OptQC Corp. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Kan Takase; hereinafter "OptQC"), a developer of optical quantum computers, and The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Headquarters: Tsukuba City, Ibaraki; President: Kazuhiko Ishimura; hereinafter "AIST") are pleased to announce the successful installation and commencement of operations of "MoQuren," OptQC's first optical quantum computer machine, at AIST's Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI technology (G-QuAT).

This initiative marks the world's first instance in which a Japan-made optical quantum computer designed for future commercialization has been deployed in a practical research and development environment. This represents a major step that will lead directly to "SystemO," a key component of the "ABCI-Q: Quantum-Classical Hybrid Computing Infrastructure" currently being constructed by AIST.

In preparation for future general availability, OptQC is concurrently developing an execution environment for developers (Software Development Kit: SDK) bundled with simulation features. This will facilitate early application development by enterprises and research institutions.

This initiative is supported by “Building a Commercial Optical Quantum Computer”, one of the programs for bridging the gap between R&D and the ideal society and generating economic and social value (BRIDGE) and QST as a project management agency for the program.

Key Highlights

• A first step toward social implementation with the operation of a commercial-level optical quantum computer: OptQC's first machine, "MoQuren," which features room-temperature operation and exceptional scalability, has commenced operations at G-QuAT.
• Technological integration toward the realization of SystemO in the ABCI-Q infrastructure: By integrating OptQC's optical quantum technology into AIST's ABCI-Q, the initiative aims to build a computing platform capable of addressing complex real-world challenges.。
• Accelerating the preparation of an execution environment for practical application: Ahead of future general availability, OptQC is concurrently developing an execution environment for developers (SDK) bundled with simulation features.

Background and Purpose

Currently, efforts to implement quantum computing in society are accelerating worldwide. Among various approaches, the "optical method" is gaining significant attention as a leading candidate for practical application. It operates at room temperature and ambient pressure—eliminating the need for the cryogenic cooling environments required by superconducting methods—and is highly compatible with existing optical communication technologies. Furthermore, as the growing power consumption of data centers driven by AI adoption becomes a pressing issue, optical quantum computers, which offer low heat generation, energy efficiency, and potential for miniaturization, are highly anticipated as a next-generation computing infrastructure.

As a hub for the business development of integrated quantum-AI technologies, AIST's G-QuAT is advancing the development of the ABCI-Q: Quantum-Classical Hybrid Computing Infrastructure. By introducing OptQC's optical quantum computer "MoQuren" as part of this infrastructure, technical verification using real hardware will begin in earnest to address business challenges such as drug discovery, materials creation, financial optimization, and AI model construction.