SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum Announce Groundbreaking Partnership Toward Practical Application of Quantum Computing
Partnership to drive commercial value through practical go-to-market use cases and develop business model for a quantum data center
Source: SoftBank Corp.
Tokyo, Japan and Broomfield, Colorado, January 29th, 2025 — SoftBank Corp. ("SoftBank") and Quantinuum ("Quantinuum") announced they agreed to a wide-ranging partnership in quantum computing.
By combining their respective strengths, both companies will unlock innovative quantum computing solutions that will overcome the limitations of classical artificial intelligence (AI) and realize next-generation technologies.
This unique initiative coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) in 2025, and it is expected to ignite new business opportunities through the dynamic fusion of AI and quantum computing.
The Necessity of Quantum Computing Beyond the Limits of AI
In this modern era, AI is delivering impressive results across various domains. However, it is widely recognized that there are still significant challenges that AI alone is struggling to overcome. Complex optimization problems, deciphering causal relationship analysis, and conducting high-precision simulations based on fundamental equations remain formidable obstacles for current AI technologies.
Moreover, the hybrid approach that combines Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), and Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) holds the potential to further extend the capabilities of AI. By leveraging the unique strengths of each type of processing unit, hybrid systems can execute more advanced and diverse computations, providing innovative solutions that surpass traditional limitations.
SoftBank and Quantinuum believe in the power of quantum computing and are committed to exploring its transformative potential.
Current State and Challenges of Quantum Computing
Despite impressive growth in the quantum computing sector, several technical and business challenges need to be addressed to advance the state-of-the-art so that quantum computers are used to solve practical problems.
(1) Building a Business Model
- Initial Investment and Operational Costs: The substantial initial investment and operational costs required for the development and deployment of quantum computers lack concrete cost recovery strategies, which in turn suppresses the drive for companies to develop and adopt the technology.
- Clarification of Revenue Models: The business models for generating revenue, including the methods of offering quantum computers and setting usage fees, have not yet been fully realized.
(2) Establishing Specific Use Cases
- Discovering Use Cases: There is a shortage of use cases that clearly demonstrate which fields quantum computers will be useful in. Understanding the market size and revenue models through clear examples, especially in areas such as quantum chemical calculations and machine learning, is necessary.
- Understanding the Market and Revenue Predictions: It is crucial to specifically identify the areas where computations can only be performed by quantum computers and are commercially viable, as well as to predict the timing and scale of these applications.
(3) Advancing Hardware and Software Technologies
- Limitations and Challenges of Hardware: The current hardware performance (number of qubits and operation precision) of quantum computers is inadequate for handling practical problems, and significant enhancements in performance are needed for practical use.
- Software Development and Error Mitigation: The development of hybrid algorithms that combine traditional methods, as well as advancements in error suppression, mitigation, and correction technologies, are essential to enable practical computations. Furthermore, developing technologies that mutually complement hardware and software are also indispensable.
- Timing for Service Provision: Making decisions based on a deep understanding of technology to provide services at the optimal timing requires assessing the speed of technological advancements and market needs.
Key Activities
SoftBank and Quantinuum are committed to addressing these challenges together to advance the practical application of quantum computers.
(1) Joint Market Research & Business Model Development for Quantum Data Center
- With a view toward the realization of a "quantum data center" capable of performing advanced calculation processing by combining CPUs, GPUs and quantum computers (QPUs), both companies will use the Japanese market as a foothold to conduct global market research in the Asia-Pacific region and other regions, and explore specific business models based on that research.
- Both companies will jointly consider methods to reduce investment risks, such as revenue sharing and cost sharing.
(2) Construction of Quantum Use-Case Timelines and Validation
- SoftBank will provide its own business challenges as use cases.
- Both companies will clarify use cases in quantum chemistry and network analysis, and construct a timeline showing when these use cases will be realized. In quantum chemistry, the search for new optical switch materials for All Optical Networks is anticipated, while in network analysis, the application to anomaly detection and fraud detection in SoftBank's communication network is envisioned.
- Both companies will develop software technology that makes effective use of limited hardware resources, and explore methods for linking CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs.
Comments from each company
Ryuji Wakikawa, Head of Research Institute of Advanced Technology, SoftBank Corp., commented: “SoftBank believes in the potential of quantum computers and has been testing and evaluating various internal issues using quantum computers, and has started to obtain certain results. However, as a telecommunications operator, there are still many challenges remaining regarding how to provide quantum computing services in Japan. Through our collaboration with Quantinuum, which possesses the world's highest-performance quantum computer hardware, we aim to be the first in the world to identify problems that can only be solved by quantum computers and look forward to significantly accelerating the practical application of quantum computing.”
Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, commented: "Our partnership with SoftBank represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of quantum computing. By combining our strengths, we are poised to unlock innovative solutions that will not only enhance the capabilities of AI but also tackle challenges that have long been beyond reach. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where quantum technologies drive transformative advancements across multiple industries."
By integrating quantum computing with AI, this initiative is expected to contribute to problem-solving in diverse fields such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy. This collaboration not only addresses unsolved challenges but also creates new market opportunities and fosters technological innovation across society.
About SoftBank Corp.
Guided by the SoftBank Group’s corporate philosophy, “Information Revolution – Happiness for everyone,” SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) operates telecommunications and IT businesses in Japan and globally. Building on its strong business foundation, SoftBank Corp. is expanding into non-telecom fields in line with its “Beyond Carrier” growth strategy while further growing its telecom business by harnessing the power of 5G/6G, IoT, Digital Twin and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions, including High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)-based stratospheric telecommunications. While constructing AI data centers and developing homegrown LLMs specialized for the Japanese language with one trillion parameters, SoftBank is applying AI to enhance radio access network performance (AI-RAN) with the aim of becoming a provider of next-generation social infrastructure.
To learn more, please visit https://www.softbank.jp/en/.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum computing company, pioneers powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With around 600 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.
For more information, please visit the website at www.quantinuum.com.
- SoftBank, the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.
- Other company, product and service names in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum company, pioneers powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With over 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.
Tokyo, Japan, August 19th, 2025 — Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”), QSimulate, and Quantinuum today announced the launch of a new quantum-integrated chemistry platform, QIDO (Quantum-Integrated Discovery Orchestrator). This platform aims to reduce the time and cost of developing new drugs and materials. QIDO accelerates research and development through high-precision chemical reaction modeling and seamlessly combines the advantages of cutting-edge classical computing and quantum computing.
Built for commercial impact, QIDO streamlines complex quantum-classical hybrid workflows and helps companies make decisions earlier in the development process, contributing to a powerful competitive advantage in innovation. The platform is designed to support research across an array of chemistry-based fields, including advanced materials design, clean energy, and drug development.
Proprietary Technology Supporting QIDO
QIDO seamlessly integrates QSimulate's software “QSP Reaction,” which enables calculations on the scale of thousands of atoms using the highest precision classical quantum chemistry methods and techniques. QIDO also integrates with Quantinuum's “InQuanto" software, which interfaces with state-of-the-art quantum emulators and world-leading Quantinuum Systems hardware. InQuanto™ achieves up to 10 times higher accuracy in simulations of complex molecules and materials compared to open-source software.
- Makoto Koshida, General Manager, Quantum Innovation Department, Mitsui: “We take a market-needs-based approach, aiming to bridge the gap between providing practical features that help customers solve today's challenges and preparing them for the coming quantum era. This approach enables customers to maximize its benefits from day one when quantum technology comes into its own.”
- Toru Shiozaki, Ph.D., President & CEO, QSimulate: “Combining best-in-class quantum chemical simulation with deep quantum computing expertise, QIDO gives industrial chemists powerful, intuitive algorithms and tools to tackle complex chemical challenges with speed and accuracy. We are excited about the marriage between years of innovation in quantum chemistry automation and the future of quantum computation.”
- Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO, Quantinuum: “Adding the benefits of chemical accuracy and computational efficiency of quantum-native simulations in applications of chemistry is a key step forward in revolutionizing the economics of discovery in several significant end markets, such as pharmaceuticals and energy. Quantinuum is proud to offer the industry's highest-performing quantum computers and widely used quantum chemistry software to enable this progress.”
QIDO Use Cases and Future Expansion
QIDO is launched together with a high-precision chemical reaction analysis module based on the so-called active space approach. Potential use cases are as follows:
- Catalysts and enzyme design: Simulating complex electron behavior to inform high-efficiency catalysts and enzymes design for cleaner energy, greener manufacturing, and advanced biocatalysis (useful in drug discovery, food processing, biofuel, etc.).
- Reaction mechanism elucidation: Enabling deeper understanding of complex chemical reaction pathways, including transient intermediates and excited states, for material stability, performance, and lifetime improvements.
- Battery efficiency and energy storage: Enhancing battery materials and performance for safer, longer-lasting, and higher-capacity energy storage.
- Sustainable materials and energy: Advancing energy-efficient materials, improving carbon capture and reuse, and supporting green ammonia and hydrogen production.
QIDO will gradually add new features to accelerate innovation in high-impact use cases, such as battery innovation and drug development. Innovation in these fields through quantum technology will be realized through 'co-creation' with our customers.
Feedback from Industry Leaders
As QIDO's exclusive distributor in Japan and a strategic partner with an eye toward future “co-creation,” Mitsui & Co. is leading domestic sales and distribution, laying the foundation for future global expansion. Prior to the general release of QIDO in the Japanese market, Mitsui & Co. conducted beta testing with three industry-leading companies.
- JSR Corporation: “The platform provided by QSimulate lowers the barriers to computation by simplifying input, automating error handling, and focusing output on necessary information, making it an integral tool in the daily workflows of synthetic organic chemists at JSR. With this platform now extended to support quantum chemistry calculations on quantum computers via InQuanto, it offers a path to an early quantum advantage.” – Yu-ya Ohnishi, Ph.D., Research Fellow & Deputy Director, R&D Technology & Digital Transformation Center, Materials Informatics Promotion Office
- Panasonic Holdings Corporation: “This platform provides users with a tool to intuitively perform chemical reaction simulations through a graphical user interface. In the anticipated era of large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing, materials simulation is regarded as a promising application domain. Integrated with quantum computing, this platform is expected to offer opportunities for early-stage validation in preparation for future breakthroughs.” – Takahiro Ohgoe, Ph.D., Senior Lead Researcher, Green Innovation Center, Green Transformation Division
- Chugai Pharmaceutical: “This application offers an intuitive interface that combines user-friendly operability with clear, instantly interpretable result visualization—making reaction pathway exploration easier and more efficient than ever. At present, we recognize several technical challenges in applying the system to complex molecular calculations encountered in drug discovery and pharmaceutical research. As these challenges are steadily addressed, we expect this application to play a meaningful role in accelerating and optimizing the synthesis and process development of candidate molecules with complex chemical structures—ultimately contributing to innovation in drug discovery and the advancement of pharmaceutical development.” – Akihiko Arakawa, Ph.D., Data Science Group, Digital Solution Dept., Digital Transformation Unit
Notable Functions of QIDO
QIDO is equipped with various functions to streamline high-precision chemical modeling. This makes quantum chemistry technology, which was previously only available to experts, more accessible for use in industrial settings.
- Automatically identify reaction coordinates and transition states from specified reactants and products;
- Map strongly correlated systems to compact Hamiltonians using quantum embedding and automated active space selection techniques;
- Support customizable active spaces and computational methods to balance accuracy and cost;
- Provides optimized energy calculations for reactants, products, and transition states using quantum hardware and their emulators;
- Visualizes quantum circuits and reports the required quantum resources.
For purchases, trial applications, and other details, please visit: https://mitsui-q.com/en/qido/.
About Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio covering a wide range of industries.
The company identifies, develops, and grows its businesses in partnership with a global network of trusted partners including world leading companies, combining its geographic and cross-industry strengths to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.
Mitsui has set three key strategic initiatives for its current Medium-term Management Plan: supporting industries to grow and evolve with stable supplies of resources and materials, and providing infrastructure; promoting a global transition to low-carbon and renewable energy; and empowering people to lead healthy lives through the delivery of quality healthcare and access to good nutrition.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mitsui.com/jp/en/index.html
About QSimulate
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Boston, MA, QSimulate is a leader in quantum simulation technology for materials development and life sciences. The company offers a range of products and services designed to leverage the power of quantum mechanics to solve industrial-scale problems like never before.
For more information, please visit: https://qsimulate.com/
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across key industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit: https://www.quantinuum.com
Doha, Qatar, May 20th, 2025 — Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, has inked a strategic agreement with Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing and developer of the world’s highest-performing quantum computer. The partnership aims to strengthen Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem by supporting Quantinuum’s recently announced expansion into the region, which was highlighted last week by the President of the United States during his historic state visit to Qatar.
Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will provide tailored support services to Quantinuum, including access to key stakeholders, sector-specific insights and opportunities for collaboration with local innovation and research institutions. Invest Qatar will also promote initiatives that drive quantum computing adoption and raise awareness of Quantinuum’s contributions to Qatar’s tech landscape. Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will support Quantinuum’s expansion into the country to apply quantum technologies for the benefit of key sectors in Qatar, while enhancing local research and development (R&D) capabilities, to create high-skilled jobs and train the next generation quantum workforce in Qatar. This includes facilitating connections with key stakeholders, enabling collaboration in R&D, and aligning with national initiatives aimed at advancing quantum technologies.
As part of the agreement, Quantinuum will play a central role in advancing Qatar’s quantum capabilities by launching a range of targeted initiatives, including knowledge-sharing platforms, educational seminars and technical workshops delivered by Quantinuum’s global experts. The partnership also envisions launching joint research projects with Qatari academic and research institutions, exploring opportunities for local integration of quantum technologies and facilitating access to Quantinuum’s cutting-edge quantum computing infrastructure. Additionally, internship opportunities will be offered to students from Qatar-based universities, providing direct experience in real-world quantum computing applications.
Commenting on the partnership, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, said: “This partnership with Quantinuum reflects our continued commitment to positioning Qatar at the forefront of next-generation technologies. By combining global expertise with local ambition, we aim to cultivate a thriving quantum ecosystem that drives innovation, supports economic diversification and empowers future talent. We are pleased to work with Quantinuum to unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing for Qatar and the wider region.”
Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO, Quantinuum, said: “Launching our presence in Qatar opens an exciting new chapter in a region ready to lead in quantum computing. Building on our recently announced expansion into the country through our joint venture with Al Rabban Capital, and our ongoing partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University, this collaboration with Invest Qatar reinforces our commitment to the growth of Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem. As part of the deepening strategic ties between the U.S. and Qatar, we’re enabling direct access to our world-leading quantum hardware and software, creating value for academia and industry in Qatar while training the next generation of quantum developers and researchers to strengthen the region’s position as a global hub for advanced technologies.”
About Invest Qatar
The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) is responsible for overseeing investment promotion activities, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to Qatar. Established in 2019, Invest Qatar’s mission is to strengthen Qatar’s position as an ideal investment destination, while facilitating investments that foster economic diversification and development.
As the gateway to investment solutions, Invest Qatar connects investors to an integrated ecosystem of business and licensing platforms. The Agency partners with investors throughout their journey, from exploration and setup to expansion, ensuring their long-term growth by providing comprehensive insights into Qatar’s business landscape, sector-specific market knowledge and tailored investment facilitation.
For more information, please visit www.invest.qa
@InvestQatar | #InvestQatar
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com
Doha, Qatar, May 14th, 2025 — Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing, is establishing a Qatari-incorporated Joint Venture with Al Rabban Capital, a division of Al Rabban Holding Company, one of Qatar’s most prominent companies. The Joint Venture will accelerate quantum computing adoption in Qatar and the region, strategically positioning the U.S. and Qatar as global leaders in the quantum revolution. This first of its kind quantum technology partnership was highlighted by the President of the United States during his historic state visit to Qatar.
The Joint Venture has three core objectives: enabling access to Quantinuum’s world-leading quantum technologies in the region; co-developing quantum computing applications tailored to regional needs in areas such as New Energy, Materials Discovery, Precision Medicine, Genomics, and Financial Services, with new opportunities emerging in the era of Generative Quantum AI (GenQAI); and, training the next generation of quantum computing developers in Qatar and the region.
Quantinuum is steadily expanding its global presence to meet the growing international demand for its technology and applications. The company’s expansion into the Gulf region, starting with Qatar, follows its successful growth across the U.S., U.K., Europe and Indo-Pacific. This Joint Venture reflects a shared commitment by the U.S. and Qatar to strengthen strategic ties, spur bilateral investment in future-defining industries, and foster technological leadership and shared prosperity.
Quantinuum’s Joint Venture with Al Rabban Capital builds on its partnership announced last year with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), Qatar’s premier quantum research hub.
“This is a defining moment in Qatar’s ambition to become a regional hub for advanced technologies like quantum computing,” said Abdulaziz Khalid Al Rabban, Chairman, Al Rabban Capital. “We're partnering with Quantinuum to deliver world-class quantum solutions, driving economic growth in Qatar and the region.”
“This Joint Venture demonstrates our shared vision to lead in transformative technologies,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum. “Together with Al Rabban Capital, we’re accelerating the commercial adoption of quantum computing in Qatar and the region whilst serving U.S. and Qatari strategic interests.”
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across key industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit: https://www.quantinuum.com
About Al Rabban Capital
Al Rabban Capital (ARC) is a Qatari investment and advisory firm driving business growth across Qatar and the GCC. ARC enable market entry and expansion through joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and deep local insight. ARC supports both public and private sector initiatives with tailored, end-to-end solutions. Beyond capital, ARC provide strategic guidance, governance, and access to a robust regional network. ARC’s focus includes AI, quantum tech, healthcare, and sustainability, with a commitment to impactful growth.
For more information, please visit: https://www.alrabbancapital.com