Quantinuum, RIKEN expand Japan quantum computing partnership

Quantinuum QNT and Japan's RIKEN research institute have expanded their partnershipto develop quantum-AI hybrid computing systems and explore industrial applications.

The collaboration follows an upgrade of Quantinuum's Reimei quantum computer at RIKEN to its System Model H2, allowing researchers to study more complex quantum systems using a combination of quantum computing and supercomputing.

The partners will work with Japanese universities and domestic suppliers to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer using Japanese technology and components.

Quantinuum, RIKEN, and SoftBank will also explore connecting quantum computers directly to AI data centers in Japan to make hybrid computing services available to businesses.

The research will focus on applications in electronics, energy, and life sciences.

Two ongoing projects are using the upgraded system to improve materials and biomolecular simulations. One combines quantum-generated data with AI models to study magnetism, while another uses quantum computing, supercomputers, and AI to simulate light-sensitive biomolecules.

The work is part of Japan's broader efforts to advance quantum computing and AI-driven scientific research. The Reimei system operates under the JHPC-quantum project, which is funded by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).