SoftBank, Quantinuum Target Quantum-Enhanced AI ApplicationsSoftBank, Quantinuum Target Quantum-Enhanced AI Applications

Collaboration to develop practical use cases and establish a quantum data center business model

Berenice Baker, Editor

January 30, 2025

2 Min Read
Softbank and Quantinuum logos on a background of a Quantinuum QPU
Softbank

SoftBank and quantum computing company Quantinuum have partnered to accelerate the commercialization of quantum computing.

The companies aim to overcome current limitations in quantum computing hardware and software, addressing challenges such as high initial investment costs and a lack of clear revenue streams.

At the same time, they plan to address the challenges classical AI encounters in solving complex optimization problems, deciphering causal relationships and conducting high-precision simulations.

The companies plan to work together to develop and validate quantum use cases, with SoftBank providing real-world business challenges as test cases.

In quantum chemistry, they plan to explore new optical switch materials for all-optical networks and in network analysis, they will investigate applications in anomaly and fraud detection within telecommunications networks.

SoftBank and Quantinuum also plan to develop a quantum data center business model that integrates CPUs, GPUs and quantum processing units (QPUs) to push beyond AI and quantum’s current limitations. They will begin by analyzing market conditions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to assess the feasibility of such a center.

“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,” said Ryuji Wakikawa, head of SoftBank advanced technology research institute.

Related:Quantum-Inspired Algorithms Tapped for More Efficient AI

“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.” 

The initiative’s approach to integrating quantum computing with AI aims to contribute to problem-solving in diverse fields such as health care, finance, logistics and energy.

“Our partnership with SoftBank represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of quantum computing,” said Quantinuum president and CEO Rajeeb Hazra.

“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." 

Related:IBM Quantum Computer Boosting AI to Improve Antibiotic Treatment

This article first appeared in AI Business's sister publication Enter Quantum.

About the Author

Berenice Baker

Editor, Enter Quantum

Berenice is the editor of Enter Quantum and co-editor of AI Business. Berenice has a background in IT and 20 years of experience as a technology journalist.

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