$4M research project targets quantum hardware, software, HPC integration and AI-enhanced quantum applications
www.iotworldtoday.com/, May. 13, 2025 –
The European Union and Japan formalized their quantum technology partnership on Tuesday in Tokyo, with EU executive vice-president Henna Virkkunen and Japanese minister Minoru Kiuchi signing a letter of intent on quantum science cooperation.
The agreement establishes mechanisms for joint research funding initiatives, collaborative project development, synchronized proposal evaluations, shared intellectual property protection and cross-border data security protocols.
Under the partnership, Q-Neko, a project involving 16 European and Japanese partners, is set to receive $4 million in EU funding. The project focuses on quantum hardware development, software systems advancement, integration of quantum computing with high-performance computing and AI-enhanced quantum applications.
Q-Neko researchers plan to target practical applications in biomedical research, materials science, seismic and tsunami modeling, climate prediction systems and quantum-enhanced machine learning.
The quantum agreement is part of an extensive technology collaboration that includes semiconductor research and supply chain resilience, 6G network development through the Mirai-Harmony project, digital identity systems, data governance frameworks and cybersecurity protocols.
The EU and Japan also reinforced their cooperation on submarine cables, setting out plans to develop a pioneering Arctic connectivity route to ensure trusted data flows between Europe and Japan.
The collaboration operates through two main funding channels: the EU Horizon Europe research program and Japan's Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation program.
The agreement includes robust provisions for confidential information protection, intellectual property rights, administrative and technical safeguards and controlled third-party disclosure.
This partnership represents a significant step in quantum technology development, combining European and Japanese expertise to address global challenges in cybersecurity, climate change and energy sustainability.
"Today in Tokyo, we have reinforced the already strong EU-Japan digital partnership," said Virkkunen in an announcement.
"Deepening our work on core technologies to ensure mutual competitiveness is now more important than ever. This strategic partnership holds real economic weight for both the EU and Japan, and I look forward to advancing it."