Quantum Computing

Sub-Program director  ​

HORIBE ​Masahiro  
​Deputy Director,
Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI technology (G-QuAT),
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology  

Research overview 

The project will focus on the development of  "concrete examples of solutions to real social and industrial issues (use cases) " putting emphasis on a testbed environment in which a wide range of users can use quantum computers and "quantum/classical hybrid systems" that combine quantum and classical computer systems. The project will also develop benchmarks that enable objective evaluation and comparison of performance including software,international standards based on these benchmarks, and roadmap for entire system as well as individual components: devices, materials, and so on. As a result of these efforts, we will work to attract a diverse range of companies and human resources, to secure funding, to create new business and startups on both hardware and software, and to build an ecosystem of companies that includes those for peripheral technologies.

R&D Subject​ A-1  
Development of the user environment for the quantum/classical hybrid testbed​ 

Aiming to expand the use of quantum computers by many users and to develop use cases (including algorithm development), we will provide a testbed that can be used by a wide range of users for quantum computers and "quantum/classical hybrid systems" that combine quantum and classical computer systems. Furthermore, we aim to build an ecosystem in which many user companies, universities, and public research institutions collaborate with each other to develop and utilize quantum computers and related technologies. 

Research Theme A-1a
Research and development of quantum/classical hybrid basic algorithm construction and testbed utilization environment

Head of R&D： TANAKA Shu（Keio University） 
Collaborative Research Institutes： Waseda University, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Fixstars Corporation, NEC Corporation 

Research Theme A-1b
Building and operation of a domestically developed quantum computer testbed environment 

Head of R&D： YOROZU Shinichi（RIKEN）
Collaborative Research Institutes： The University of Osaka, QunaSys Inc. 

R&D Subject​ A-2
Development and demonstration of use cases contributing to the creation of new industries, productivity improvement, and others 

We will develop and demonstrate new use cases (including algorithm development based on actual applications) that will contribute to the creation of new industries and productivity improvement in promising areas (materials, drug discovery, finance, logistics, smart factories, energy, living services, etc.) where quantum computers (gated and annealed (including annealers based on classical technology)) are expected to be utilized. 

Research Theme A-2a
Development of quantum computer calculation system for high-precision material R&D   

Head of R&D： MATSUOKA Tomoyo（QunaSys Inc.） 

Research Theme A-2b
Strategic initiatives to build a business ecosystem with quantum computing solutions 

Head of R&D： HORIBE Masahiro （National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology） 
Collaborative Research Institutes： Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Kyushu University, Mizuho Research & Technologies, Ltd., Waseda University, KDDI Research, Inc., CHODAI CO., LTD., Quantum STrategic industry Alliance for Revolution(Q-STAR）, University of Toronto, Institute of Science Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. 

R&D Subject​ A-3
Benchmark and international standards developments for quantum computer software    

In order to accelerate user application development and practical research, we will identify useful computational problems and bottlenecks for quantum computer software and develop benchmarks to objectively evaluate and compare the performance of quantum computer software. Based on these benchmarks, we will also work toward the establishment of international standards for quantum computer software. 

Research Theme​ A-3
Development of quantum algorithm Platform through establishment of standard benchmarks and global challenges

Head of R&D： YAN Tennin（QunaSys Inc.）
Collaborative Research Institutes： Jij Inc. 

R&D Subject​ A-4  
Roadmap and technological review for large-scale quantum computer systems   

We will clarify the technical specifications of quantum computer systems and develop a technology roadmap and bird's-eye view of the entire system and necessary devices, components, materials, etc., thereby, we will encourage the active participation of a wide range of industries, including small and medium enterprises, and realize a stable and robust supply chain. 

Research Theme A-4 
A technology overview and roadmap for large-scale quantum computer systems and their supply chain resilience 

Head of R&D： KON Seitaro（National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology） 
Collaborative Research Institutes：RIKEN, NEC Corporation, Fujitsu Limited