Jij Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Yu Yamashiro) and ORCA Computing Limited (Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; CEO: Richard Murray) are pleased to announce the establishment of a strategic partnership in quantum computing technology, marking a pioneering collaboration between Japan and the UK.(Photo taken at the UK National Technology Showcase 2024 event hosted by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) for APAC delegations. From left: Oscar Hard from the British Embassy, Hiroshi Nakata from Jij, Per Nyberg from ORCA Computing and Phillip White from UK Government DBT.)First comprehensive Japan-UK Quantum Startup PartnershipUnder this partnership, Jij will develop algorithms to maximize the capabilities of ORCA Computing's photonic quantum computers, with applications in logistics delivery planning, power supply and demand planning in the energy sector, and manufacturing production schedule optimization where the capabilities of traditional computing methods are challenged.A key feature of photonic quantum computers is their ability to operate in room temperature environments, eliminating the need for ultra-low temperature external cooling equipment, as required by other types of quantum computers, resulting in significant cost and operating advantages. Additionally, the ability to implement computing devices in standard data center environments addresses requirements such as communication speed and security as required for on-premises and cloud deployments.This partnership combines the system and architecture expertise of ORCA Computing, a leading UK quantum startup with a track record of deliveries to government agencies in the UK and other countries, with Jij`s extensive knowledge gained through developing unique algorithms across various industries including energy, manufacturing, transportation, communications, materials development, and construction. This marks the first such comprehensive collaboration between Japanese and British startups in the quantum field.Moving forward, Jij will strengthen its joint research and development and business collaboration with ORCA Computing, which is at the center of the UK's quantum ecosystem, and will expand into overseas markets through its UK subsidiary, planned for establishment by spring 2025.Accelerating Japan-UK Quantum Collaboration at the National LevelInternational cooperation for the practical implementation of quantum computing technology is gaining momentum. Between Japan and the UK, the "Hiroshima Accord on an Enhanced Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership" (The Hiroshima Accord), signed in Hiroshima during the G7 Summit in May 2023, specifically mentions their commitment to "work together to maintain strategic advantages in emerging technologies including quantum technology"(*1).Furthermore, at the Japan-UK Summit meeting this November, the establishment of an "Economic 2+2" was decided, which also includes provisions for quantum collaboration.Additionally, IEC/ISO (International Electrotechnical Commission/International Organization for Standardization) established JTC3, an international standards committee specialized in quantum technology, in January 2024, with the UK as the host country and British Standards Institution (BSI) as the secretariat, advancing standardization efforts(*2).The UK Department for Business and Trade is actively pursuing collaboration with quantum technology companies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including Japan. They host the APAC UK Quantum Programme alongside the annual UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase each autumn, providing networking opportunities with UK government and industry stakeholders and visits to centers such as Oxford and Cambridge.At the JTC3 meeting held in Edinburgh, UK in October 2024, our COO Nakata was dispatched as a member of the Japanese delegation from Japan's quantum industry consortium (Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution, Q-STAR). Additionally, our company has participated in the APAC UK Quantum Programme as part of the Japanese delegation for three consecutive years, visiting all seven UK quantum hubs and building relationships with UK quantum stakeholders under the arrangement of the Department for Business and Trade.In this context, our company has decided to establish its first overseas subsidiary in the UK by spring 2025.About ORCA ComputingHeadquartered in London, UK, with offices in the United States and Canada, ORCA Computing is a pioneering developer and provider of full-stack photonic quantum computing systems. Established in 2019 and originating from the University of Oxford, the company offers an innovative approach to photonic quantum computing. Its modular optical fiber-based architecture, along with proprietary methods for manipulating the time, frequency, and switching of single photons, paves the way for quantum computing using significantly fewer components. ORCA Computing has successfully delivered numerous on-premises quantum computers to leading customers, including the UK Ministry of Defense and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center.Across industries like manufacturing, energy, and pharmaceuticals, organizations are already leveraging ORCA Computing’s cutting-edge photonic technology to tackle complex computational challenges that are reaching the barriers of classical computing.CommentsJohn Edwards, Director of Investment of UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT)“We welcome the strategic partnership between ORCA Computing and Jij. This sort of international collaboration will help drive the UK's quantum technology strategy and contribute to the development of a global quantum ecosystem. Bringing together the expertise of these two cutting-edge companies will accelerate the practical implementation of quantum-classical hybrid computing. It has a wide range of industrial applications that will support productivity and growth across the economy”.Jingo Kikukawa, Director-General, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry"We are pleased to welcome the strategic partnership between Jij and ORCA Computing. Recognizing the exceptional technical capabilities of both companies, we anticipate significant advancements in quantum computing commercialization through their future collaborative initiatives. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry remains committed to strengthening Japan-UK cooperation and advancing quantum technology development."Shunsuke Okada, Executive Committee Chairman of Q-STAR"Q-STAR warmly welcomes the strategic partnership between ORCA Computing and Jij. We are confident that this collaboration will significantly contribute to the development of quantum technology ecosystems in both the UK and Japan. The integrated approach to hardware and software is a crucial initiative to accelerate the practical implementation of quantum technology. We expect this partnership to strengthen the international competitiveness of the quantum industry in both the UK and Japan and serve as a catalyst for new innovation. From an industry-academia-government collaboration perspective, Q-STAR will support such advanced initiatives and continue to cooperate in the development of quantum technology between Japan and the UK."Per Nyberg, CCO (Chief Commercial Officer), ORCA Computing"The partnership with Jij represents a significant step toward the adoption of quantum computing in industry. We are confident that combining Jij’s extensive technological capabilities with enterprise applications with our PT-2 photonic system will accelerate the development of quantum solutions that bring real value to key industrial sectors in the near-term."Hiroshi Nakata, COO (Chief Operating Officer), Jij"We have been in discussions with ORCA Computing since 2023, and today's announcement is built on the trust relationship that the staff of ORCA Computing and Jij have cultivated over time. With this strong trust relationship as our foundation, we will focus not only on collaboration between our two companies but also on leading an ecosystem that involves companies, research institutes, and government agencies between Japan and the UK."(*1) The Hiroshima Accord: An enhanced UK-Japan global strategic partnershiphttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-hiroshima-accord(*2) IEC/ISO JTC 3 Quantum technologieshttps://www.iso.org/committee/10138914.htmlAbout Jij Inc.Company Name: Jij Inc.CEO: Yu YamashiroAddress: SB Building 7F, 1-4-6 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0031Corporate Website: https://www.j-ij.com/enFounded: November 2018Business Description: Sales and provision of optimization solutions for enterprises utilizing quantum-classical hybrid technologyContact Information: Jij Inc. PR Marketing Team / jij-marketing@j-ij.com