Mitsubishi Electric invests in quantum computing startup OptQC

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has announced that its ME Innovation Fund has invested in OptQC Corp., a Japanese startup that develops and provides optical quantum computer hardware.  

OptQC, a startup originating from the University of Tokyo, was established based on technologies developed by the university’s Furusawa Laboratory. The company’s optical quantum computer features proprietary architecture designed to limit increases in system size as the number of qubits grows, according to a media release.

Its hardware technology is known for its suitability for large-scale systems. OptQC has also established a track record of progress toward practical applications, including delivering its first commercial system to a public research institution and hardware modules to private-sector companies.

Through this investment, Mitsubishi Electric expects to gain early insights into the company’s optical quantum computer hardware development technologies, related components, customers and market trends, the media release said.

“Through this investment, we hope to combine the expertise Mitsubishi Electric has cultivated across its broad business activities with our quantum computing technologies,” Kan Takase, Representative Director and CEO, OptQC, said.  

“OptQC is a startup with advanced technological capabilities in developing optical quantum computer hardware and significant potential for practical applications,” Komi Matsubara, Executive Officer (Vice President, Business Innovation), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, said. “Through this investment, we will apply their technological and market insights to our quantum-related technologies and efforts to explore applications across industrial fields.”