Japan’s Quantum Technology New Industry Creation Council (Q-STAR), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Global Research Center for Quantum and AI Integrated Technology Business Development (G-QuAT) — a national research and development agency at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) — to promote international collaboration in the field of quantum technology.
The three parties aim to strengthen Japan’s international competitiveness by promoting collaboration with domestic and international companies, research institutes, universities, and government agencies, and by creating innovation in Japan’s quantum field, accelerating industrialization, and enhancing the ecosystem.
To date, the three parties have promoted international collaboration and network building through activities such as sending quantum missions to Illinois, Massachusetts, and Colorado, interacting with the US quantum ecosystem, and participating in international conferences overseas. The signing of this MoU further systematizes these efforts, establishing a new framework for the sustainable and strategic development of international joint research, corporate collaboration, and personnel exchanges.
Prior to the signing of this MOU, the three parties jointly organized a mission to Japan from March 2nd to 5th for North American quantum ecosystem stakeholders. The mission toured research institutes, companies, and related bases in Japan, deepening their understanding of Japan’s quantum research. Active exchanges of opinions and dialogue on the possibility of joint research and business collaboration were also held, resulting in outcomes that will “strengthen networks with North America and create future opportunities for cooperation” according to the press release.
Major initiatives by the three parties based on this memorandum are:
- Creating international collaborative research and building networks with overseas bases
- Hosting international events and business exchanges in the field of quantum technology
- Joint implementation of a program to support Japanese companies in expanding overseas
- Activities aimed at attracting promising overseas companies and research institutions to Japan
- Promoting global human resource exchange
JETRO has supported foreign companies in entering the Japanese market and Japanese companies in expanding overseas, while G-QuAT has promoted research and development of quantum and AI fusion technologies, and Q-STAR has been responsible for creating a quantum ecosystem centered on industry. With this MoU, the three parties aim to bring together their strengths and jointly accelerate efforts to promote the social implementation of research results and expand international business opportunities.
