The IMDEA Software Institute (Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Software Development Technologies) is a research institute dedicated to advancing the scientific and technological foundations of software development. It focuses on producing the science and technology necessary to ensure that software systems are safe, reliable, and efficient. It was established in 2006 by the Madrid Regional Government, as part of the Madrid Institutes for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) initiative and is located at the Montegancedo Campus of the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
The institute was established as one of the seven IMDEA institutes by the Madrid Regional Government in 2006 to enhance scientific research and technological innovation in the region. It is legally constituted as an independent, non-profit foundation.
In 2025, the IMDEA Software Institute received the MarÃÂa de Maeztu accreditation, recognizing it as a Unit of Excellence in Research.
The IMDEA Software Institute focuses on advancing the science and technology needed to develop high-quality, reliable, secure, and efficient software. Its research is primarily concentrated on three areas:
The IMDEA Software Institute has secured several ERC grants:
MadQuantum-CM is one of IMDEA Software's key research project. It focuses on quantum cybersecurity by enhancing secure communications through a scalable quantum key distribution (QKD) network. Led by a consortium including the Technical University of Madrid and IMDEA Software, MadQuantum-CM integrates software-defined networking (SDN) and all-optical switches to dynamically establish quantum links across nine interconnected nodes in the Madrid metropolitan area. This initiative supports a wide range of QKD technologies and protocols, promoting interoperability and the integration of new devices, and setting a blueprint for future quantum communication infrastructures such as the EuroQCI project. The MadQuantum-CM project is part of broader efforts to strengthen Madrid's position in secure quantum communications, with an overall funding of â¬73 million from the Regional Government of Madrid, the Spanish Government, the European Union, and further supporters.
The institute operates as an independent foundation governed by a board of trustees, comprising representatives from academia, industry, and government. A scientific advisory board, consisting of international academics, provides guidance on the institute's scientific strategy and research activities. It is composed of Roberto Di Cosmo, Gustavo Alonso, MarÃÂa Alpuente, Anindya Banerjee, Patrick Cousot, Veronica Dahl, José Meseguer, LuÃÂs Moniz Pereira, Catuscia Palamidessi, Marta Patiño, Martin Wirsing, and Andreas Zeller.
The institute's research has garnered substantial media attention. Their contributions to safety research in cryptography were covered by The Economist. Additionally, their development of a tool for tracking cybercrime was covered by several major outlets, including COPE. Their quantum communication network was covered by La Vanguardia. Their research on security threats in smart homes has been covered by El PaÃÂs, ElDiario.es, and 20 Minutos. Additionally, research on the economic aspects of cybercrime, specifically the hidden fortunes and overestimations in cybercrime revenue, was highlighted by Eurasia Review, Europa Press, and Madrimasd. The investigation into the use of disposable phone numbers in online frauds was also featured in an article by ADSLZone. Lastly, the hidden riches of cybercrime were explored in detail by Knowridge Science Report and El Mundo.