Osaka University and Fujitsu Limited have established the Fujitsu Quantum Computing Joint Research Division as a collaborative research division at the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (hereinafter QIQB) of Osaka University.
The newly-established research division will focus on the development of foundational technologies for fault-tolerant quantum computers, which are able to perform accurate calculations while correcting errors that occur in quantum bits (qubits). These efforts will draw on the respective strengths of the two partners, combining QIQB’s advanced quantum error correction and quantum software technologies with Fujitsu’s applied knowledge in computing and quantum technologies.
More specifically, QIQB and Fujitsu aim to develop quantum software for fault-tolerant quantum computers with up to several thousand qubits as well as technologies to verify its error correcting operations.
Going forward, the two partners will strengthen their cooperation in R&D towards the realization of fault-tolerant quantum computing technologies to innovate solutions to complex societal problems through quantum technology.
Quantum computers, which make use of the principles of quantum mechanics including quantum superposition states and quantum entanglement, offer the potential to one day revolutionize computing, significantly exceeding the capabilities of conventional computing technologies to perform high-speed calculations.
Fault-tolerant quantum computing, capable of accurate and large-scale high-speed calculations using error correction codes, may become a key technology especially in the fields of drug discovery and finance, which require a technology able to solve complex and large-scale problems at high speed.
In March 2020, Osaka University established QIQB in order to promote quantum information and quantum biology research, focusing on research in a wide range of fields ranging from quantum computing, quantum information fusion, quantum information devices, quantum communications and security, quantum measurement and sensing, and quantum biology.
QIQB has also been chosen as the main center for quantum software research in the field of quantum technology of the COI-NEXT program of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and thus plays an important role in Japan’s strategy for quantum technology innovation.
Cooperating with domestic and overseas research institutes, Fujitsu has been engaged in full-scale research and development of quantum computing since 2020, aiming to further improve the performance of computing technologies.
Leveraging its quantum-inspired computing solution “Digital Annealer”, which is designed to solve large-scale combinatorial optimization problems, Fujitsu is providing customers solutions in various fields like drug discovery and logistics.
In October 2020, Fujitsu started collaborative research with Osaka University on quantum error correction. The establishment of the “Fujitsu Quantum Computing Joint Research Unit” will further strengthen R&D in fault-tolerant quantum computer systems.
