The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) of Japan has partnered with Intel to develop a next-generation silicon quantum computer, leveraging Intel’s advanced chip technology. The collaboration aims to create a machine with tens of thousands of qubits by the early 2030s, significantly surpassing the capabilities of current systems, which are prone to calculation errors.
The forthcoming quantum computer will be housed at AIST’s new Quantum-AI Fusion Technology Business Development Global Research Center (G-QuAT) in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, set to commence operations this spring. Once developed, the computer will be accessible to both domestic and international universities, as well as companies interested in utilizing its capabilities for a fee.
Potential applications for this advanced quantum computing technology include pharmaceutical research for new drug development, optimization of delivery routes in logistics by analyzing variables such as weather and road conditions, real-time electricity transmission management for power companies, and various fintech innovations.
The development project is expected to require an investment of tens of billions of yen. To mitigate the financial burden on individual companies, the private sector has encouraged the Japanese government to lead the initiative. The assembly of the quantum computer will take place at AIST’s Tsukuba facility, incorporating components sourced from Japanese companies.
In addition to its partnership with Intel, AIST plans to collaborate with IBM to develop a superconducting quantum computer, exploring different technological approaches within the quantum computing field.
