JIJ and Kobe Steel Sign Basic Agreement for Utilization of Quantum Computing Technology

JIJ Inc. (hereinafter JIJ) has signed a basic agreement with Kobe Steel, Ltd. (hereinafter Kobe Steel) for the utilization of quantum computing technology. This aims to strengthen the technological response capabilities for increasingly complex business challenges within the KOBELCO Group. A "Quantum CoE"*1 has been formed as a promotion system for utilization across the KOBELCO Group, and initiatives to implement quantum computing technology in business will commence in collaboration with Kobe Steel.

Background

The KOBELCO Group develops diverse technologies, products, and services centered around three business domains: materials, machinery, and power, addressing highly complex business challenges. These challenges are expected to become even more advanced and complex with changes in social conditions and market trends, making it increasingly difficult to respond using conventional methods and judgments based solely on experience and knowledge. Furthermore, for future business growth, it is important to create new business opportunities by strengthening these advanced problem-solving capabilities.

Quantum computing technology is a new computational technology with the potential to efficiently derive optimal solutions for complex problems involving vast combinations and constraints that were previously difficult to handle. Its application is also accelerating in a wide range of fields for industrial use, including machine learning, data analysis, and design/analysis using CAE*2.

However, practical application requires not only the establishment of new technological foundations but also indispensable human resource development and the construction of a utilization system, which cannot be established in a short period. Based on this background, Kobe Steel has determined that it is important to systematically acquire and implement quantum computing technology from an early stage, and will promote this initiative together with JIJ over several years.

Overview of Initiatives

In this initiative, comprehensive efforts will be made from the following perspectives:

Promotion of Technology Implementation

Possibility of application will be verified, focusing on areas such as materials development, production management, and process optimization, and technology development will proceed through actual projects.

Human Resource Development and Knowledge Accumulation

Development of personnel who can be utilized in practical work, and accumulation and systematization of knowledge within the KOBELCO Group will be promoted.

Establishment of Infrastructure and Governance

Rules and business processes for continuous utilization, and next-generation computing infrastructure will be established, promoting the construction of a system that enables utilization across the KOBELCO Group.

In the first year, efforts will focus on areas such as materials development, production management, and process optimization. Specifically, the effectiveness of quantum computing technology will be verified for challenges that are difficult to solve with conventional methods, such as material design and development that balances conflicting properties, and production planning under multi-process and multi-constraint conditions. This initiative will not be limited to individual verification but will be gradually expanded to each business of the KOBELCO Group, aiming to establish a state where it can be continuously utilized in a way that contributes to the business growth of the KOBELCO Group.

Positioning of Collaboration

JIJ promotes technology development and implementation with a view to applying it to industrial challenges in the fields of quantum computing technology and mathematical optimization. JIJ has accumulated extensive knowledge and achievements in industrial application and social implementation through activities in industrial networks in the quantum computing field, both domestically and internationally, and participation in national research and development projects. In particular, JIJ's strengths lie in its ability to formulate complex problems into computable forms, implement them as algorithms, and execute the implementation of technology in real-world projects.

Leveraging these strengths, JIJ will promote this initiative together with Kobe Steel as a co-creation partner aiming to implement quantum computing technology in business and create new business opportunities within the KOBELCO Group.

Future Outlook

The KOBELCO Group has set "Transformation into an Attractive Company" as a goal to be addressed in its Mid-Term Management Plan (FY2024-2026), and is promoting the transformation "KOBELCO-X"*3 to achieve this. This initiative, which looks at the future industrial use of quantum computing technology and will be promoted in stages over several years, aims to strengthen competitiveness through the deepening of existing businesses and the creation of new value, as an example of AX (Ambidexterity: Deepening existing business x Exploring new business opportunities) within the KOBELCO Group.

JIJ will contribute to the deepening of existing businesses and the creation of new value by leveraging its expertise in quantum computing technology and mathematical optimization to support the formation of a foundation for utilizing cutting-edge technology within the KOBELCO Group.

*1 CoE (Center of Excellence): A core function/role that consolidates expertise and knowledge in a specific field, promoting company-wide utilization and advancement. In this initiative, it refers to a system where related departments collaborate, rather than a specific fixed organization. *2 CAE (Computer Aided Engineering): A framework that uses computers to simulate and analyze product design, performance, and behavior, supporting design review and evaluation. *3 KOBELCO-X: A transformation initiative promoted by the KOBELCO Group. For details, please refer to the official KOBELCO Group website.

About JIJ

JIJ Inc. is a startup that aims to solve problems involving complex and large-scale computations by fusing two cutting-edge fields: mathematical optimization and quantum computing.

JIJ supports problem-solving with an individual approach tailored to each customer's situation for various optimization themes in industrial fields such as manufacturing, transportation, telecommunications, energy, and materials development, as well as in the public sector. At the same time, JIJ is developing a software platform that covers a wide range of functions necessary for tackling optimization, for both classical and quantum computer environments.

JIJ also has a track record of joint research and development with various research institutions and companies in the field of quantum optimization, and is involved in global projects in collaboration with its bases in the UK and Germany. JIJ is also actively participating in overseas quantum industry ecosystems by joining quantum industry organizations such as the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) and UKQuantum.

Company Profile

Company Name: JIJ Inc. Representative: Yu Yamashiro, Representative Director & CEO Location: INDEST403, Tokyo Tech Campu s, Shibaura 3-3-6, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan Founded: November 2018 URL: https://www.j-ij.com/jp