A Japanese consortium, including RIKEN, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Osaka University, Fujitsu Limited, and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, has won the Prime Minister’s Award at the 53rd Japan Industrial Technology Awards. The award recognizes their development of a high-performance computing platform using Japan’s second domestically-made 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer. The platform, which has been available on the cloud since October 2023, is expected to stimulate further research and development of quantum applications and accelerate the practical application of quantum computing technologies.
Recognition for Japanese Consortium’s Quantum Computing Advancements
A consortium of Japanese research partners, including RIKEN, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Osaka University, Fujitsu Limited, and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Award at the 53rd Japan Industrial Technology Awards. The award recognizes the consortium’s successful development of a high-performance computing platform that utilizes Japan’s second domestically-produced 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer.
The quantum computer, which has been available on the cloud since October 2023, was developed jointly by Fujitsu and RIKEN. It builds on the knowledge gained from the development of Japan’s first domestically-produced 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer, which was released in March 2023 by the same research group. The consortium’s work is a testament to the rapid progress and innovative potential of Japan’s original quantum technologies.
Quantum Computing for Industrial Research and Development
The consortium’s quantum computer has been made available for commercial industrial research and development, marking a significant step towards the practical application of quantum computing. The research group initially offered Japan’s first superconducting quantum computer for non-commercial use to promote research and development in quantum computation and other fields.
Two and a half years after establishing the RIKEN RQC-Fujitsu Collaboration Center, RIKEN and Fujitsu unveiled Japan’s second superconducting quantum computer. This computer, based on the technology of the first, was made available on the cloud for industrial research and development. The consortium’s work demonstrates the potential of Japan’s original quantum technologies to meet the demands of early-stage industrial application.
Unique Quantum Bit Chip Design and Scalability
One of the promising technologies highlighted in the consortium’s work is the superconducting quantum bit chip design proposed by RIKEN. This design features a unique three-dimensional mounting layout with scalability that can support expansion to the 1,000-qubit level.
The superconducting quantum computer developed by RIKEN and Fujitsu is part of a hybrid quantum computing platform that also supports Fujitsu’s 40-qubit quantum simulator, one of the largest scale simulators globally. This platform implements a scalable cloud architecture that allows seamless operation of both quantum computers and quantum simulators, promoting adoption and collaboration between various companies.
Recognition and Future Prospects
The consortium’s platform was highly commended at the 53rd Japan Industrial Technology Awards for its technological capabilities and originality. It was also recognized for marking a significant step towards the industrial use of quantum computers based on Japan’s unique quantum technology.
The platform is expected to stimulate further research and development of quantum applications and accelerate the practical application of quantum computing technologies for both hardware and software. It offers access to companies engaged in research in various fields, expanding the search for practical applications for quantum technology in areas such as materials, finance, and drug discovery.
The Japan Industrial Technology Awards
The Japan Industrial Technology Awards, sponsored by the Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun newspaper, honors companies and organizations that have contributed to industry and society over the year through the development and practical application of innovative large-scale industrial equipment and structures, and cutting-edge technology. Established in 1972, the awards celebrate achievements that have contributed to societal development and encourage technological development. The award given to the consortium recognizes “achievements that bring together comprehensive technology,” a distinction increasingly relevant in today’s era of industrial sophistication and systemized technology.
External Link: Click Here For More