- Japanese collaboration quadruples qubit count, aims to democratize access
- Advanced cooling and integration lay groundwork for hybrid classical-quantum use
What happened: Japan unveils scalable 256-qubit quantum platform
Fujitsu and RIKEN have jointly unveiled a 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s quantum computing ambitions. The new system, hosted at the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Center, represents a fourfold increase in computing power over the 64-qubit model the partners developed previously.
The machine employs high-density implementation and an advanced thermal design that leverages a dilution refrigerator for effective cooling—critical to maintaining the superconducting state of the quantum bits. This technical achievement allows the system to sustain stable operation, a key requirement for reliable quantum computation.
Access to the quantum computer will not be limited to internal projects. Fujitsu announced that external companies and research institutes worldwide will be able to utilize the machine from the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, supporting global innovation across industries from pharmaceuticals to materials science.
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Why it is important
The significance of this development lies not just in the number of qubits, but in the potential applications and accessibility. With a higher qubit count, researchers can model larger, more complex molecules and test sophisticated quantum error correction techniques—vital for the evolution of fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Fujitsu and RIKEN are also laying the groundwork for a hybrid computing era, where quantum and classical systems interact seamlessly. This integration is expected to broaden the practical utility of quantum systems, allowing users to run hybrid algorithms that leverage the strengths of both architectures.
Looking ahead, the duo’s roadmap includes a 1,000-qubit system planned for installation next year. They’ve also extended their partnership through March 2029, ensuring continued innovation in Japan’s quantum technology sector. While other players have already surpassed the 1,000-qubit mark, the diversity of approaches—like Fujitsu and RIKEN’s superconducting path—remains essential to identifying scalable, real-world quantum solutions.
