QuEra Computing has deployed its first quantum computer outside of its laboratories at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, Japan, marking a key development in the nation’s quantum strategy. The gate-based neutral-atom computer, installed alongside an NVIDIA-powered supercomputer, forms a central component of the newly launched G-QuAT quantum and AI research centre. This deployment follows contract awards from both AIST and the UK national quantum programme, and is supported by recent funding of $230 million led by Google and SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The installation coincides with a declaration by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba designating 2025 as the start of quantum industrialisation, with the system intended to facilitate research in areas including drug discovery, logistics and climate modelling.
Quantum Computer Deployment in Japan
The deployment of QuEra Computing’s neutral-atom quantum computer at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba represents a key component of Japan’s national quantum strategy. This installation positions QuEra’s technology alongside the NVIDIA ABCI-Q supercomputer, creating a hybrid platform designed to accelerate research and development. Japan intends to leverage this combined capability to drive innovation in areas such as materials science, financial modelling, and logistical optimisation, signalling a commitment to realising the potential of quantum technologies. The designation of 2025 as the start of quantum industrialisation by the Japanese Prime Minister underscores a deliberate shift towards commercialising quantum technologies.
Researchers at AIST will integrate QuEra’s quantum processor with the ABCI-Q supercomputer, optimising performance through the offloading of classical computational tasks. This strategic partnership allows for efficient execution of complex quantum algorithms, addressing challenges beyond the reach of conventional computing. Japan’s national strategy prioritises areas where quantum computing offers a demonstrable advantage, such as optimisation problems in logistics and complex simulations in materials science, driving focused investment and development.
National Quantum Strategy and Industrialisation
Japan’s investment in hybrid quantum-classical computing platforms, exemplified by the integration of QuEra’s system with the ABCI-Q supercomputer, reflects a pragmatic approach to overcoming current limitations in quantum hardware. This architecture allows for partitioning of computational tasks, leveraging the strengths of both quantum and classical processors, and optimising overall performance. The supercomputer handles data pre- and post-processing, alongside classical simulations, while the quantum computer addresses computationally intensive tasks that benefit from quantum algorithms.
The selection of Tsukuba as a deployment site strategically aligns with Japan’s existing scientific infrastructure, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer. The concentration of research institutions and expertise in the region accelerates the development and deployment of quantum technologies, creating a dynamic ecosystem. This policy directive provides a framework for directing resources and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, essential for translating research into tangible economic benefits.
Technological Advancement and Global Collaboration
QuEra’s neutral-atom approach to quantum computing offers advantages in scalability and operational simplicity, potentially enabling the construction of larger and more practical quantum computers. Operating at room temperature reduces the engineering complexity and cost associated with cryogenic systems, streamlining development and deployment. The gate-based architecture provides flexibility in implementing a wide range of quantum algorithms.
QuEra’s technology presents a distinct approach to quantum computation, utilising neutral atoms rather than superconducting or trapped-ion systems. This approach reduces complexity and cost by eliminating the need for cryogenic cooling, simplifying scaling to a larger number of qubits. Financial support from prominent investors, including Google and SoftBank, validates QuEra’s technological progress and business strategy, enabling continued investment in hardware development and software tooling.
The parallel engagement with both the Japanese and UK national quantum programmes demonstrates a strategy of international collaboration and market diversification. This funding also supports the expansion of QuEra’s engineering team, accelerating the path towards fault-tolerant quantum computation.
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