#Japan #Tokyo #NEDO #QuantumCore #Reservoir Computing

QuantumCore and NEDO Collaboration

QuantumCore, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has been chosen by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for a technical research project aimed at validating the effectiveness of reservoir computing technology. This project represents a crucial part of NEDO's broader initiative focused on developing AI chips and next-generation computing technologies, which promises high efficiency and rapid processing capabilities.

Project Overview

The research will commence in the 2025 fiscal year and is slated to continue into 2026, with a budget allocation of approximately 120 million yen. During this project, QuantumCore aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the latest trends in reservoir computing technology and explore various implementation forms, specifically assessing its potential for integration into key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, mobility, healthcare, agriculture, and service robotics.

Background and Purpose

Currently, the global development of AI technologies is heavily reliant on large language models (LLMs) and deep learning, leading to fierce competition over GPU-dependent systems. This intense focus has raised concerns regarding escalating computational costs, increased energy consumption, and a heightened environmental impact. Reservoir computing emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a distinctive methodology for information processing that promises significant efficiency gains and lower power consumption—especially beneficial for time-series data processing. By leveraging Japan's strengths in semiconductor technology and IoT device development, reservoir computing represents a unique technical domain that is crucial for maintaining international competitiveness, in contrast to existing GPU-dependent large-scale AI systems.

Research Contents

This extensive investigation will address three major areas:
1. Technological Trends and Future Roles: Analyzing the current and future position of reservoir computing in societal applications.
2. Market Trends and Business Viability Assessment: Evaluating the market landscape and the potential for practical applications of the technology.
3. Feasibility Studies: Conducting robust analyses to ascertain the operational viability of implementing reservoir computing.

Implementation Structure

Leading this initiative, QuantumCore will collaborate with various stakeholders, including think tanks, educational institutions, existing NEDO projects, and numerous partner companies. The company plans to leverage its proven track record—having successfully implemented proof-of-concept (PoC) projects with over 80 companies and having established usage records from more than 2,500 reservoir computing products—while utilizing over 100 datasets for analytical validation. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the delivery of applicable and insightful research outcomes.

Future Prospects

Through this project, QuantumCore intends to clarify both the potential and challenges associated with reservoir computing technologies, aiding in the enhancement of Japan's industrial competitiveness. The findings will be shared broadly within the industry, including presentations at seminars and exhibitions. Addressing critical societal demands such as edge computing and energy efficiency, this initiative seeks to propose a new trajectory for AI development that is in harmony with Japan's industrial framework and technological foundations, contributing to a sustainable society.

In summary, this collaboration between QuantumCore and NEDO not only focuses on advancing the field of reservoir computing but also underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative technologies that have the potential to shape the future of Japan's technology landscape.