Universal Quantum, a British company specialising in building quantum computers, has signed an agreement with Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST). And UK nature intelligence company, Natcap, has entered into partnerships with Japan’s Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., as well as its Oxford-based R&D institute.
Universal Quantum and AIST will collaborate to develop complex quantum applications, enhance the subsystems required for large-scale quantum computing, and support the growth of Japan’s thriving quantum ecosystem.
Their primary focus will be on advancing a large-scale trapped-ion quantum computing solution – a technology that has historically demonstrated significant potential but has proven difficult to scale.
We’re glad to have facilitated this partnership, as Universal Quantum was a participant in the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme – the initiative we run on behalf of the UK Government to help British companies expand in Asia Pacific.
Universal Quantum took part in a business development initiative in Japan as part of the programme, where we connected the quantum innovator with potential customers and partners in the region, including AIST.
The company also took part in last year’s National Quantum Technology Showcase, where we facilitated business matchmaking between UK quantum innovators and APAC technology giants and venture capitalists.
Luc Gerardin, Head of Business Development at Universal Quantum, said: “It’s exciting to be working with Japanese quantum industry leader, AIST, to advance quantum computing with scalable trapped-ion technology. We’re grateful that Intralink helped us to overcome the geographical constraints and other obstacles, making the introductions we needed to begin this partnership.”
This collaboration follows a partnership between another Japanese research institute and a British tech firm – Aioi R&D Lab-Oxford and nature intelligence company Natcap, which was also a participant in the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme.
The pair have joined forces to develop an innovative solution to measure biodiversity risks. And this partnership has now been strengthened by a strategic capital and business alliance between Natcap and the research institute’s parent company, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co.
Natcap presented to Aioi Nissay Dowa at our pitch event in 2023, as well as embarking on a business development initiative in Japan the following year.
Sebastian Leape, CEO at Natcap, said: “Biodiversity loss threatens the stability of global ecosystems, and we’re proud to be addressing that through our partnership with the Aioi group. The collaboration is enabling us to help more businesses identify, prioritise and manage their nature-related risks. And Intralink’s UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme played a valuable role in helping us to establish links with the Japanese corporation.”
To find out more about opportunities for your business in Asia, you can contact Will Oliviero at william.oliviero@intralinkgroup.com.