BitsBreeze · Milan · Metal–hydrogen energy research
BitsBreeze develops electrodynamic confinement in metal–hydrogen systems — with compact prototypes, rigorous instrumentation and independent university replication — toward programmable on-site heat and power without fossil fuels or grid dependence.
01—About
BitsBreeze S.r.l.s. works on frontier energy technology with transparency: experimental evidence is published, limits are stated, and external replication is part of the method.
Our mission is to explore whether hydrogen–metal interactions in a coherent regime can become a compact, decentralised source of programmable heat and electricity — using European-sourced materials, without uranium, fossil fuels or rare earths, and without claiming more than the data support.
We build instruments, run campaigns and document results so that partners, investors and the research community can follow the work step by step.
Digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and medical diagnostics need continuous, high-density energy on site. Intermittent renewables and long grid queues leave critical loads exposed to outages, congestion and unpredictable costs.
In Lombardy — where much of Italy's computing capacity is concentrated — connection requests from data centres already outstrip what the transmission operator expects to connect by 2030. Operators need 24/7 continuity and local power; connection timelines are measured in years.
Today's options — grid supply, fossil backup and renewable-plus-storage — each trade dependence, emissions, footprint or intermittency. BitsBreeze addresses that gap through a distinct experimental path, not through incremental improvement of existing generators.
02—Technology
A plain-language view of what we build and test — grounded in published theory, open to falsification.
The approach starts from Coherent Quantum Electrodynamics (CQED) within the Standard Model: when hydrogen is densely loaded into metal lattices, collective coherent states of the electromagnetic field and the loaded matter could, in principle, make weak processes predicted by the theory accessible at modest energy — without analogy to thermonuclear fusion.
A published theoretical model guides which materials, geometries and protocols are worth pursuing and which should be excluded. This is not trial-and-error in a vacuum: predictions are stated before measurement.
We pursue thermal, electrical and isotopic measurements in parallel, exciting coherent states through pulsed electrical discharges, thermodynamic cycles on nanostructured materials and laser pulses — always with synchronised diagnostics and calorimetry where heat release is claimed.
Laboratorio Prometeo at the University of Milano-Bicocca supports electronics, vacuum, data acquisition and independent replication under a project service contract. That partnership is essential to how we work; it does not replace open publication of methods and results.
03—Research
What is already in the peer-reviewed literature, and what we are working to validate next. We do not present future targets as accomplished facts.
Today we have published isotopic signatures from prior campaigns; sustained thermal release and integrated electrical extraction are the next hurdles we are building experiments to address.
Published theory: Gamberale & Modanese (2023), Coherent Plasma in a Lattice, Symmetry 15(2), 454.
Independent peer review: in titanium hydrides subjected to thermal cycles, deuterium was measured at roughly 280× natural abundance — predicted before the experiment and repeated across campaigns (Symmetry 16(11), 1542).
The evidence concerns the transformation of matter, not yet useful energy: TRL 3 does not refer to the finished energy solution, but to the reaction-generation mode that already shows nuclear effects. The previous experiment was not configured to produce thermal energy but only transmutation; thermal (and electrical) energy is expected in a different experimental configuration.
A working calorimetric measurement platform already exists; the project integrates and qualifies it. The declared TRL applies to the solution as a whole: TRL 3.
Stable thermal release 1–10 W (objective OB3 / KPI, months 10–16)
Repeatability above 80% across at least 20 runs with 3σ significance vs baseline
TRL 5 at months 12–16 if stated criteria are met; otherwise the project documents the level actually achieved
Strong datasets and documented protocols retain value even when a specific power target is not met. Independent replication and versioned protocols remain central to how we judge progress.
04—Projects
Our flagship validation programme — as proposed in the Lombardy application. Planned period: 1 December 2026 – 31 March 2028 · Lombardy.
AUSTEA — AUtonomia STrategica ed Energia Autosufficiente / Strategic autonomy and self-sufficient energy
AUSTEA is BitsBreeze's 16-month pre-industrial validation programme, submitted to the Regione Lombardia startup call (application deadline 25 November 2026; funding not yet awarded). As set out in the application, it covers laboratory integration, calorimetric qualification and a path from TRL 3 toward TRL 5 for the metal–hydrogen platform described in the Technology section.
The programme's scope, milestones, work packages, regional strategy alignment and energy-reserve framing below are documented here for transparency — they govern this project; they are not the sole definition of the company.
Within AUSTEA the near-term prototype is a small-power demonstrator (validation target 1–10 W net additional power) — not sized to supply a data centre or other end-use load. It is the first verifiable step toward cell arrays and larger modules under separate development timelines.
M6 — Platform qualification: calorimetric uncertainty ≤5%, synchronised acquisition
M12 — ≥20 runs on reference configuration, 3σ vs inert baseline, repeatability >80%
M12–16 — Sealed module in continuous operation: target 1–10 W net additional power, complete energy balance
M12 — Minimum predictive model verified on runs not used for calibration
M16 — Independent university replication on sealed module, versioned protocol, patent filing after FTO
AUSTEA roadmap
16 months, 1 December 2026 – 31 March 2028. Focus on months 1–12; months 13–16 for documentation, patent filing and replication.
TRL 3 — experimental proof of concept (published theory + isotopic confirmation; overall energy solution at TRL 3)
TRL 4 at month 8 — technology validated in the laboratory (components together on bench; calorimetry ≤5% at month 6; pilot campaign ≥10 runs at month 8)
TRL 5 at months 12–16 — validated in a relevant environment, declared only if the sealed module meets continuity, 1–10 W net target, ≥20 runs at 3σ and >80% repeatability, and university replication
TRL 6 (pilot with multiple connected cells) is the objective of the post-call phase.
M2 — v1.0 specifications, space plan, laser/H₂ and HV safety procedures approved
M4 — Optical bench and laser operational; vacuum line, pressure gauges and glove box qualified
M6 — Calorimetry qualified ≤5% uncertainty; synchronised data acquisition qualified
M8 — Pilot laser/HV campaign, at least 10 runs
M10 — Repeatable prototype on reference configuration (escalation review)
M12 — ≥20 runs, 3σ, >80% repeatability; minimum predictive model
M16 — Final report, patent filing, essential university replication on sealed module
At M10, if no reproducible signals emerge, focus shifts to best configurations or isotopic validation; in any case a publishable dataset. Project value is preserved.
M6 — Investor data room complete
M9 — Technical-commercial investor brief
M9 — At least one LOI from a Lombardy data-centre or colocation operator (DESMO LOI in hand)
M10–12 — ≥5 meetings with investors and EIC ecosystem
M12 — Demonstration to partners and investors
M16 — Module deliverable as demonstrator asset
WP1 (Dott. L. Gamberale, M1–16) — Theory, calorimetry and data management
WP2 (UniMiB – Laboratorio Prometeo, M2–12) — Electronics, vacuum and data acquisition, coordinated with internal team
WP3 (UniMiB service, M1–16) — Characterisation and independent replication
WP4 (Dott. T. Fulceri, M1–16) — Plasma, high voltage and data analysis
WP5 (external project manager, M1–16) — Project management, reporting and safety
L1 (16 months, call perimeter) — Repeatable prototype and minimum model
L2 (2028) — Cell array, independent test, rack-like pilot
L3 (from 2028/2029) — IP licensing and co-location applications at data centres
Business model
How BitsBreeze creates value — including targets and segments referenced in the AUSTEA application.
BitsBreeze's business model is research-oriented and centred on intellectual property: the company's value grows as the scientific and technological risk of the modular platform is reduced, and is converted into revenue through licences and co-development with integrators, industrial partners and end users.
Revenues come from know-how and IP, not from consulting or measurement services to third parties. During the 16 months of the project no commercial revenues are planned; validation is the precondition for later revenues.
First entry: data centres, edge ICT and colocation (24/7 critical loads) — Lombardy / Milan area first, then Europe
Next: manufacturing with process heat demand
Third (non-primary): compact platforms for local isotope production for diagnostics, via licence or joint venture
The project module is not sized to supply data-centre loads: the data centre is the reference market for reliability, modularity, control, safety and integration requirements.
Co-development fee: EUR 150,000 per pilot project
Initial industrial development licence per field: EUR 200,000
Royalties on net sales from TRL 7 onwards: 3–8%
Energy & environment
AUSTEA application under art. A.5 of the Avviso — literal quote: «riserva per la resilienza, l'efficienza o l'autosufficienza energetica».
The prevailing purpose is to validate a local, programmable and continuous generation source for the energy self-sufficiency of production and infrastructure sites, with continuity of supply for critical loads even if the grid is unavailable or congested.
Characteristics pursued through development (to be verified, not declared as demonstrated): programmability and continuity; decentralised on-site generation; no uranium, imported fossil fuels, rare earths, lithium or cobalt; objective to operate without direct CO₂ emissions or long-lived radioactive waste.
| Gas/uranium dependence | Metal–hydrogen systems | Site self-sufficiency |
| Vulnerable centralised grids | Compact decentralised module | Critical-load backup, microgrid |
| Renewable intermittency | H24 dispatchable source (to validate) | Local baseload |
| Grid congestion (data centres) | Direct electrical extraction | Co-location supply |
Direct CO₂ emissions from cell operation: zero target, verified per campaign balance
Zero H₂ or radiation release events beyond ambient background (HSE register + gamma/neutron diagnostics)
Measured thermal release vs baseline with uncertainty ≤5% — basis for avoided emissions vs fossil backup at scale-up
Integrated platform — reactors + DAQ operational (M4–M8)
Calorimetry uncertainty ≤5% (qualification M6 / milestone M3)
Thermal release 1–10 W sustained (objective, M10–M16)
Synchronised electrical V–I balance (M8–M16)
>80% positive runs, N≥20, 3σ (M12–M16)
Regional alignment
The project falls fully within the S3 strategy, Sustainability Ecosystem, macro-theme MT18 "Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply".
Official scheda AUSTEA formulation (13 November 2026).
05—Laboratory
Dedicated laboratory space under development for the company's campaigns, alongside the University of Milano-Bicocca reference laboratory under the AUSTEA service contract.
The dedicated laboratory, of about 170 m² of usable space, is designed by month 2 and fitted out between months 2 and 6. A working calorimetric platform is already available; the project integrates and qualifies it.
Spaces include roughly 148 m² of laboratory and 22 m² of writing area for three people, two simultaneous experimental stations, optical bench with laser, zones for sample preparation and vacuum, PVD deposition, gas and nuclear diagnostics, electronics, data acquisition and ten metal storage cabinets — sized for three operators. Safety procedures cover Class 4 laser, hydrogen and high voltage.
Reference laboratory
Under the service contract established with the University of Milano-Bicocca for the project, electronics, vacuum, data acquisition, instrumentation and independent replication (WP2–WP3) take place at the university reference laboratory below — not at BitsBreeze's registered office or as the company's own operating headquarters.
Laboratorio Prometeo
Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca
Edificio U9, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano
Planned laboratory layout (~170 m² usable)
Planned high-level view of the dedicated laboratory — illustrative render, not a photograph of an existing facility.
05b—Laboratory
Archive photographs from prior instrumented campaigns (not the dedicated AUSTEA Milan facility).
06—Team
BitsBreeze's core team, external specialists and a quarterly scientific committee that reviews experimental direction.
Legal representative and scientific lead · 80% (128 h/month)
Physicist (MSc and PhD, University of Milan; doctoral work in Giuliano Preparata's group); collaboration with Martin Fleischmann; about ten years at Pirelli Labs; CQED research since 1989; more than 20 publications. Leads WP1, defines protocols, coordinates suppliers and go/no-go decisions.
Physicist · employed from 20 November 2026 · 40% part-time (64 h/month)
MSc in Nuclear, Particle and Astro Physics (plasma-physics track) at the Technical University of Munich, thesis at Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald. Industrial experience on high-voltage discharges and plasma chemistry. Leads WP4 (plasma, high voltage, data analysis).
Quarterly meetings, chaired by Dr Gamberale: Prof. Giovanni Modanese (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, co-author of the CQED corpus), Prof. Claudia Riccardi (University of Milano-Bicocca), Dr Antonella De Ninno (ENEA Frascati), with Eng. Simone Mannori (ENEA) as advisor.
The University of Milano-Bicocca provides, under a service contract established for the project, electronics/vacuum/DAQ support (WP2), laboratory and instrumentation use, and sample characterisation with independent replication (WP3).
WP5 is assigned to an external project manager (no name in public sources).
07—Partners
Institutional replication, commercial interest and strategic cooperation — letters cited in the application.
Partner university; service contract established for the project; Prometeo structure, Department of Physics "G. Occhialini"; independent replication, sample characterisation, electronics/vacuum/DAQ support, laboratory and instrumentation use.
Lombard company (Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo) active in industrial development of platforms in the same field. Commercial and technological letter of interest recognising complementarity with CQED-guided validation. Industrial interest does not certify experimental outcome.
US operator of Bitcoin mining and high-intensity data-centre infrastructure. Letter of interest for on-site electrical and thermal generation; willingness to evaluate pilots, supply agreements and partnerships after validation; formal support to the application.
Letter of intent for scientific and engineering cooperation under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator framework; BitsBreeze Background IP remains with the Lombard company; any regional grant under the Lombardy call, if awarded, would finance Lombardy activities only.
10—Publications
Reference corpus cited in the application. Results also presented at ICCF-26 (2025).
Gamberale, L. & Modanese, G. · Symmetry 16(11), 1542 (2024)
10.3390/sym16111542
Thermal cycling of titanium hydride powders; deuterium enrichment ~280× natural abundance, predicted before measurement and repeated across campaigns.
Note: Isotopic validation with independent peer review; not configured for useful thermal energy in that setup.
Read paperGamberale, L. & Modanese, G. · Symmetry 15(2), 454 (2023)
10.3390/sym15020454
Second-quantised CQED framework for coherent electromagnetic configurations in metal lattices.
Note: Theoretical foundation guiding materials, geometries and protocols.
Read paperGamberale, L. & Modanese, G. · Quantum Reports 6(2), 14 (2024)
10.3390/qr6020014
Coherent proton oscillation amplitudes in metal hydrides under periodic lattice potentials.
Note: Theoretical bounds for experimental temperature–pressure windows.
Read paperGamberale, L. & Modanese, G. · Physica B 671, 415381 (2023)
10.1016/j.physb.2023.415381
Superradiant phase transitions in charged quantum oscillators coupled to EM fields.
Note: Numerical support for collective coherence motifs.
Read paperDe Ninno, A. & Gamberale, L. · Liquids 5(4), 30 (2025)
10.3390/liquids5040030
Coherent electrodynamics approach to liquid water.
Note: Extends CQED corpus relevant to hydrogen-loaded systems.
Read paperGamberale, L. & Modanese, G. · Annalen der Physik (Berlin), 2025, e00074
e00074
Coherent harmonic qubits with long-range photon coupling and dissipation.
Note: Peer-reviewed theory publication in the project corpus.
Read paperGamberale, L. · arXiv:2209.06139 (2022)
arXiv:2209.06139
Coherent vibrational states in metal hydrides and weak-interaction channels.
Note: Theoretical roadmap for isotopic and weak-interaction diagnostics.
Read paper11—Contact
BitsBreeze S.r.l.s. — metal–hydrogen energy research · Milan.
Registered office
Via Rancati Ilarione, 27 — 20127 Milan (Italy)
P.IVA / VAT 14272780967
Reference laboratory
Laboratorio Prometeo, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca — Edificio U9, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano (university lab under the project service contract).
Dr Luca Gamberale — legal representative and scientific lead
