TOKYO/ BROOMFIELD — SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum have formed a strategic partnership aimed at advancing quantum computing, focusing on the development of practical, market-ready use cases and the creation of a business model for a future quantum data center. The partnership seeks to integrate quantum computing with artificial intelligence (AI), surpassing the limitations of classical AI and driving innovations across industries such as generative chemistry, material science, and artificial intelligence.
As quantum computing progresses, it is clear that AI alone cannot solve all the complex challenges faced by industries today. While AI has made remarkable strides, it struggles with issues such as complex optimization, causal relationship analysis, and high-precision simulations. Combining AI with quantum computing promises a powerful solution, leveraging the unique strengths of Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), and Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) to deliver more advanced, scalable computations.
The new partnership will focus on addressing several key challenges that have hindered the widespread adoption of quantum computing. One such challenge is the lack of viable business models and revenue generation strategies for quantum computing technologies. To overcome this, SoftBank and Quantinuum will conduct joint market research, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, to explore global business models for quantum data centers that combine quantum computing with traditional computing methods. Both companies will also work to define clear use cases for quantum technologies, such as quantum chemistry and network analysis, and develop practical timelines for their realization.
“SoftBank believes in the transformative potential of quantum computing, and through our collaboration with Quantinuum, we are working to accelerate its practical application,” said Ryuji Wakikawa, Head of Research Institute of Advanced Technology at SoftBank Corp. “With Quantinuum’s world-leading quantum hardware, we aim to tackle challenges that classical computing cannot address, bringing quantum solutions to market.”
Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “By combining our expertise, we are set to deliver solutions that will not only enhance AI but also address longstanding challenges across various industries. This partnership represents a major step toward realizing the full potential of quantum technologies.”
The collaboration is expected to drive progress in sectors like healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy, creating new business opportunities and fostering technological innovation. Both companies are committed to advancing quantum computing’s real-world applications and helping businesses unlock the transformative benefits of this emerging technology.
