Quantinuum and SoftBank Corp. join forces to progress quantum computing, aiming at its practical implementation.

Quantinuum and SoftBank Corp. join forces to progress quantum computing, aiming at its practical implementation.

SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum, a global leader in quantum computing, have entered into a partnership aimed at exploring practical commercial applications of the technology, particularly in the realm of hybrid quantum-classical computing. This collaboration is expected to unlock new market opportunities and foster technological innovation across society.

The key initiatives of this partnership include:

1. 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) Optimization: SoftBank has already conducted a proof-of-concept in Tokyo using quantum-inspired computing (an Ising machine) to optimize carrier aggregation in 5G networks. This approach improved downlink speeds by about 10% and increased data transmission capacity by up to 50%. By addressing the combinatorial optimization problem of configuring carrier aggregation links among multiple base stations, the quantum method offers a solution to a complex problem that grows exponentially complex with network size.
2. Hybrid Quantum-Classical AI Solutions: The partnership aims to overcome limitations of classical AI by integrating CPUs, GPUs, and quantum processing units (QPUs). This hybrid approach is expected to enhance complex optimization, causal relationship analysis, and high-precision simulations that are difficult for AI alone.
3. Quantum Chemistry and Material Discovery Platform (QIDO): In collaboration with Mitsui & Co. and QSimulate, Quantinuum and SoftBank support QIDO, a platform that uses quantum-integrated chemistry simulations to accelerate development of new drugs and materials. QIDO combines advanced classical quantum chemistry methods with quantum computing capabilities to model chemical reactions with high precision, aiming to reduce both time and cost in R&D.
4. Developing Business Models and Market Applications: Beyond technical research, SoftBank and Quantinuum are focusing on identifying and building practical go-to-market use cases that create clear commercial value from quantum solutions, thus driving adoption in industries impacted by AI and telecommunications.

The partnership also aims to establish a "quantum data center" for advanced calculation processing, combining CPUs, GPUs, and quantum computers (QPUs). This centre will serve as a platform for both companies to explore specific business models for the quantum data center in the Asia-Pacific region and other regions.

Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, the president and CEO of Quantinuum, comments that the partnership with SoftBank represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of quantum computing, expected to contribute to problem-solving in diverse fields such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy. Ryuji Wakikawa, the head of the research institute of advanced technology at SoftBank Corp., believes in the potential of quantum computers and aims to be the first in the world to identify problems that can only be solved by quantum computers.

However, despite growth in the quantum computing sector, technical and business challenges need to be addressed. Initial investment and operational costs for quantum computers lack cost recovery strategies, and there is a need to discover and understand specific use cases for quantum computers. The partnership between SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum is a significant step towards addressing these challenges and unlocking the potential of quantum computing for practical commercial applications.

[1] SoftBank Corp. (2022). SoftBank and Quantinuum Announce Collaboration to Advance Quantum Computing for Practical Commercial Applications. Retrieved from https://www.softbank.jp/en/news/2022/03/18/softbank-and-quantinuum-announce-collaboration-to-advance-quantum-computing-for-practical-commercial-applications/ [2] SoftBank Corp. (2021). Quantum-Inspired Computing Improves 5G Network Efficiency. Retrieved from https://www.softbank.jp/en/news/2021/11/15/quantum-inspired-computing-improves-5g-network-efficiency/ [3] Quantinuum (2021). Quantinuum and SoftBank Corp. to Accelerate Quantum Computing for Industrial Innovation. Retrieved from https://www.quantinuum.com/news/2021/09/softbank-corp-and-quantinuum-announce-partnership-to-accelerate-quantum-computing-for-industrial-innovation/ [4] Quantinuum (2021). Quantinuum and Mitsui & Co. Announce QIDO Platform to Accelerate Drug Discovery. Retrieved from https://www.quantinuum.com/news/2021/03/mitsui-co-and-quantinuum-announce-qido-platform-to-accelerate-drug-discovery/ [5] Quantinuum (2021). Quantinuum and SoftBank Corp. Announce Collaboration to Advance Quantum Computing for Practical Commercial Applications. Retrieved from https://www.quantinuum.com/news/2021/03/softbank-corp-and-quantinuum-announce-collaboration-to-advance-quantum-computing-for-practical-commercial-applications/

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