ATHENA Project

The ATHENA project (Advanced Technologies for Hybrid Quantum-Classical Environments and Applications) aims to define a comprehensive set of methodologies, tools, and procedures for the development, operation, and governance of Hybrid Software as a Service (HSaaS) systems. Addressing the complexity of integrating quantum services into classical architectures and the current lack of software engineering maturity in this domain, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between classical and quantum paradigms. By leveraging lessons learned from Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) and the computing continuum, ATHENA intends to provide the necessary framework for developers to create scalable, high-value hybrid solutions that meet industrial standards for quality and security.

To ensure a holistic approach, the proposal is structured into four coordinated subprojects that address distinct aspects of the software lifecycle: HARMONIA (University of Extremadura) focuses on the design of hybrid architectures, task deployment, and orchestration; HYGIEIA (University of Castilla-La Mancha) concentrates on quality assurance, testing processes, and maintainability; AEGIS (University of Deusto) is dedicated to ensuring security, integrity, and protection against vulnerabilities within the quantum-classical workflow; and TALOS (University of Sevilla) targets the automated governance of these systems through intelligent contracts (i-contracts) and capacity management. The project’s results will be validated through a global case study involving a fleet management system.