Fujitsu Unveils Japan's 2nd 64-Qubit Quantum Computer

In a recent official announcement, Fujitsu has unveiled a groundbreaking achievement in collaboration with Japan's prestigious Riken Institute. On October 5th, they successfully developed a cutting-edge quantum computer, marking a significant milestone as Japan's second homegrown quantum computing endeavor.

Quantum computing represents the next frontier in high-performance computation, harnessing the unique properties of subatomic particles known as "quantum" to perform lightning-fast calculations. If this technology can be perfected, it promises to revolutionize information processing, offering the potential for lightning-fast complex computations with wide-ranging applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, encryption, financial asset management, and more.

However, it's essential to note that quantum computing technology is still in its infancy and requires the establishment of error correction techniques to ensure practical usability. Fujitsu is optimistic about the prospect of developing robust error-resistant algorithms, leveraging their expertise along with the technology cultivated through the "Fugaku" supercomputer project in Kobe City.

Projections suggest that by 2035, quantum computing could contribute significantly to the global economy, with potential economic impacts estimated at up to $13 trillion, spanning sectors like financial services, chemical engineering, and life sciences.

Riken, Japan's foremost research institution, covering a wide array of scientific disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine, has joined forces with Fujitsu. Together, they are building on the technology previously employed in Japan's first superconducting quantum computer. Additionally, they have hinted at an impending launch of a hybrid quantum computing platform, fusing the computational capabilities of their newly developed 64-qubit quantum computer with Fujitsu's world-leading 40-qubit quantum computer simulator.

Moreover, Fujitsu has made an exciting announcement by opening up access to this cutting-edge quantum computer for companies and research institutions engaged in collaborative research with Fujitsu and Riken.

Japan's inaugural quantum computer was unveiled on March 27th this year, developed by Riken. It boasts an impressive 64 quantum bits integrated onto a chip measuring approximately 2 centimeters in both length and width. The design, utilizing low-temperature superconducting circuits, outperforms IBM's 27-qubit computer installed in Kawasaki earlier this year.

Riken has bestowed the name "叡" on Japan's first quantum computer, which is pronounced as "A" in English, meaning "wisdom." The second iteration, much like the first, harnesses the "superconducting" phenomenon to enable unimpeded electrical currents at extremely low temperatures and features 64 quantum bits, matching the capabilities of its predecessor.

Fujitsu embarked on its collaboration with Riken in April 2021, involving a team of approximately 20 researchers in the project. The company anticipates product launches in the fiscal year 2023 (commencing in April this year), initially for internal financial forecasting and research and development in new materials and pharmaceuticals.

Presently, major industry players like IBM and Alphabet, along with various governments, are making substantial investments in quantum computing research. Quantum computers are poised to outperform the fastest supercomputers by orders of magnitude. IBM, for instance, introduced the Osprey quantum computer with 433 qubits last year, tripling the qubit count of its previous Eagle machine.

While Japan has been trailing behind China and the United States in quantum research, it has outlined a comprehensive development plan. Fujitsu's strategic vision involves the convergence of quantum computing with supercomputing to enhance computational capabilities. In the coming years, Fujitsu plans to deploy quantum computing for practical applications, including molecular configuration simulations and material property analyses, aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of new material and drug development.

Fujitsu has already initiated collaborative material design research with Fujifilm, a prominent photoresist manufacturer, exploring the diverse applications of quantum computing. Additionally, they are gearing up for future partnerships with entities such as Tokyo Electron, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group, and Resona DL Financial Technologies.