced algorithms for clustering and the analysis of complex geometric structures, and quantitative models for multiphysics simulations—that is, analyses that integrate multiple physical phenomena (such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetism) to realistically represent complex systems.

As the team states: “Quantum is not our end goal, but a tool that helps analysis reveal what would otherwise remain hidden.”

Achievements

G2Q Computing’s growth journey has been supported by a rapidly evolving ecosystem. The Italian Institute for Research on HPC, Big Data and Quantum Computing, Intesa Sanpaolo, and the University of Naples Federico II were key players in the early stages.

In just two years, G2Q Computing has achieved significant results: technological partnerships with Intesa Sanpaolo and Altair/Siemens; projects with MEF, SNAM, CINECA/ESA, Ausenco, Genergo, and Baker Hughes; and participation in competitive programs such as Techstars Transformative World Torino, ICSC, QC4EO ESA, and Creative Destruction Lab.

“We chose to grow with our customers, not with prototypes locked away in laboratories,” the founders explain.

G2Q Computing Team G2Q Computing Team

The Central Role of Techstars and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center

Being active in finance and aerospace—two sectors in which quantum computing can generate a real competitive advantage—G2Q Computing immediately recognized the value of the Techstars Transformative World Torino acceleration program, supported by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center. The company applied and was selected to take part in the 2024 edition.

According to the founders, the support provided by the Innovation Center and Intesa Sanpaolo was tangible at every stage of the journey, thanks to the involvement of numerous mentors and the group’s ability to guide startups not only through training, but also through concrete support for technological and strategic development.

The program was structured in three phases:

  • Mentor Madness: an intensive exchange with dozens of mentors to select those most aligned with the startup’s vision. During this phase, G2Q chose Tommaso Villari (Tech Observatory, Innovation & Processes Division – Intesa Sanpaolo), who became a strategic partner, and Davide Corbelletto, Head of the Quantum Competence Center within the Data, AI & Technology Area of Intesa Sanpaolo, with whom collaboration continued.
  • Execution Phase: development of the agreed activities, technological validation, and operational growth.
  • Pitch Day: preparation for communicating the company’s value proposition with direct support from Techstars and mentors.

 

The Proof of Concept with Intesa Sanpaolo

One of the most significant outcomes of the Techstars Transformative World acceleration program was the agreement with Intesa Sanpaolo for the Proof of Concept entitled “Efficient Probability Distribution Encoding on Quantum Hardware for Quantum Credit Risk Analysis,” dedicated to the development of quantum algorithms to improve accuracy and efficiency in credit risk analysis.

G2Q Computing worked closely with Intesa Sanpaolo to enable the execution of variational quantum circuits on the superconducting quantum computer of the University of Naples Federico II. These types of algorithms can be useful for financial use cases, such as credit risk assessment.

The development of this prototype with the University of Naples Federico II made it possible to deepen understanding of how hardware-specific characteristics can affect results and how they must be taken into account in an end-to-end approach.

The project is already producing tangible outcomes, including a joint scientific paper based on experiments conducted on Italy’s first quantum computer at the University of Naples Federico II.

“Within this context, G2Q Computing proved to be a collaborative and effective technological partner, providing several contributions that will allow us to report these results in a research paper currently being finalized, and contributing to the creation of an active ecosystem between industry and academia,” stated representatives from Intesa Sanpaolo.

The relationship between Intesa Sanpaolo and G2Q has continued well beyond the program. Today, the Group supports G2Q Computing in advancing the PoC, accessing banking services, and engaging in networking activities, strengthening a bond that has evolved into a true growth partnership.

As Ekaterina states: “It is difficult to find another player so active in the Italian innovation ecosystem. Their commitment to research and development directly contributes to the competitive advantage of Italian companies.”

Pitch di Ekaterina Polyakova - G2Q Computing Pitch di Ekaterina Polyakova - G2Q Computing

The Mission of G2Q Computing: Bringing Quantum Mechanics into the Real World

G2Q Computing’s technology is designed to bring order to the most complex, noisy, or heterogeneous data. The platform integrates three fundamental pillars.

1. Advanced Optimization

The algorithms break down complex problems into manageable parts, distribute them across HPC systems and quantum computers, and then reassemble the solution in a coherent way.

2. Quantum Machine Learning

Hybrid neural networks that leverage quantum phenomena to capture patterns undetectable by classical methods, improving the stability and accuracy of training and prediction.

3. Proprietary HPC–Quantum Infrastructure

Complete with in-house developed compilers to convert algorithms into quantum machine language and calibrated circuits to ensure high performance.

Industrial Applications of G2Q Computing’s Quantum Technology: From Finance to Aerospace

G2Q Computing’s solutions are applied in some of the most advanced and complex sectors, across several fields:

• Finance

  • Anomaly detection
  • Risk assessment
  • Predictive analytics on fragmented or noisy data

• Aerospace and Earth Observation

  • Interpretation of complex images and signals affected by interference
  • Support for monitoring and observation missions

• Engineering and Heavy Industry

  • Optimization of complex networks and processes
  • Reduction of simulation time
  • Advanced decision support

In every case, the added value offered by the startup’s technology lies in its ability to provide a clearer representation of phenomena that are difficult to handle—for example, in pharmaceutical research and precision medicine.

An Ambitious Goal: Making Quantum Computing Truly Accessible

In the coming years, G2Q Computing aims to make its infrastructure available to all companies seeking to overcome the limits of classical computing by accelerating optimization processes (such as planning, resource management, and complex problem solving) and enhancing artificial intelligence applications (from predictive analytics to machine learning).

To achieve this goal, the startup plans to act on several fronts:

  • Expansion into the most data-intensive sectors
  • Development of new algorithms integrable into the platform
  • Continuous collaboration with universities, research centers, and industrial partners
  • Team growth focused on quality and sustainability

The direction is clear: to build technology that is easy to use, reliable, and capable of delivering tangible value to businesses.

G2Q Computing is transforming quantum computing from a future promise into a concrete tool, accelerating innovation in sectors where data truly makes the difference.

WHAT IF...

the discovery of new medicine became almost instantaneous?

Tutte le Startup Tales