Japan’s quantum technology development has long been led by academic research institutions and large enterprises, with comparatively limited momentum from start‑ups. To address this structural imbalance and stimulate the growth of quantum start-ups, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has introduced a series of targeted policy measures. In 2023, Japan formulated the Strategy for Quantum Future Industry Development, followed in 2024 by the Promotion Measures for the Development of Quantum Industries. Together, these initiatives set ambitious targets for 2030, including expanding the number of quantum technology users to 10 million, increasing application‑related economic value to JPY 50 trillion, and nurturing globally competitive “quantum unicorn” enterprises.
To accelerate the cultivation of quantum enterprises, Japan established the Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR) in 2021. Q‑STAR promotes quantum industry development by integrating start-up accelerator organizations and providing coordinated support for fundraising, business development, and corporate linkages. In parallel, Japan has established the Quantum Technology Innovation Hubs (QIH) and the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum‑AI Technology (G‑QuAT), which offer technical support, validation environments, and proof‑of‑concept opportunities for quantum start‑ups, thereby strengthening pathways from research to commercialization.
Most quantum start‑ups in Japan originate from technology transfer and entrepreneurial incubation programs at leading academic institutions such as the University of Tokyo, Osaka University, and Tohoku University. In their early stages, start‑up activity was concentrated primarily in quantum software. In recent years, however, strengthened policy support has facilitated the emergence of start‑ups with in‑house quantum hardware research and development capabilities.
Quantum Hardware Case Studies
A Focus on Room-Temperature-Operable Quantum Computers
Case Study I: NanoQT
Founded in April 2022 as a spin‑off from Waseda University, NanoQT is based on nano‑fiber quantum electrodynamics (QED) resonator technology developed by Associate Professor Takaaki Aoki. The company focuses on interconnect technologies between quantum processing units (QPUs) for neutral-atom quantum computers, enabling QPU modularization through ultra‑low-loss optical fiber networks. Its core advantage lies in integrating neutral‑atom quantum computing architectures with fiber‑optic networks, allowing operation at room temperature while significantly enhancing qubit scalability. By leveraging high-bandwidth, long‑distance fiber interconnects, NanoQT aims to support the future construction of scalable quantum networks.
Case Study II: OPTQC
Established in September 2024 as a spin‑off from the University of Tokyo, OptQC Corp. (OPTQC) specializes in photonic quantum computing. Its core technology is based on quantum teleportation, first experimentally demonstrated in 1998 by Professor Akira Furusawa at the California Institute of Technology. After returning to the University of Tokyo to establish his laboratory, Professor Furusawa founded OPTQC in 2024. The company has developed capabilities for the large-scale generation and measurement of quantum entanglement, enabling rapid and high‑precision quantum information readout. These technologies form a critical foundation for photonic quantum computers operable at room temperature. OPTQC plans to launch a commercial system by 2026.
Quantum Software Case Studies
Focusing on Chemical Simulation and Optimization Applications
Case Study I: Qunasys
Founded in February 2018, Qunasys was established by a core team of alumni from the University of Tokyo, including CEO Tennin Yang and CTO Keita Sugano. The company focuses on quantum chemical simulation, with the objective of developing a quantum software platform that is not tied to any specific hardware platform or proprietary software architecture. Built on IBM’s open‑source Qiskit quantum gate framework, Qunasys has developed the QURI Chemistry application interface, enabling users to access advanced quantum algorithms without the need to write quantum circuits. Qunasys has established collaborations with multiple materials and pharmaceutical companies and has received strategic investment from major corporations, including Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, and KDDI.
Case Study II: Sigma-i
Founded in April 2019 as a spin‑off from Tohoku University, Sigma‑i was established by Associate Professor Masayuki Ohzeki, one of Japan’s earliest researchers in quantum annealing. Sigma‑i specializes in optimization solutions based on quantum annealing, providing end-to‑end services ranging from proof‑of‑concept development to program implementation and application deployment. Leveraging cloud-based quantum platforms operated by D‑Wave Systems, Sigma‑i applies its solutions to complex system optimization and advanced materials development, and has established partnerships with major Japanese corporations including Mitsui Chemicals, Kyocera, and NEC.
Quantum Component Case Studies
Developing Critical Modules for Communication and Control
Case Study I: LQUOM
Founded in January 2020 and incubated from the laboratory of Professor Tomoyuki Horikiri at Yokohama National University, LQUOM focuses on applications in quantum communications. The company develops long‑distance quantum communication repeater systems, with core technologies encompassing single‑photon sources, quantum memory, wavelength modulation, and frequency stabilization. LQUOM has collaborated with SoftBank on photonic quantum communication demonstration experiments in the Tokyo metropolitan area and is also engaged in the Kawasaki City Quantum Innovation Park initiative. The company aims to achieve practical deployment of quantum networks by 2030.
Case Study II: QuEL, Inc.
Established in July 2021, QuEL, Inc. is a start‑up founded by the team at the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) at Osaka University. Its core technology is a microwave control unit developed by Associate Professor Makoto Negoro, designed for the operational control layer and middleware of superconducting quantum computers. QuEL’s primary products are miniaturized, high‑precision microwave signal transceiver modules that can be easily calibrated and configured through software. These modules have been successfully deployed in Japan’s first quantum computer developed by RIKEN, demonstrating both technical reliability and practical applicability.
Conclusion
As global competition in quantum technologies intensifies, Japan is gradually shifting away from a development model dominated by academic institutions and large enterprises toward the construction of a start-up-centered industrial ecosystem. Through a comprehensive set of policies and institutional mechanisms, Japan is providing multi‑layered support for quantum start‑ups across funding, talent development, and industry linkages.
Within this evolving environment, quantum start‑ups are gaining greater visibility and beginning to open pathways toward technology commercialization and international competition. Looking ahead, as government support is further strengthened, academic knowledge transfer mechanisms are refined, and private capital and market‑oriented approaches are more deeply integrated, Japanese quantum start-ups are expected to establish clearer positions within the global quantum value chain and to emerge as a new pillar supporting technological autonomy and industrial innovation.
