Jij Inc., a Japanese company, and ORCA Computing Limited, a UK-based startup, have announced a strategic partnership to develop quantum computing technology. This collaboration marks a pioneering effort between Japan and the UK in the field of quantum computing. Under this partnership, Jij will create algorithms to maximize the capabilities of ORCA Computing’s photonic quantum computers, which can operate at room temperature without the need for ultra-low temperature external cooling equipment. The partnership aims to apply quantum computing to various industries such as logistics delivery planning, power supply and demand planning in the energy sector, and manufacturing production schedule optimization.
The collaboration brings together the system and architecture expertise of ORCA Computing, a leading UK quantum startup, with Jij’s extensive knowledge gained through developing unique algorithms across various industries. Key individuals involved include Yu Yamashiro, CEO of Jij, Richard Murray, CEO of ORCA Computing, Hiroshi Nakata, COO of Jij, and Per Nyberg, CCO of ORCA Computing. This partnership is expected to accelerate the practical implementation of quantum computing technology and contribute to the development of a global quantum ecosystem.
Strategic Partnership in Quantum Computing Technology: Jij and ORCA Computing Join Forces
In a new collaboration, Japanese startup Jij Inc. and UK-based ORCA Computing Limited have announced a strategic partnership in quantum computing technology, marking a significant milestone in the development of this cutting-edge field.
Combining Expertise for Industrial Applications
The partnership brings together Jij’s extensive technological capabilities with ORCA Computing’s innovative photonic quantum computing systems. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of quantum solutions that bring real value to key industrial sectors in the near-term. By combining their expertise, the two companies will focus on developing practical applications of quantum-classical hybrid computing, which has a wide range of industrial applications that can support productivity and growth across the economy.
ORCA Computing’s Photonic Quantum Computing Systems
ORCA Computing is a pioneering developer and provider of full-stack photonic quantum computing systems. Established in 2019 and originating from the University of Oxford, the company offers an innovative approach to photonic quantum computing. Its modular optical fiber-based architecture, along with proprietary methods for manipulating the time, frequency, and switching of single photons, paves the way for quantum computing using significantly fewer components.
Jij’s Technological Capabilities
Jij Inc., a Japanese startup, brings its extensive technological capabilities to the partnership. With a strong focus on developing practical applications of quantum technology, Jij has been actively pursuing collaboration with quantum technology companies in the Asia-Pacific region, including the UK.
Strengthening Japan-UK Cooperation
The strategic partnership between Jij and ORCA Computing is set against the backdrop of strengthening Japan-UK cooperation in quantum technology development. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry remains committed to advancing quantum technology development through collaborative initiatives. Q-STAR, an industry-academia-government collaboration, warmly welcomes this partnership, expecting it to significantly contribute to the development of quantum technology ecosystems in both the UK and Japan.
International Standards Committee
The international standards committee specialized in quantum technology, IEC/ISO JTC 3 Quantum technologies, was established in January 2024 with the UK as the host country and British Standards Institution (BSI) as the secretariat. This committee is advancing standardization efforts, paving the way for widespread adoption of quantum technology.
Establishing an Overseas Subsidiary
As part of this partnership, Jij has decided to establish its first overseas subsidiary in the UK by spring 2025. This move will further strengthen the company’s relationships with UK quantum stakeholders and facilitate collaboration between companies, research institutes, and government agencies between Japan and the UK.
Comments from Key Stakeholders
John Edwards, Director of Investment of UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), welcomed the strategic partnership, stating that it would help drive the UK’s quantum technology strategy and contribute to the development of a global quantum ecosystem.
Jingo Kikukawa, Director-General, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, expressed his pleasure at the partnership, anticipating significant advancements in quantum computing commercialization through future collaborative initiatives.
Shunsuke Okada, Executive Committee Chairman of Q-STAR, warmly welcomed the partnership, expecting it to significantly contribute to the development of quantum technology ecosystems in both the UK and Japan.
Per Nyberg, CCO (Chief Commercial Officer), ORCA Computing, emphasized that the partnership represented a significant step toward the adoption of quantum computing in industry.
Hiroshi Nakata, COO (Chief Operating Officer), Jij, highlighted the trust relationship between the staff of ORCA Computing and Jij as the foundation for this partnership, which will focus on leading an ecosystem that involves companies, research institutes, and government agencies between Japan and the UK.
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