Gov't proposes 1st domestic quantum computer use by March 2023
The Japanese government intends to enter the global quantum computing race by putting its first domestically-produced quantum computer into service within the current fiscal year ending March 2023, a source close to the matter said.
The new strategy includes plans to establish four quantum research centers across the country, and could be finalized later this month, the source said.
It comes after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party submitted general proposals to expand investment in new technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing on March 24.
The United States, China and other countries are in the middle of fierce development competition over quantum computing, which performs calculations by using quantum physics properties at the scale of atomic particles such as electrons and photons, and is expected to have applications including for more efficient research of new medicine development and cryptography.
The proposed quantum computing research bases for improving the country's competitive edge and developing workers adept with the technology are Tohoku University, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology.
The government strategy aims for 10 million quantum technology users in Japan by 2030 and to create an environment that enables its implementation in varied fields such as medicine, new materials development and banking.