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TOKYO, Oct. 1, 2021 Osaka University and Fujitsu Limited today announced the establishment of 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 QIQBs advanced quantum error correction and quantum software technologies with Fujitsus 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.

Background

Quantum computers, which make use of the principles of quantum mechanics including quantum superposition states and quantum entanglement(1), 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(2)of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and thus plays an important role in Japans 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(3)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(4)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.

Outline of the Joint Research

Name: Fujitsu Quantum Computing Joint Research Division

Location: Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), International Advanced Research Institute (IARI), Osaka University (Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture)

Research Period: October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024

Research Contents: R&D of Quantum Software for fault-tolerant quantum computers

*Assuming a quantum computer with a scale of several thousand qubits, the joint division will research and develop an error correction algorithm able to restore the original information from faulty qubits, as well as technologies to evaluate the performance of this algorithm.

*In order to perform quantum computation using logical qubits(5)generated through quantum error correction codes, the joint division will focus on the R&D and implementation of a set of software solutions required from program input to the result output.With regard to future practical applications of this technology, the division will furthermore verify the operation of these solutions using a virtual machine environment to evaluate the effects of noise add up.

Roles and Responsibilities

Osaka University

Fujitsu

Future Plans

In order to contribute to the further development of quantum computing science and technology, Osaka University and Fujitsu will strengthen their cooperation with a variety of research institutions and companies. Through the practical application of the results of this joint research, the partners aim to contribute to an early practical application of quantum computing with the potential to drive innovations and create a sustainable society.

Osaka University and Fujitsu will also collaborate with related industries and academia to support the training of new human resources in the field of quantum technology.

All company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

About Osaka University

Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japans leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world, being named Japans most innovative university in 2015 (Reuters 2015 Top 100) and one of the most innovative institutions in the world in 2017 (Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017). Now, Osaka University is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation. Website:https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please seewww.fujitsu.com.

Source: Fujitsu

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Fujitsu and Osaka University Deepen Collaborative Research and Development for Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers - HPCwire

Today,the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), inpartnership withtheDepartment of Commerces National Institute of StandardsandTechnology (NIST), released a roadmap to help organizations protect their data and systems and to reduce risks related to the advancement of quantum computing technology.

While quantum computing promises unprecedented speed and power in computing, it also poses new risks. As this technology advances over the next decade, it is expected to break some encryption methods that are widely used to protect customer data, complete business transactions, and secure communications. DHSs new guidance will help organizations prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography by identifying, prioritizing, and protecting potentially vulnerable data, algorithms, protocols, and systems.

Quantum computing will be a scientific breakthrough. It is also expected to pose new data privacy and cybersecurity risks,saidSecretaryAlejandro N. Mayorkas. Now is the time for organizations to assess and mitigate their related risk exposure. As we continue responding to urgent cyber challenges, we must also stay ahead of the curve by focusing on strategic, long-term goals. This new roadmap will help protect our critical infrastructure and increase cybersecurity resilience across the country.

In March, Secretary Mayorkasoutlined his vision for cybersecurity resilienceandidentified the transition to post-quantum encryption as a priority. DHS also issued internal policy guidance to drive the Departments own preparedness efforts and is conducting a macro-level analysis to inform the governments action and ensure a smooth and equitable transition.

For more information and resources, visitDHS.gov/quantum.

Read more at DHS

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DHS Releases Guidance to Mitigate Security Risks with the Advancement of Quantum Computing - Hstoday - HSToday

This week, College Park, Maryland quantum computing company IonQ is officially going public.

Following a merger with dMY Technology Group Inc. III, which is a special purpose acquisition company based in Las Vegas, the firm will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, Oct. 1. The merger was officially approved on Tuesday by dMY III stockholders.

The company will be trading under the symbol IONQ, and CEO Peter Chapman said it is expected to raise $635 million, with an additional $132 million in outstanding warrants. Of this, $350 million will be raised through private investment in public equity (PIPE) funding from investors including Fidelity Management & Research Company, Silver Lake, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, MSD Partners, Hyundaiand Kia.

Founded in 2015 by University of Maryland College Park professor Dr. Chris Monroe and Duke University professor Dr. Jungsang Kim, IonQ specializes in trapped ion quantum computing. Drawing on two decades of research, the company is working to create more powerful computers than those currently available, and apply the technology to solving foundational problems in new ways.

IonQ first announced plans to go public earlier this year, estimating that the company would be valued at $2 billion when the deal closed. Chapman told Technical.ly that the IPO will make IonQ more competitive in talent recruiting and help it to reach the manufacturing stage with its products, particularly in quantum networking.

This was not actually a liquidity event for us, Chapman said. Most people when they get to an IPO, theyre thinking about how can they cash out there. But there isnt anyone actually cashing out. We just thought of this as a means to an end on how to raise money.

Going forward, Chapman said the company expects to double its 90-person team, which is spread across offices in College Park, Seattle and Boston.

Since it announced the IPO in March, 2021 has been a banner year for IonQ. It has landed partnerships that will help to further explore real-world applications of quantum computing with GE Research, the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology, Goldman Sachs and QCWare, Google, Accenture andSoftbank. It is teaming with theUniversity of Maryland on a new lab in College Park.

When it comes to tech advances, the company launched what it says is the industrys first reconfigurable multicore quantum architecture, as well as designed and launched a chipset known as Evaporated Glass Traps. This year also brought its second research credit program cohort, which offers free credits to academics building novel quantum algorithms (Want to know more about quantums rise out of the lab? Check out our explainer here).

[Going public] will lift all the boats in quantum computing in this sense that we can show that it can be done in quantum now, and thats probably good for the entire industry, Chapman said.

Nir Minerbi, CEO and cofounder of Classiq, a fellow quantum company, agrees, although he thinks theres still more work to be done in the industry.

Organizations understand that the ability to extract true business value from quantum computing grows as more qubits with higher quality are available, said Minerbi in a statement. IonQs funding is good news for the industry and their quantum roadmap is encouraging as well.

As the company moves into the new year, Chapman said IonQ will be expanding into the drug discovery, materials science and battery industries. But, he noted, the possibilities with quantum computing offer plenty of new, yet-to-be-discovered options, as well.

Every day at the company is fun. You have a customer thats doing something that has never been done before, Chapman said. Its a pretty exciting place to be.

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IonQ is set to make its public trading debut. Here's a look at the quantum computing company's 2021 highlights - Technical.ly DC

An engineer adjusts a laser to test chips with waveguides for quantum computing. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP)

Quantum computing applications may not be particularly mainstream now, although quantum computing as a field has been growing at an accelerated rate these past few years.

While the frequently-bandied about term may sound intimidating, quantum computing is essentially computing that can be performed at speeds and efficiencies far, far superior to what typical computers can do today. In short computing on steroids.

Aside from university labs, were already seeing it being used in a few sectors, such as cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, and even logistics. Indeed, quantum computing has come a rather long way, in a short amount of time, mainly because of the immense benefit it can give to quickly compute and thus, analyze massive sets of data at breakneck speeds.

The rise of quantum computing has Big Tech to thank giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and IBM have been heavily investing in developing quantum computing and related technologies in recent years. The same has gone for governments such as China, South Korea, India, and Japan, all of whom have invested in or are planning to invest in developing this technology.

Just last month, UK-based Oxford Quantum Circuits launched the worlds first commercially available QCaaS (Quantum Computing as a Service), even. Prior to OQC, both Amazon and Honeywell had worked on developing and piloting commercial QCaaS.

Earlier this week, the National University of Singapores (NUS) Singapores Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP) announced that they would be working with Thales to develop and test quantum technologies for industry use.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 29 September marks the start of a two-year partnership to jointly develop and test quantum technologies for commercial applications.

A Memorandum of Understanding was inked by (front row, from left) Professor Chen Tsuhan, Deputy President (Research and Technology), National University of Singapore, and Mr Kevin Chow, Country Director and Chief Executive, Thales in Singapore. The signing was witnessed by (back row, from left) Mr Ling Keok Tong, Director (Smart Nation and Digital Economy), National Research Foundation, Singapore, and Mr Chen Guan Yow, Vice President and Head (New Businesses), Economic Development Board. (IMG/Thales)

Under the MoU, Singapores Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP) and Thales aim to advance quantum technologies and prepare industry players for their arrival. The partnership will see industry and academic experts from Thales and QEP develop capabilities to test and evaluate interdisciplinary quantum security technologies.

They will also explore potential research collaboration opportunities in the fields of new materials and design for quantum sensing. Additionally, they will organise joint activities such as seminars and conferences to share their expertise and showcase their research outcomes.

The Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP) is an initiative launched in 2018 by the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF) and hosted at NUS. The projects under the collaboration span technologies for security and sensing, and involve QEP researchers across Singapores institutes of higher learning and research centres.

Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President (Research & Technology), said, Building on this momentum, QEPs partnership with Thales, a forerunner in the quantum revolution, will accelerate innovation and development of quantum solutions that are commercially attractive locally and globally.

With its track record in developing security and cybersecurity equipment, Thales will make available its SafeNet Luna Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and high-speed network encryptors that support interfaces to quantum devices for research use.

The algorithms and quantum random number generation technology in these types of equipment provide the crypto-agility to easily implement quantum-safe crypto and combat the threats of quantum computing. This equipment would be deployed for proof-of-concept trials and testbeds in Singapore.

In May 2021, Thales launched a network encryption solution capable of protecting enterprise data from future quantum cyber-attacks. It supplements standard encryption with a scheme resistant to quantum computing that is under consideration for international standards.

Quantum technologies open almost infinite possibilities for the future and our researchers see real potential in three types of quantum applications, namely in sensors, communications and post-quantum cryptology, shared Mr Kevin Chow, Country Director and Chief Executive, Thales in Singapore.

Thales, which has 33,000 engineers across the world, also aims to be a key player in what is often called the second quantum revolution, which exploits subtle properties of quantum physics and requires mastery of the associated technologies.

Thales collaboration with QEP is a strong testament to the companys approach towards using quantum technologies to solve real-world, end-user challenges.

According to Chow, while this initial partnership will involve their network encryption technology to provide crypto-agility and cybersecurity, Thales will continue to work with the R&T ecosystem in Singapore to explore new topics, including using novel materials for quantum sensing or in secured communications in quantum technologies.

Additionally, the joint team of scientists and engineers will also develop devices that tap on quantum physics for higher performance. According to QEP, this is an area of focus under Singapores Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan (RIE2025).

Mr Ling Keok Tong, Director (Smart Nation and Digital Economy) at NRF shared that quantum communications and security, as well as quantum devices and instrumentation, are two significant focus areas under the QEP.

Jamilah Lim| @TechieKitteh

Jam (she/they) is the editor of Tech Wire Asia. They are a humanist and feminist with a love for science and technology. They are also cognizant of the intersectionality of the above with ethics, morality, and its economic/social impact on people, especially marginalized/underdeveloped communities.

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Singapores NUS and Thales to develop quantum technologies for commercial applications - Tech Wire Asia

A Boulder Company Is Leading the Next Technology Revolution - 5280 Photo courtesy of Cold Quanta Compass

ColdQuanta is ready to take the next step in quantum computing.

Although still in their infancy, quantum computers are already big business, with IBM, Microsoft, Google, and state actors like China cumulatively investing billions to develop the superfast number crunchers. But ColdQuanta, a relatively tiny Boulder firm, may beat them all to a major milestone later this year: releasing a 100-qubit quantum computer.

That would be a big step toward quantum advantage (QA), the point at which these machines will be able to compute in seconds certain kinds of useful problems that would take traditional supercomputers thousands of years to solve. How? Where your laptop must try each possible solution in turn to find the answer, quantum computers can test solutions simultaneously. To do this, they swap bits for qubits made of atoms or subatomic particles chilled to just above absolute zero, where the laws of physics get freaky. While a bit can only be a one or a zero, heads or tails, qubits can be both heads and tails at once.

ColdQuantas advantage lies in how it chills those atoms. Unlike many of its competitors, who use bulky liquid helium refrigeration, ColdQuanta uses lasers and traps them in a sleek glass prism. The technique is so effective, says Paul Lipman, ColdQuantas president of quantum computing, that it may only take a few more years to reach the hundredsor even thousandsof qubits necessary to achieve QA. Once its realized, QA could accelerate scientific discovery, from modeling new cancer drugs on a molecular level to mapping the state of the universe seconds after the Big Bang.

This article appeared in the October 2021 issue of 5280.

Nicholas writes and edits the Compass, Adventure, and Culture sections of 5280 and writes for 5280.com.

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