RIKEN, Fujitsu joint development for the practical use of Superconducting Quantum Computers

TOKYO, Apr 1, 2021 – RIKEN and Fujitsu today announced the opening of the “RIKEN RQC-Fujitsu Collaboration Center” to promote joint research and development of foundational technologies to put superconducting quantum computers into practical use. More specifically, Riken and Fujitsu will develop hardware and software technologies to realize a quantum computer with as many as 1000 qubits and develop applications using a prototype quantum computer. These efforts will be centered around RIKEN’s ongoing work with advanced superconducting quantum computing technologies along with Fujitsu’s computing technologies. These capabilities will be integrated with applied knowledge of quantum technologies based on a customer perspective, which has been acquired from application of Fujitsu’s Digital Annealer, supporting joint research and development activities to accelerate the practical application of such technologies.

The collaboration center is positioned within the “RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing,” also established on April 1 for the purpose of driving R&D into quantum computers and related fundamental theories, technologies, hardware, and software.

With the establishment of the new collaboration center, RIKEN and Fujitsu will further pursue the joint research on superconducting quantum computers first announced in October 2020, and will clarify the organizational mission and strengthen the R&D structure. Under their joint R&D activities, the two partners aim to develop foundational technologies for realizing fault tolerant superconducting quantum computers that contribute to solving persistent challenges facing society through comprehensive and efficient research at each technology layer.

Ultimately, the results of the joint activities conducted at this collaboration center not only offer the potential for real-world applications in areas like drug discovery and material sciences, but will also contribute to the development of science and technology both in Japan and throughout the world by shedding new light on physical phenomena and fundamental scientific theory.