March 07, 2025 -- In a recent release, Jij Inc., a Tokyo-based quantum optimization company, announced it has established its first overseas branch, Jij Europe Ltd., in the United Kingdom as part of its global expansion strategy. According to the release, the company has also officially joined UKQuantum, a consortium representing the UK’s quantum technology sector.

Strengthening Japan-UK Quantum Collaboration

Over the past six months, bilateral cooperation between Japan and the UK in quantum technology has intensified, involving government initiatives, industry collaborations, and research partnerships. According to the release, quantum cooperation is a key agenda item in the Economic 2+2 dialogue framework, which was announced in November 2023 as part of the Hiroshima Accord. The framework speaks to the commitment of both nations to maintaining leadership in emerging technologies, including quantum computing.

The UK government has been actively encouraging collaboration with quantum technology companies across the Asia-Pacific region, organizing initiatives such as the APAC UK Quantum Programme. Meanwhile, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other organizations continue to support domestic quantum development and its integration into international ecosystems.

Jij’s Growing Presence in the UK Quantum Industry

Jij has been gradually permeating the UK quantum ecosystem through multiple initiatives in the past year. In October 2024, the company participated in the JTC3 international standardization meeting in Edinburgh as part of the Japanese delegation. The release notes that Jij has been selected for the APAC UK Quantum Programme for three consecutive years, visiting all seven major quantum hubs in the UK to strengthen ties with the country’s quantum industry.

In December 2024, Jij announced a collaboration with UK-based ORCA Computing, focusing on advancing optimization algorithms for photonic quantum computers. By establishing Jij Europe Ltd., the company hopes to deepen its engagement with the UK’s quantum research and commercialization efforts.

Jij Europe Ltd. will be located at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, a leading research hub home to over 240 organizations and more than 6,000 professionals. The office is strategically positioned near the National Quantum Computing Centre, allowing Jij to work closely with key UK research institutions and industry partners.

According to the release, Jij plans to hire around 20 employees over the next three years, focusing on researchers and engineers to strengthen its presence in the UK and Europe. The company will also continue collaborating with organizations such as UKQuantum, the UK government, NQCC, and ORCA Computing to advance the industrialization of quantum technology.

Joining UKQuantum and Future Plans

By becoming a member of UKQuantum, Jij Europe Ltd. joins a network of over 50 companies and institutions dedicated to quantum computing, sensing, and communications. Notable members include IBM, Google Quantum AI, Quantinuum, ORCA Computing, and the UK’s National Physical Laboratory. Jij is the second Japanese company to join UKQuantum, following Toshiba United Kingdom.

The company is set to attend UKQuantum’s Annual General Meeting on April 3 in London, where it will engage in discussions on policy, international collaboration, and standardization efforts. Looking ahead, Jij plans to expand further in Europe, with its second European office expected to open in Hamburg, Germany.