JIJ Inc. today announced that it has signed a framework agreement with Kobe Steel (KOBELCO) to advance the adoption of quantum computing technologies across the KOBELCO Group.
Under the agreement, the companies will launch a multi-year initiative to establish a Quantum Center of Excellence and support the practical use of quantum computing technologies across the KOBELCO Group.
Background
The KOBELCO Group operates across three core business areas: materials, machinery, and electric power. Across these businesses, the Group provides a diverse range of technologies, products, and services while addressing increasingly complex business challenges.
As social conditions and market trends continue to evolve, these challenges are expected to become even more complex. Traditional approaches based primarily on existing methods, experience, and accumulated knowledge alone are no longer sufficient. For future business growth, the KOBELCO Group aims to strengthen its ability to solve these challenges and create new business opportunities.
Kobe Steel is exploring the use of quantum computing, an emerging technology expected to help address complex computational challenges across fields such as machine learning, data analysis, and CAE-driven design and simulation.
The company notes that adopting quantum technologies requires not only technical progress but also long-term investment in skills and organizational readiness. With this in mind, Kobe Steel plans to take a structured, multi‑year approach to developing and applying quantum computing capabilities, working jointly with its partners to build the necessary foundation.
Overview of the initiative
The initiative will focus on the following areas:
- Technical Implementation
JIJ and Kobe Steel will verify the applicability of quantum computing technologies and advance technology development through real-world projects, particularly in areas such as materials development, production management, and process optimization.
- Talent Development and Building Internal Expertise
The program will support the development of talent capable of applying these technologies in practical business settings, while building and sharing practical knowledge across the KOBELCO Group.
- Foundations and Governance
The companies will develop rules, business processes, and next-generation computing foundations to enable continued use of these technologies across the KOBELCO Group.
During the first year, the program will focus primarily on materials development, production management, and process optimization. Specific target themes include materials design and development that balances conflicting properties, as well as production planning under multiple processes and constraints—areas where conventional methods can be difficult to apply.
Rather than limiting the effort to standalone verification activities, JIJ and Kobe Steel aim to gradually expand the application of quantum computing technologies across the KOBELCO Group and create the conditions for sustained use in ways that contribute to the Group’s business growth.
JIJ’s role
JIJ specializes in quantum computing and mathematical optimization technologies, with an emphasis on industrial use cases. Through its involvement in domestic and international quantum industry networks and participation in national R&D programs, the company has developed broad experience in applying these technologies to operational and business challenges.
Its capabilities include converting complex problems into computable models, developing corresponding algorithms, and implementing them in practical projects.
Drawing on this expertise, JIJ will work with Kobe Steel as a co‑creation partner to support the application of quantum computing technologies across the KOBELCO Group and help identify new business opportunities.
Future outlook
Under its current Medium-Term Management Plan (FY2024–2026), the KOBELCO Group has set a goal of transforming into a more attractive company and is promoting “KOBELCO-X” (A transformation initiative promoted by the KOBELCO Group) as part of this transformation.
This program will be implemented in stages over multiple years with the aim of supporting the future industrial use of quantum computing technologies. It also aligns with the KOBELCO Group’s approach to AX (Ambidexterity), which balances the enhancement of existing businesses with the exploration of new business opportunities.
By supporting the development of an advanced technology foundation within the KOBELCO Group, JIJ will help enhance existing businesses and create new value through its expertise in quantum computing technologies and mathematical optimization.
