Mitsubishi Electric launches two quantum computing R&D projects

NEDO-backed projects target laser control systems and low-noise amplifier modules for scaling neutral-atom, trapped-ion and superconducting computers.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced that two of its research and development (R&D) projects have been selected through a public solicitation by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for support under an initiative to advance quantum computing and other information technology in the post-5G era.

The NEDO project is officially known as the Research and Development Project to Strengthen Post-5G Information and Communication System Infrastructure (Accelerating the Development and Demonstration of Next-Generation Quantum Computers to Solve Societal Issues). Following this selection, Mitsubishi Electric will launch its two projects aimed at scaling up quantum computers: 1) Research and Development of Multi-Qubit-Control Laser Systems and 2) Development of Ultra-Compact, Multi-Channel, Low-Noise Amplifier Modules for Large-Scale Superconducting Quantum Computers.

Quantum computers are next-generation technologies that are expected to revolutionize computing infrastructure by enabling larger-scale simulations and optimization than conventional computers in a wide range of fields, including medicine and drug discovery, finance, logistics and energy. R&D targeting practical applications is already underway, but full-scale industrial applications will require significantly improved processing capacity and computational accuracy to realize quantum computers with clear advantages over conventional computers. Qubits are fragile and highly susceptible to noise, so technologies that combine multiple qubits are needed to correct errors. Consequently, scaling quantum computers to the level of one million qubits will be a key challenge.