Quantinuum together with Mitsui advance unforgeable quantum tokens over fibre network in first ever trial
- First successful delivery of quantum tokens using commercial QKD hardware, demonstrating fast transaction verification at the point of exchange - a crucial step toward quantum-enhanced financial security and a major advance for QKD.
- Quantum tokens are designed to provide unforgeability, privacy, and fast settlement, in a single financial instrument. No previous technology can deliver these three combined benefits.
- In the world’s first implementation using off-the-shelf hardware, quantum tokens were transmitted across 10km of fibre in Tokyo, using commercial quantum key distribution (QKD) devices provided by NEC*.
- This is a pivotal step towards the deployment of ultra-high-security quantum tokens in use cases such as tokenized asset security and high-speed trading.
Tokyo, Japan and Broomfield, Colorado - November 18th, 2024 — In a long anticipated trial, Quantinuum ("Quantinuum", Head Office: Broomfield, Colorado, U.S.A., CEO: Rajeeb Hazra), together with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui", Head Office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Kenichi Hori) and NEC ("NEC", Head Office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Takayuki Morita) today announced the successful delivery of quantum tokens across a 10km fibre-optic network in Japan. This is the first time such a delivery has been accomplished.
Quantum tokens are a new financial instrument that take advantage of the properties of quantum physics to meet the robust demands of asset trading without the communication overheads required by traditional financial systems. Quantum tokens are transmitted across fibre-optic quantum key distribution (QKD) networks, which are rapidly expanding around the globe. Today's announcement with Mitsui demonstrates growing industry recognition of quantum tokens' potential in financial services.
Ilyas Khan, Founder and Chief Product Officer at Quantinuum, said: “The original motivation for quantum communications was the exchange of money, as envisaged by Stephen Wiesner. Today, we have demonstrated real-world security enhancements for financial systems using off-the-shelf quantum communications hardware. This opens the door to a new era in quantum-enhanced security with wide applicability, providing commercial organisations with something concrete to utilise.”
Koji Naniwada, Deputy General Manager, Quantum Innovation Dept. at Mitsui, said: “Quantum tokens will increase the security of digital assets, while improving transaction performance and maintaining privacy. These topics are critical for our customers and partners in the financial sector and this demonstration is a valuable outcome of our partnership with Quantinuum.”
Naoki Ishida, Director with the Trading and Service Solution Department at NEC, said: “We are the first to provide a platform for realizing a quantum token system using NEC’s quantum key distribution (QKD) devices. Based on the results of this trial between Mitsui & Co. and Quantinuum, we will continue to work towards the social implementation of quantum cryptography technology.”
Quantum tokens are designed to use quantum physics to prevent forgery, while ensuring transactions can be settled near-instantly, whereas traditional payments systems rely on double-entry bookkeeping to prevent double-spending of funds. This adds time, overhead and risk to every transaction, as digital systems are consulted to confirm funds are available and to settle transactions.
Quantum tokens instead rely on the no-cloning theorem of quantum physics to prevent forgeries and double-spending. Only the intended recipient will receive the correct token data, which can only be spent at one location in the future. This enables near-instant transaction settlement by removing the need to check multiple systems or wait for network confirmations.
As demonstrated in Quantinuum’s recent work with HSBC, securing digital assets in the quantum-age is growing in urgency. The financial sector is increasingly looking to quantum technology to solve these complex problems with the power of nature.
Learn more about this new frontier of financial security, powered by quantum, in our whitepaper.
***
Note:
(*) The equipment provided by NEC was partially supported by results from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ (MIC) “Research and development for construction of a global quantum cryptography network”(JPJ008957) under “R&D of ICT Priority Technology Project” (JPMI00316) and Japan’s Cabinet Office’s "Photonics and Quantum Technology for Society 5.0" project under the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP).
About Mitsui
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.
Visit https://www.mitsui.com/jp/en/index.html for more information.
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.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.
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.
BROOMFIELD, CO, and LONDON, U.K. – February 4, 2025 – Quantinuum today announced a groundbreaking Generative Quantum AI framework (Gen QAI) – leveraging unique quantum-generated data to enable commercial applications in areas ranging from the development of new medicines, precise predictive modeling of financial markets and real-time optimization of global logistics and supply chains. The potential of these three capabilities alone is immense, and this framework is set to unlock solutions to other complex problems that classical computing cannot address.
For the first time, data generated by Quantinuum’s powerful H2 quantum computer can be harnessed to train AI systems, significantly enhancing the fidelity of AI models, allowing them to tackle challenges previously deemed unsolvable. Through this achievement, Quantinuum is setting a new standard for AI training and problem-solving across various industries.
“We are at one of those moments where the hypothetical is becoming real and the breakthroughs made possible by the precision of this quantum-generated data will create transformative commercial value across countless sectors. Gen QAI is a direct result of our full-stack capabilities and our leadership in hybrid classical-quantum computing, delivering an entirely new approach that stands to revolutionize AI,” said Dr. Raj Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. On February 4, Dr. Hazra will join an expert panel at the 2025 International Year of Quantum (IYQ) ceremony in Paris to share further insights into our groundbreaking Gen QAI development.
“While some may suggest that a standalone quantum computer is still years away, the commercial opportunities from this breakthrough are here and now,” said Dr. Thomas Ehmer from the Healthcare business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "The generation of meaningful synthetic data, specifically when you do not have many training data, is nontrivial and we see it as a new era for AI unlocked by quantum technologies. The Helios system, launching later this year will hopefully enable AI to be used in unprecedented ways and unlocking transformative potential across industries.”
Gen QAI leverages the unique capabilities of quantum computing to explore data complexities far beyond what classical computing systems and GPUs can handle. Quantinuum is collaborating with industry partners on Generative AI projects that harness the power of quantum computing in sectors such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and materials science. In the coming months, Quantinuum will share results from ongoing collaborations, showcasing the groundbreaking potential of quantum-driven advancements in Generative AI.
One notable collaboration is with the HPE Group in Italy, focusing on utilizing quantum computing in the automotive sector.
Enzo Ferrari, Executive Vice President of HPE Group, stated, “At HPE, we have a long-standing tradition of employing cutting-edge technologies for our clients in the motorsport industry. We are thrilled about our collaboration with Quantinuum, leveraging quantum-generated data for applications such as battery development, aerodynamic optimization and fuel innovation.”
As quantum computing gains significance globally, Quantinuum anticipates that its upcoming Helios system will exponentially extend computational capabilities, operational by mid-2025 for applications in drug discovery and addressing climate challenges. In particular, the innovative Gen QAI capability will enhance and accelerate the use of Metallic Organic Frameworks for drug delivery, paving the way for more efficient and personalized treatment options, with details to be unveiled at the launch of Helios.
This announcement also comes on the heels of Quantinuum’s recently expanded partnership with SoftBank, underscoring the company’s accelerating commercial momentum.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum, the world’s largest and leading 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.
For more information, please visit the website at www.quantinuum.com
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.
- Quantinuum intends to establish cutting-edge research and development hub in New Mexico, a burgeoning epicenter for quantum technology innovation
- The proposed center will focus on photonics technologies, which is essential to the advancement of Quantinuum’s trapped ion quantum computing technologies
Broomfield, Colorado, January 21st, 2025 — Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum computing company, announced plans today to open a new location in New Mexico. This anticipated site will support ongoing collaborative efforts to advance the photonics technologies critical to furthering Quantinuum’s product development. Photonics, the science and technology of light, is essential to the advancement of Quantinuum’s trapped ion quantum computing technologies, which use light to control and manipulate qubits.
New Mexico has established itself as a leader in quantum information sciences and the development of photonics and other enabling technologies. In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, as part of its Tech Hubs program, officially designated Colorado, home to Quantinuum’s U.S. Headquarters, and New Mexico as leading hubs for quantum information technology.
“I am thrilled to welcome Quantinuum to New Mexico, launching a new industry for our state that builds on our proud foundation of innovation,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “No state is better positioned to transform the momentum of the quantum computing industry into major economic and entrepreneurial growth, and Quantinuum will be a groundbreaking partner in that work. Together we will leverage New Mexico’s assets, including the groundbreaking work being done at our national laboratories and the nation’s best quantum scientists being educated at our universities, to invest in and grow the state’s quantum technologies industry, creating career opportunities for New Mexicans and continuing to build the technology of the future.”
Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, said, “As the established leader in quantum computing, Quantinuum has found an ideal partner in New Mexico. The state’s dynamic technology ecosystem and highly skilled workforce align perfectly with our strategic goals.”
Quantinuum’s New Mexico location, anticipated to open later this year, is expected to create high-paying jobs and drive economic growth. Quantinuum has a longstanding history of collaboration with experts from the national laboratories in New Mexico, such as Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, and universities, such as The University of New Mexico, in showcasing the performance of the company’s trapped ion quantum computing hardware. These partnerships have not only advanced the exploration of innovative applications and use cases, but have also been instrumental in supporting workforce development, education and various other efforts in the state and region.
The development of technologies for quantum computing is critical to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. The robust quantum ecosystem taking rise in New Mexico—from the national labs to universities to the private sector—will help ensure the United States is a leader in quantum computing.
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 more than 550 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.