Will Fujitsu And Riken’s Latest Quantum Computing Revelation Boost The Emerging Technology?

Something small is going big – yes, we’re talking about Quantum Computing!

In a nutshell, quantum computing has the potential to be the next iteration of computing with its stupendously potent and powerful abilities.

Reportedly, the global quantum computing market size was valued at around $457.9 million in 2021 and is predicted to reach around $5,274.9 million by 2030, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of around 31.21% from 2022 to 2030.

It’s no wonder that numerous companies are making moves to get ahead.

Keeping to this thought, Japanese multinational company Fujitsu and renowned Japanese research institute Riken recently made an announcement.
 

What Did Fujitsu and Riken Announce?

 

• On Thursday, October 5, Fujitsu and Riken announced that they have successfully developed Japan’s second homemade quantum computer.

• This follows the duo’s previous project of making the country’s first homemade quantum computer, which went online in March 2023.

• Both computers are believed to be amongst the fastest in the world.

• The new project, which is a 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer, will be integrated with one of the world's largest Fujitsu-developed 40-qubit quantum computer simulators, which will serve as a new hybrid quantum computing platform.

 

What’s Next In The Emerging Quantum Space?

 

• Fujitsu and Riken’s plan moving ahead is to provide this new hybrid platform to companies, universities and research institutes that will conduct joint research with the duo.

• Essentially, it will serve as a base to “expand the search for practical hybrid quantum applications in various fields including materials, finance, and drug discovery.”

• In the meantime, the partnership will continue with joint development at the RIKEN RQC-Fujitsu Collaboration Center, working to create a large-scale quantum computer with 1,000 qubits.

• At present, Fujitsu has been conducting joint research with Fujifilm Corporation, Tokyo Electron Limited, Mizuho DI Financial Technology Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation on the development of pioneering quantum applications using quantum simulators.

 

What Did The Key Stakeholders Say?

 

• "It's kind of a first or second step, we still have a long way to go," Shintaro Sato, head of Fujitsu's quantum laboratory said, adding, "At the very least, we look forward to working with clients numbering in the double digits."

• Yukihiro Okuno, Senior Research Scientist, Analysis Technology Center, Fujifilm Corporation, said, “We anticipate that the ultrafast computing power of quantum computers enables unprecedented high-precision chemical calculations, which will greatly contribute to materials development.”

• [Contd.] “Fujifilm will leverage the new hybrid quantum computing platform to research the effects of noise on current quantum computing results. We will also continue to develop innovative materials through the application of quantum computing.”

• Tsuyoshi Moriya, Vice President, Digital Design Center, Tokyo Electron Limited, said, “Tokyo Electron is conducting this joint research as part of a feasibility study to utilize quantum computers for semiconductor manufacturing process development and material development.”

 

How Will This Move Affect Businesses?

 

• A commercially viable quantum computer is not yet available. However, it’s not going to be long before they are available, thanks to breakthroughs like the one Fujitsu-Riken made. 

• In the meantime, businesses must focus on getting prepared. A report by Harvard Business Review found that there are two main keypoints that businesses must address if they wish not to be left behind: vigilance and visioning.

• Companies must keep track of how quickly the industry is progressing to be at the forefront of quantum computing adoption.

• Visioning will require managers to come up with plans, studies and scenarios on how quantum computing will affect the company, how best to take advantage of it, how best to adapt, what are its use cases and what shortcomings currently exist.

What do you think of the Fujitsu-Riken announcement? Do you think it will make the quantum sector more accessible for businesses?

Let us know in the comments below!