OverviewJij Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yu Yamashiro; hereinafter referred to as "Jij"), a provider of quantum optimization technologies, has established its first overseas branch in the United Kingdom to accelerate global business expansion. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that in March 2025, our membership application to UKQuantum, a quantum consortium in the UK, was officially accepted.Background1. Bilateral Cooperation Between Japan and the UKOver the past six months, bilateral cooperation between Japan and the UK in the quantum field has intensified, involving stakeholders such as governments, research institutions, quantum industry consortia, and corporations.In November 2023, the establishment of a new economic dialogue framework called the "Economic 2+2," where foreign and economic ministers convene, was announced. Reports indicate that preparations are underway for its first meeting to be held in Tokyo soon (*1). The framework explicitly states cooperation in the field of quantum technologies as part of its agenda. This initiative stems from the "Hiroshima Accord on an Enhanced Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership," concluded during the G7 Summit in May 2023, which states that both nations will work together to "maintain strategic superiority in emerging technology fields such as quantum" (*2).The UK's Department for Business and Trade has been actively fostering collaboration with quantum technology companies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including Japan. As part of this effort, the department organizes the APAC UK Quantum Programme annually in conjunction with the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase held each autumn. Meanwhile, in Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) are taking the lead in accelerating quantum computing development and establishing a supportive ecosystem.2. Trends in Quantum International Standardization In January 2024, a specialized international standardization committee for quantum technologies (JTC3) was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The committee is hosted by the UK, with the British Standards Institution (BSI) serving as the secretariat, spearheading efforts toward international standardization (*3). In Japan, the Quantum Technology Innovation Consortium (Q-STAR) was officially recognized as the domestic deliberative body by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee on December 6, 2024 (*4). A JTC3 meeting is scheduled to be held in Japan in May 2025 (*5).3. Jij's Engagement in the UK Quantum EcosystemAt the JTC3 meeting held in Edinburgh, UK, in October 2024, our COO, Shohei Nakata, participated as part of the Japanese delegation dispatched by Q-STAR. Furthermore, Jij has been selected as a representative company from Japan in the APAC UK Quantum Programme for three consecutive years. Through this initiative, we have visited all seven major quantum hubs in the UK, strengthening ties with key players in the UK's quantum industry under the coordination of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade.In December 2024, Jij announced a collaboration with UK-based quantum computing company ORCA Computing (*6). This partnership aims to advance the development of optimization algorithms leveraging quantum computers. Specifically, Jij has been working on algorithms that maximize the potential of photonic quantum computers. The UK is a global leader in quantum technology research, development, and commercialization. By combining Jij’s expertise with the UK’s quantum ecosystem, we aim to drive further technological advancements.Given this background, we have decided to establish our first overseas branch in the UK and applied for membership in UKQuantum, which has now been officially approved.About the UK SubsidiaryOverviewCompany Name: Jij Europe Ltd.Representative: Yu Yamashiro, CEOEstablished: January 15, 2025Location: Currently being established within Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, OxfordshireEfforts to Accelerate Global ExpansionJij Europe Ltd. marks Jij’s first overseas branch. In line with our strong commitment to global expansion, COO Hiro Nakata will be stationed in the UK to lead business growth. Over the next three years, we plan to hire approximately 20 employees, primarily researchers and engineers, to strengthen our business foundation in the UK and the broader European market.Promoting the Industrialization of Quantum Technology Through Collaboration with the UK Government and EnterprisesJij Europe Ltd. is strengthening its collaboration with key UK institutions and companies, including UK Quantum, the UK government, the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), and ORCA Computing. By leveraging Japan’s strengths in optimization technology, we will promote the sharing of use cases and contribute to the practical application and industrialization of quantum technology, addressing global societal challenges.About the LocationOur new office will be located within the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, a vast 700-acre (approximately 283-hectare) science and technology campus. Harwell is home to leading global companies, research institutions, and innovation hubs, driving cutting-edge research and development in fields such as healthcare, energy, aerospace, and quantum technology. The campus hosts over 240 organizations and more than 6,000 professionals. Our office will be situated just a five-minute walk from the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC).Jij Europe Ltd. aims to harness this dynamic environment to contribute to global innovation.For more information, visit https://www.harwellcampus.com/.Joining UKQuantumUKQuantum is an industry-led consortium representing the UK's quantum technology sector. It is dedicated to promoting quantum research and technology development both domestically and internationally.It has more than 50 members, ranging from startups to end-users. The consortium supports the entire quantum ecosystem, including quantum computing, sensing, and communications.Notable members include BT, BP, Vodafone, Citigroup, IBM, Google Quantum AI, Quantinuum, ORCA Computing, Riverlane, OQC, QuEra Computing, Q-CTRL, Phasecraft, and the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Jij Europe Ltd. is the second Japanese company to join, following Toshiba United Kingdom. The company is set to attend UKQuantum’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled for April 3 in London. UKQuantum acts as the voice of the UK’s quantum industry, forming working groups on policy development, international collaboration, roadmapping, standardization, and skills development. It also works closely with the UK government on quantum strategy and engages with international quantum organizations to ensure the UK remains a global leader in quantum technology.Future PlansTo further expand its presence across Europe, Jij is planning to establish its second European office in Hamburg, Germany.(*1) Japan and UK Governments Adjusting for the First Economic "2+2" Meeting on March 7https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20250223/k10014730651000.html(*2) Japanese and UK Prime Ministers Agree on the "Japan-UK Hiroshima Accord" to Further Strengthen Bilateral Tieshttps://www.jetro.go.jp/biznews/2023/05/2acfe0c705cd1b90.html(*3) IEC/ISO JTC 3 Quantum Technologieshttps://www.iso.org/committee/10138914.html(*4) Japan’s Deliberation Body Representing Japan in the International Standardization of Quantum Technologies at the Joint Expert Committee on Quantum Technologieshttps://qstar.jp/archives/about_news/量子技術の国際標準化合同専門委員会における日(*5) Japan Discussing Quantum Technology Standardization in Japan, International Conference in Mayhttps://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA146AY0U5A110C2000000/(*6) "Jij and UK Quantum Startup ORCA Computing Announce Strategic Partnership in Quantum Computing Technology" (December 2, 2024)https://www.j-ij.com/en/news/20241202About Jij Inc.Company Name: Jij Inc.CEO: Yu YamashiroAddress: INDEST Room 403, Innovation Center, Tokyo Science University Tamachi Campus 3-3-6 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, JapanCorporate Website: https://www.j-ij.com/enFounded: November 2018Business Description: Sales and provision of optimization solutions for enterprises utilizing quantum-classical hybrid technologyContactInformation: Jij Inc. PR Marketing Team / jij-marketing@j-ij.com