Major Japanese corporations are investing in quantum computing, similar to Yokozuna, the highest rank in Japanese sumo. Meanwhile, mid-sized companies, similar to the Ozeki level, just below Yokozuna, are concentrating on creating real-world business applications using quantum computers.
In the previous part, we examined the quantum computing efforts of Japan’s Yokozuna-class mega-corporations.
AI Strategica has been researching Ozeki-level business opportunities that leverage quantum computers.
Fixstars Corporation
Fixstars Corporation is a company specializing in high-performance computing solutions and quantum computing. They have developed a platform that uses GPUs to accelerate computations and seamlessly integrates with quantum annealing systems, a type of quantum computer designed for optimization problems. Fixstars also offers a cloud-based service called Fixstars Amplify, providing users with access to quantum annealing resources and enabling them to leverage quantum computing for their own applications.
Additionally, Fixstars specializes in developing high-speed software and cloud services that optimize hardware selection for combinatorial optimization problems.
In collaboration with RIKEN and NTT, Fixstars successfully developed a room-temperature, large-scale optical quantum computer on November 8, 2024.
This innovative system, designed for general-purpose applications, utilizes continuous-variable quantum operations for efficiency and scalability. Eligible users can access the platform via the cloud.
NF Holdings
NF Holdings is a leading developer of advanced arbitrary waveform generation systems, specializing in multi-channel systems that generate waveforms with minimal noise. These systems are essential for controlling qubits in quantum annealing computer systems, and NF Holdings’ focus on precision and control at the quantum level makes them a key player in the advancement of quantum computing technologies.
TerraSky
Quemix, a research startup and subsidiary of TerraSky, specializes in using quantum computing for advanced materials development. The Quemix research team focuses on materials simulation and aims to leverage quantum computers to accelerate this process.
TerraSky focuses on developing algorithms to optimize quantum computer performance. On November 18, 2024, Quemix entered into a capital and business alliance with SCSK Corporation. This partnership aims to accelerate the research and development needed for the societal implementation of quantum computing technologies. Additionally, the collaboration seeks to expand business opportunities in materials computation, leveraging advanced quantum algorithms for innovative industrial applications
Quemix and Microwave Chemical have recently partnered on a joint research project to design chemical reactors for microwave heating. The project aims to improve the efficiency of metal smelting, including iron production, by using microwave technology. Quemix will utilize its magnetic material simulation software, Quloud-Mag, in the project.
Itochu Corporation
ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) is actively involved in quantum computing initiatives.
CTC supports quantum computing applications and infrastructure development, collaborating with Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) to deliver quantum computing services and assist in creating cloud environments for quantum systems.
CTC also plays a role in introducing quantum solutions, including products from companies like Zapata Computing, to the Japanese market. Additionally, ITOCHU has invested in quantum computing enterprises such as Zapata Computing and is a member of the Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR). However, it is unclear whether CTC offers cloud-based platforms, managed services, or human resource education for quantum computing.
SCREEN Holdings
In December 2023, SCREEN Holdings increased its equity stake in Sigma-i to over 20% by acquiring shares from SPARX Group. This investment makes Sigma-i, a startup specializing in quantum annealing technology, an equity method affiliate of SCREEN Holdings.
The partnership between SCREEN, SPARX, and Sigma-i aims to support the commercialization of quantum annealing solutions.
The collaboration will focus on applying Sigma-i’s technology to SCREEN’s core operations and new business areas, such as production schedule optimization and materials research advancement. Sigma-i was founded in April 2019 and is rooted in Tohoku University.
Ajinomoto
Ajinomoto, a company primarily known for its food products, also participates in the ICT sector through its Ajinomoto Build-up Film (ABF). ABF is a key component in high-performance CPUs, serving as a standard interlayer insulating material. The company’s business strategy involves leveraging its amino science-based technologies to contribute to advancements in advanced IT areas, such as quantum computing.
People, Dreams & Technologies Group
The company, previously known as Chodai, has undergone a transformation and now focuses its operations on managing data centers and providing educational services in the fields of AI and quantum computing, as well as human resource development. Their current ambitious project is the development of the “Quantum City Concept,” an innovative initiative that aims to harness the potential of quantum technologies to tackle and find solutions for a wide range of societal issues.
BIPROGY
BIPROGY and Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) have been selected by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to participate in a groundbreaking initiative: the “Quantum-AI Hybrid Technology Cyber-Physical Development Project”.
This project aims to harness the power of both quantum-inspired and classical AI technologies to develop innovative optimization applications specifically tailored for the logistics and transportation sectors.
By leveraging the computational advantages of quantum-inspired algorithms and combining them with the robustness of classical AI, the collaboration between BIPROGY and DNP seeks to address complex optimization problems that are prevalent in logistics and transportation.
These problems may include route optimization, fleet management, resource allocation, and supply chain optimization. The development of advanced optimization applications through this project has the potential to significantly enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall operational effectiveness within the logistics and transportation industries.
BrainPad
BrainPad, a company specializing in big data utilization services, has initiated several technical research projects to support the social implementation of generative AI and Large Language Models, LLMs. Their research includes a review of papers on LLM training and inference acceleration, with a particular focus on quantum technology.
QubitCore
QubitCore, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is at the forefront of ion trap quantum computer research and development. The company is dedicated to advancing trapped-ion technology, which is a promising approach for scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computing.
QubitCore focuses not only on the manufacturing of quantum computers but also on providing related consulting services, emphasizing innovation in the field. Under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Ryuta Watanuki, the company is contributing significantly to Japan’s efforts in the global quantum computing race.
Japan Aviation Electronics Industry (日本航空電子工業)
Japan Aviation Electronics Industry (JAE) has developed advanced non-magnetic SMPM coaxial connectors specifically designed for quantum computing applications. These connectors are essential components for cutting-edge quantum devices, offering high-performance, non-magnetic properties that ensure minimal interference with sensitive quantum systems.
This innovation demonstrates JAE’s commitment to supporting quantum computing advancements through specialized hardware solutions.
Tamagawa Holdings
Tamagawa Holdings is actively engaged in research and development focused on communication equipment and systems designed for quantum cryptography-based internet networks. This strategic direction aligns with the growing need for secure communication infrastructure in the quantum era.
In June 2024, the company joined the Quantum ICT Forum, reaffirming its commitment to advancing international infrastructure development and contributing to the broader adoption of quantum communication technologies.
Oxide
Oxide Corporation is advancing quantum communication by developing quantum entanglement light source module products for cryptographic applications. This progress is being achieved in collaboration with Raicol Crystals, an Israeli company acquired by Oxide. This strategic acquisition enables Oxide to integrate nonlinear and electro-optic crystal technologies into its quantum products, enhancing their capability in secure quantum communications
Hamamatsu Photonics
Hamamatsu Photonics finalized the acquisition of NKT Photonics, a Danish company specializing in measurement fiber lasers, for 42 billion yen in May 2024. This acquisition allows Hamamatsu to combine its expertise in detectors and cameras with NKT’s cutting-edge laser and fiber technologies, creating comprehensive solutions for semiconductor inspection and optical quantum computing devices. The company aims to leverage this expanded technological portfolio to strengthen its position in quantum and photonics markets.
Sigma Koki
Sigma Koki is Japan’s leading manufacturer of laser optical components, supplying precision equipment for nanoscale position control and beam splitters essential for quantum optics. The company’s extensive product lineup supports a range of applications, from research and development to production equipment, solidifying its role in advancing laser technologies for quantum computing and related fields.
GRID
GRID has been collaborating with Toyota since November 2022, focusing on quantum machine learning research. This partnership aims to integrate quantum computing with machine learning techniques to solve complex problems in various domains.
In 2024, GRID was selected for NEDO’s “Quantum-Classical Hybrid Technology Cyber-Physical Development Project,” a program designed to enhance the practical applications of hybrid quantum-classical systems in cyber-physical spaces, addressing business challenges of scale and complexity
HPC Systems
HPC Systems has established a capital and business alliance with QunaSys, a quantum software development startup, to strengthen its position in the quantum computing field. The company offers cloud-based services for quantum chemical calculations, supporting various industries in leveraging advanced quantum algorithms.
HPC Systems, in collaboration with a Meijo University research group, achieved a breakthrough in ultra-precise analysis of cis-type carotenoids using quantum chemical calculations. The announcement on October 31, 2024, demonstrates HPC Systems’ commitment to applying quantum computing to complex chemical and biological challenges.
BlueMeme
In April 2022, BlueMeme partnered with Kyoto University to conduct joint research on genome analysis using quantum computing.
The following year, BlueMeme also began collaborating with Kyushu University to develop large language models (LLMs) using quantum AI.
The goal of these collaborations is to advance the fields of genomics, natural language processing, and machine learning by integrating quantum computing with artificial intelligence.
YKT
YKT specializes in quantum computer-related equipment, leveraging its subsidiary’s expertise to support the growing demands of the quantum computing industry. The company provides essential tools and devices required for quantum research and development, playing a supportive role in advancing the adoption of quantum technologies.
SEC
SEC collaborated with Osaka University to develop a novel technology that accelerates cooperative processing between quantum and classical calculations. This advancement addresses a critical challenge in quantum-classical hybrid systems, enabling faster and more efficient computations. The innovation represents a step forward in integrating quantum computing with existing classical computational infrastructures.
Kioxia Holdings
Kioxia Holdings has developed flash memory capable of operating stably in extremely low-temperature environments, a critical requirement for quantum computing systems. In May 2024, the company announced a partnership with Kyoto Institute of Technology to develop advanced transistor models tailored for such conditions. This collaboration underscores Kioxia’s commitment to driving innovations that support the hardware demands of quantum computing.
Ozeki: Rising Innovators
Japanese mid-sized enterprises (the “Ozeki” of the business world) are taking quantum computing innovation to new heights, developing practical applications that address real-world challenges. From optimizing production schedules to advancing materials research, these efforts are solidifying Japan’s status as a key player in the global quantum landscape.
This collaboration between corporate giants and agile mid-tier firms, akin to a symphony of strength and strategy, illustrates a hopeful path for Japan’s quantum ambitions. The relentless pursuit of innovation across industries like logistics, healthcare, and advanced materials ensures that Japan remains competitive in the ever-evolving tech race.
With this dedication, Japan’s prospects for global leadership in quantum computing look brighter than ever. Like a sumo wrestler rising to Yokozuna, these companies are building a future where quantum computing transforms industries and enriches lives.
The message is clear: when it comes to quantum computing, Japan is in it to win it!
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