December 02, 2024 -- Jij Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Yu Yamashiro) and ORCA Computing Limited (Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; CEO: Richard Murray) are pleased to announce the establishment of a strategic partnership in quantum computing technology, marking a pioneering collaboration between Japan and the UK.

First comprehensive Japan-UK Quantum Startup Partnership

Under this partnership, Jij will develop algorithms to maximize the capabilities of ORCA Computing's photonic quantum computers, with applications in logistics delivery planning, power supply and demand planning in the energy sector, and manufacturing production schedule optimization where the capabilities of traditional computing methods are challenged.

A key feature of photonic quantum computers is their ability to operate in room temperature environments, eliminating the need for ultra-low temperature external cooling equipment, as required by other types of quantum computers, resulting in significant cost and operating advantages. Additionally, the ability to implement computing devices in standard data center environments addresses requirements such as communication speed and security as required for on-premises and cloud deployments.

This partnership combines the system and architecture expertise of ORCA Computing, a leading UK quantum startup with a track record of deliveries to government agencies in the UK and other countries, with Jij`s extensive knowledge gained through developing unique algorithms across various industries including energy, manufacturing, transportation, communications, materials development, and construction. This marks the first such comprehensive collaboration between Japanese and British startups in the quantum field.

Moving forward, Jij will strengthen its joint research and development and business collaboration with ORCA Computing, which is at the center of the UK's quantum ecosystem, and will expand into overseas markets through its UK subsidiary, planned for establishment by spring 2025.

Accelerating Japan-UK Quantum Collaboration at the National Level

International cooperation for the practical implementation of quantum computing technology is gaining momentum. Between Japan and the UK, the "Hiroshima Accord on an Enhanced Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership" (The Hiroshima Accord), signed in Hiroshima during the G7 Summit in May 2023, specifically mentions their commitment to "work together to maintain strategic advantages in emerging technologies including quantum technology".

Furthermore, at the Japan-UK Summit meeting this November, the establishment of an "Economic 2+2" was decided, which also includes provisions for quantum collaboration.

Additionally, IEC/ISO (International Electrotechnical Commission/International Organization for Standardization) established JTC3, an international standards committee specialized in quantum technology, in January 2024, with the UK as the host country and British Standards Institution (BSI) as the secretariat, advancing standardization efforts.

The UK Department for Business and Trade is actively pursuing collaboration with quantum technology companies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including Japan. They host the APAC UK Quantum Programme alongside the annual UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase each autumn, providing networking opportunities with UK government and industry stakeholders and visits to centers such as Oxford and Cambridge.

At the JTC3 meeting held in Edinburgh, UK in October 2024, Jij's COO Nakata was dispatched as a member of the Japanese delegation from Japan's quantum industry consortium (Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution, Q-STAR). Additionally, Jij has participated in the APAC UK Quantum Programme as part of the Japanese delegation for three consecutive years, visiting all seven UK quantum hubs and building relationships with UK quantum stakeholders under the arrangement of the Department for Business and Trade.

In this context, Jij has decided to establish its first overseas subsidiary in the UK by spring 2025.