Society | Jul 31

Japan group to bring quantum computers to the workplace

Leading Japanese universities and corporations have joined hands with IBM to develop practical quantum computing applications in finance, materials development and the broader business scene.

"I believe that Japan will play an important role in implementing quantum computing technology to society ahead of rest of the world, and that industry-academia-government collaboration is necessary for this," University of Tokyo President Makoto Gonokami said at an online news conference Thursday that unveiled the Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium.

Commercializing quantum computers requires new algorithms and software built on a different set of expertise from conventional computers. Keio University, a leader in this field, is joining the effort.

Besides the two universities, Toshiba, Hitachi, Mizuho Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, JSR, DIC, Toyota Motor, Mitsubishi Chemical and IBM Japan will participate.

Companies have high hopes for adopting quantum computing into their operations. Participants will work to advance research and develop new software, using a cutting-edge quantum computer IBM plans to bring to Japan in 2021. Software development requires less monetary investment than hardware.

Japan is also a strong player in basic physics and chemistry research, which could help the consortium quickly develop commercial uses for quantum technology.

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