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Groundbreaking Partnership in Quantum Computing

SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum have officially announced an exciting partnership aimed at advancing quantum computing applications. This collaboration is set to create substantial commercial value and pioneer business models for quantum data centers, marking a significant step in the evolution of technology. By combining their respective strengths, both companies are eager to develop innovative quantum computing solutions that transcend the limitations of traditional artificial intelligence (AI).

The Aims of the Partnership

The partnership aligns with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) in 2025, aiming to unlock new business opportunities by fusing AI with quantum computing. Currently, AI has shown remarkable capabilities across various domains. However, there remain significant challenges that AI alone struggles to resolve. These challenges include complex optimization problems, deciphering causal relationship analyses, and performing high-precision simulations based on fundamental equations. The collaboration aims to tackle these issues head-on.

SoftBank and Quantinuum believe in the transformative potential of quantum computing and are dedicated to exploring its numerous applications. They are convinced that a hybrid approach can significantly enhance AI capabilities, by integrating Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), and Quantum Processing Units (QPUs). This integration is expected to expand AI's capabilities, enabling more advanced calculations and innovative solutions that push beyond conventional boundaries.

Current Status and Challenges in Quantum Computing

Despite the rapid growth within the quantum computing sector, several technical and commercial hurdles need to be addressed to make quantum computers practical tools for problem-solving. Some of the key challenges include:

1. Business Model Development: The high initial capital and operational costs associated with developing and implementing quantum computers pose significant challenges. The lack of clear strategies for cost recovery can dampen enthusiasm for adoption and growth.

2. Specific Use Case Identification: There is still a notable scarcity of practical use cases that can clearly demonstrate the advantages of quantum computers over traditional machines. It's crucial to identify market sizes and revenue models through compelling examples, particularly in domains such as quantum chemical calculations and machine learning.

3. Technological Advancements: Current hardware performance limitations (e.g., number of qubits, precision of operations) hinder the effective use of quantum computers. Hence, meaningful improvements are necessary to achieve practical utility. Furthermore, the development of hybrid algorithms, alongside advances in error suppression and correction technologies, is essential to facilitate effective calculations.

4. Optimal Timing for Service Delivery: Making informed decisions regarding service offerings requires a deep understanding of technological advancements and market needs.

Key Activities in the Partnership

SoftBank and Quantinuum are committed to addressing these fundamental challenges collaboratively.

1. Joint Market Research: Aiming to establish a 'quantum data center' capable of advanced calculations, the companies will use their research on the Japanese market as a gateway to conduct global studies, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region. They will explore specific business models grounded in data, reaffirming risk-sharing strategies.

2. Timeline Construction and Use Case Validation: SoftBank intends to provide its commercial challenges as practical use cases. Both firms will clarify potential applications in quantum chemistry and network analyses, constructing a timeline for their realization. In quantum chemistry, they may explore new optical switching materials for optical networks, while in network analysis, applications could include anomaly detection and fraud prevention in SoftBank's communication networks.

Both companies aim to develop software technologies that optimize the limited hardware resources while delving into methods that integrate CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs.

Company Perspectives

Ryuji Wakikawa, Director of the Research Institute of Advanced Technology at SoftBank Corp., remarked on their belief in the power of quantum computers. He shared that SoftBank has been testing various internal challenges using quantum computers and has begun yielding results. Nevertheless, multiple challenges remain regarding the provision of quantum computing services in Japan. Collaborating with Quantinuum, which possesses some of the world’s most powerful quantum computing hardware, SoftBank anticipates identifying complex problems that only quantum computers can solve.

Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, indicated that this collaboration represents a pivotal moment for quantum computing. By uniting their strengths, the companies aim to create innovative solutions that enhance AI capabilities and tackle challenges previously deemed insurmountable. Together, they are laying the groundwork for a future where quantum technologies yield transformative advancements across various industries.

This partnership is poised to contribute solutions across diverse sectors, such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy. By addressing unresolved challenges and creating new market opportunities, this collaboration promises to foster wide-ranging technological innovations that resonate throughout society.

About SoftBank Corp.

Guided by its corporate philosophy of "Information Revolution – Happiness for Everyone," SoftBank Corp. operates telecommunications and IT businesses both in Japan and globally. Building on a robust commercial foundation, SoftBank is expanding into uncharted territories beyond telecommunications and is leveraging the strengths of 5G/6G solutions, IoT, digital twin technologies, and more.

For more information, visit softbank.jp/en.

About Quantinuum

Quantinuum is recognized as the world's largest integrated quantum computing company, pioneering powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Their technology supports advancements in material discovery, cybersecurity, and quantum AI applications.

For more information, visit quantinuum.com.