September 09, 2025 -- Quantum STrategic industry Alliance for Revolution (Representative Director: Taro Shimada, Hereinafter “Q-STAR”) and Plug and Play Japan KK (Japan office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Phillip Vincent, Hereinafter “Plug and Play Japan”) have selected five startups for the Quantum Startup Accelerator Program.

Q-STAR, a Japan-based organization driving the industrialization of quantum technology with over 130 member companies, universities, and research institutions, promotes the social implementation of quantum technology and international collaboration through industry, academia, and government partnerships. Together with Q-STAR, Plug and Play will accelerate the growth of Japan’s quantum ecosystem by supporting startups that leverage quantum technology to expand their businesses.

During the 3-month program, dedicated teams from Q-STAR and Plug and Play, a global innovation platform based in Silicon Valley, will provide hands-on, tailor-made business development support. Going beyond simple advisory sessions, the program will help startups tackle diverse challenges from a startup-first perspective. Furthermore, the selection for Plug and Play’s world-class accelerator program represents a significant achievement for each startup and can be effectively leveraged in their PR activities. This program is implemented as part of the Cabinet Office’s Council for Science, Technology and Innovation Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), “Promoting the Application of Advanced Quantum Technologies to Social Challenges” (Managing Organization: QST), and is operated with the support of Sumitomo Corporation’s QX Team.

Program Overview & Support

Corporate and partner introductions via Q-STAR and Plug and Play networks

Investor (VC/CVC) connections, media exposure, and PR support

Hands-on support in areas such as talent acquisition, IP, and regulatory compliance

Selected Startups (5 startups total, in alphabetical order)

1. OptQC Corp.

Business overview: Challenging the global market with photonic quantum computers
Location: 10F, Sumitomo Realty Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Building, 1-21-7 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Hiroshi Takase

Comment: “By refining our global expansion and talent acquisition strategies alongside strong peers in this program, OptQC aims to become an even more exciting and stronger team.”

2. Quanmatic Inc.

Business overview: Solving complex business challenges through quantum computing, AI, and mathematical optimization
Location: 1-22-3 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Sumitaka Koga

Comment: “Leveraging our original algorithmic technologies, we hope to contribute to the creation of new industries in the quantum field by developing real-world use cases with enterprises.”

3. Qubitcore Inc.

Business overview: Pioneering distributed quantum computing with optically connected ion-trap QPU networks
Location: 7F, Yokohama Landmark Tower, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
CEO: Ryuta Watanuki

Comment: “Through the broad networks and dialogues provided by this program, we want to nurture our technology into solutions that can truly reach society.”

4. TopoLogic Inc.

Business: Developing ultra-low-power, high-speed memory technology using topological quantum materials
Location: Room 703, University of Tokyo Entrepreneur Plaza, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Taiki Sato

Comment: “As our core technology is based on quantum-mechanical topological materials, we are honored to have been selected for Q-STAR’s program.”

5. VISION IV Corporation

Business: Developing next-generation diamond substrates for quantum sensors and power semiconductors
Location: Room 301, Building 1, Leading Venture Plaza, 75-1 Onocho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
CEO: Tomoaki Koseki

Comment: “We are truly honored. By further advancing Japan’s outstanding materials technologies, we will devote ourselves to the ambitious goal of realizing quantum sensors in society.”

Upcoming Tentative Schedule

Early September: Orientation and mentoring sessions begin

September–November: Business matching with VCs and corporates, media exposure support

December: Final demo day/results presentation