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.
With the industry's most advanced quantum systems and proven ability to scale, Quantinuum is on track to deliver utility-scale quantum computing by early 2030s
November 6, 2025 – Broomfield, CO – Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing, has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a contractor to advance to Stage B of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI).
DARPA is using QBI to evaluate the technical likelihood that a utility scale quantum computer will be available no later than 2033. A multi-stage program, Stage B follows a six-month Stage A effort in which Quantinuum developed and delivered a detailed concept design for a utility scale system called “Lumos.”
Last year, Quantinuum released its public roadmap through the end of the decade with Apollo—a universal, fully fault-tolerant quantum computer—scheduled for launch in 2029. Lumos is a new addition to the roadmap as Quantinuum outlines plans to develop increasingly larger systems into the 2030s.
“This selection recognizes the strength and maturity of our roadmap and the work our teams have already delivered,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. “Lumos extends our roadmap into the next decade and gives DARPA a concrete, de-risked path for achieving utility-scale quantum computing by 2033. We look forward to partnering with DARPA and our ecosystem partners to advance this important national objective.”
Stage B will be a year-long, performance-based evaluation by DARPA’s Test and Evaluation team in which Quantinuum will develop a detailed R&D roadmap for Lumos to validate technical assumptions, verification methods, and scaling plans to meet the 2033 objective.
Yesterday, Quantinuum deployed its latest generation system, “Helios,” on schedule with its roadmap. With the highest fidelity physical qubits and logical qubits of any commercial system, and a next-generation software stack featuring a modern, high-level programming language, Helios is designed to accelerate quantum computing adoption. The system has already been used to simulate high-temperature superconductivity and magnetism at unprecedented scales—two applications with relevance to critical, industrial utility.
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 630 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
New collaboration to position Singapore as a leading global hub for quantum computing
Quantinuum to bring state-of-the-art Helios quantum computer to Singapore in 2026 and establish R&D and Operations Centre to advance talent development and commercial innovation
Singapore, November 6th, 2025 – Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO), a national platform hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Quantinuum, the world’s leading quantum computing company, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate quantum computing in Singapore.
The partnership marks a key milestone under Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy, led by NQO, and will advance quantum hardware, software and talent development through Singapore’s National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH). The NQCH and Quantinuum will work together to strengthen Singapore’s position as a top global quantum computing hub, accelerate innovation with industry users across pharmaceuticals, materials science and finance, and nurture world-class talent.
Singapore to Become First Country Outside of the United States to Host the World-Class Quantinuum Helios System
The installation of the Helios system in Singapore, expected to be completed in 2026, will give researchers direct access to Quantinuum’s Helios computing capabilities, supporting deeper research collaboration and innovation. Effective immediately, researchers will gain cloud access to Helios that enables key research and capability building.
As a full-stack offering, Helios is one of the most advanced commercial quantum computers today. The Helios platform unites a fully connected physical and logical qubit architecture with industry-leading fidelity and a next-generation software stack featuring a modern, high-level programming language, Helios is designed to accelerate quantum computing adoption.
Deepening Collaboration through Quantinuum’s R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore
Quantinuum will establish a new R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore to collaborate with Singapore’s research and innovation ecosystem. The Centre will serve to unify Quantinuum staff and local researchers and industry partners in co-developing end-to-end middleware and applications that bridge classical and quantum systems. Through these efforts, the Centre aims to accelerate the translation of quantum technologies into commercially relevant solutions, while building long-term R&D capabilities in quantum computing and its applications.
Strengthening Singapore’s Quantum Ecosystem through Industry Collaboration and Talent
The partnership will foster a thriving quantum ecosystem in Singapore through industry programs and talent development. These include internships and co-organized workshops and conferences to accelerate skills transfer and build a strong pipeline of quantum specialists.
Quantinuum will collaborate with industry end-users in Singapore to co-develop advanced quantum computing applications that address real-world challenges. Initial programs under the strategic partnership will target areas such as:
- Computational biology, bioinformatics, and drug discovery
- Financial modeling and optimization
- Advanced materials and chemistry
- Combinatorial optimization
Collectively, the initiatives aim to nurture a community of researchers, engineers and developers equipped to advance quantum computing and strengthen collaboration across Singapore’s research and industry ecosystem.
A Strategic Journey of Collaboration between Singapore and Quantinuum
- Mr. Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the National Quantum Office: “This partnership marks an important step in building Singapore as a leading quantum computing hub. Through the National Quantum Computing Hub, we are advancing quantum-enabled applications in sectors such as healthcare, materials science, and finance. Working with Quantinuum will accelerate this progress, deepen local capabilities, and position Singapore as a leading quantum computing hub in the region, driving real-world outcomes.”
- Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum: “Singapore has demonstrated remarkable foresight in recognizing the transformative power of quantum computing in this next phase of technological progress. Quantinuum is proud to work in partnership with Singapore to advance the frontiers of quantum computing, providing direct access to the most powerful computational capabilities ever developed. Together, we’re strengthening a hub that will accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing, enabling industries to rapidly turn breakthrough technology into real-world solutions.”
- Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity & Smart Nation Group: “Singapore continues to invest significantly in quantum to strengthen our digital growth and security. We do this by collaborating with global partners on frontier tech, developing, and attracting world-class talents, and uplifting our local workforce and enterprises. Together, we hope to shape a more prosperous and safe future for Singapore and the world – where technology serves the public good.”
This strategic partnership builds on Quantinuum’s ongoing collaboration with Singapore’s quantum ecosystem, following two earlier agreements inked in 2024. These collaborations, which also involved the A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR BII) and Duke-NUS Medical School, laid the groundwork for this next phase of collaboration.
For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Quah Sheryl
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Corporate Communications
Mobile: +65 9113 7937
Email: Sheryl_Quah@a-star.edu.sg
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 630 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
Quantinuum Helios, Powered by Honeywell, reflects that the Helios ion trap was manufactured by Honeywell. The Honeywell trademark is used under license from Honeywell International, Inc. Honeywell makes no representations or warranties with respect to this service.
About the National Quantum Office
The National Quantum Office (NQO) was established with the support of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to drive the development and implementation of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) strategy for Quantum in Singapore. The Office was set up in April 2022 and is hosted by A*STAR, the Implementing Agency for Quantum. NQO, as a control tower, supports fundamental and translational research in Quantum through various strategic programmes that it oversees. It partners both public and private sectors to create a vibrant RIE quantum ecosystem in Singapore. For more information, visit https://nqo.sg.
About the National Quantum Computing Hub
The National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) is Singapore’s national initiative for advancing quantum software and applications. The hub is building foundational capabilities, providing access to quantum computers, and driving public-private partnerships.
NQCH pursues practical quantum advantage across high-impact fields, including quantum chemistry, computational biology, finance and optimisation. The Hub also runs a programme to develop talent for the emerging quantum industry.
NQCH is a joint effort by Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC), and the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore.
For more information, visit: nqch.sg
Helios launches with customers Amgen, BMW Group, JPMorganChase, and SoftBank Corp.
New York City, November 5, 2025 – Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing, today announced the launch of Helios, the world’s most accurate general-purpose commercial quantum computer, designed to accelerate quantum computing adoption by enterprises. With the highest fidelity† of any commercial system and a first-of-its-kind real-time control engine, Helios enables developers to program a quantum computer in much the same way they program heterogeneous classical computers. A new, modern Python-based programming language called Guppy allows developers to seamlessly combine hybrid compute capabilities — quantum and classical — in a single program. Helios is now available to customers through Quantinuum’s cloud service and on-premise offering.
“The next computing inflection point starts today,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum. “For the first time enterprises can access a highly accurate general purpose quantum computer to drive real world impact, transforming how industries innovate – from drug discovery to finance to advanced materials.”
Helios unlocks the ability to enhance GenAI models with quantum generated data, thereby unlocking AI’s full potential in areas such as data analysis, material design, and quantum chemistry. To accelerate GenQAI, Quantinuum is expanding its partnership with NVIDIA, integrating NVIDIA GB200 with Helios via NVIDIA NVQLink to create applications for targeted end markets. In addition, Quantinuum will switch to NVIDIA accelerated computing for Helios and future systems, using Quantinuum Guppy alongside the NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform to perform real-time error correction critical to its roadmap.
Quantinuum announced a growing community of early users and collaborators, including leaders in life sciences, materials, and energy sectors:
- Amgen: an investor and research collaborator, exploring hybrid quantum-machine learning to advance data-driven discovery in biologics.
- BlueQubit: AI image recognition using real-world driving video data.
- BMW Group: advancing sustainable mobility through materials research on fuel cell catalysts.
- JPMorganChase: researching potential capabilities for advanced financial analytics.
- SoftBank Corp.: exploring organic materials for next-gen batteries, optical switches, and solar cells.
Today, Quantinuum also signed a strategic partnership agreement with Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO) and National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) that includes access to Helios in country to accelerate commercial applications of quantum computing in the areas of computational biology and bioinformatics, financial modeling and optimization, advanced materials and chemistry, and combinatorial optimization. To support this strategic partnership, Quantinuum is establishing a world-class R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore.
Finally, as part of its strategy to expand the commercial reach of quantum computing, Quantinuum is introducing two new ecosystem programs. Q-Net, a new user group, will serve as a forum for customer feedback and collaboration, while a new startup partner program will invite developers to build and scale third party applications on Helios.
A blog post with more details on Helios can be read here. Visual assets and scientific papers can be downloaded here.
† Fidelity: In quantum computing, fidelity is a metric that determines the accuracy of system’s computation. The lower a system’s error rate, the higher its fidelity. Helios has the highest fidelities ever released to the market. Its key performance specifications are outlined below:
- Physical qubits (PQ): 98 PQ at 99.921% 2-qubit gate fidelity, and 99.9975% 1-qubit gate fidelity.
- Logical qubits (LQ):
- 94 LQ (error detected) globally entangled with better than physical performance;
- 50 LQ (error detected) with better than physical performance in a magnetism simulation; and
- 48 LQ (error corrected) with better than physical performance (99.99% state prep and measurement fidelity).
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 630 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.
Quantinuum Helios, Powered by Honeywell, reflects that the Helios ion trap was manufactured by Honeywell. The Honeywell trademark is used under license from Honeywell International, Inc. Honeywell makes no representations or warranties with respect to this service.