Please tell us about the background and significance of the two start-up companies that found their beginning at the Center.

Aoki: Nanofiber Quantum Technologies (NanoQT), which develops quantum computer hardware, was established in April 2022. University researchers, mainly in Western countries, have established quantum technology start-ups, and in an increasing number of cases, huge investments have been brought in to accelerate research. In addition to a sense of mission that we must not fall behind in this regard, we wanted to provide young Japanese researchers with new career options.

Togawa: In October 2022, we established Quanmatic, which is involved in R&D and practical applications targeting quantum algorithms. For a long time, one of my goals was to present a paper describing my research results, but at the same time, I questioned whether this alone was really enough. Now that I have a place to implement my research in society, the technologies generated by the laboratory have become products, which are being introduced into actual corporate systems. It’s very exciting, and I could never have come this far on my own.

Aoki: NanoQT brings together outstanding researchers who have obtained PhD’s in the field of quantum physics, and we have one of the world’s top research teams. We achieved one of our goals in establishing the Center, which is to present an attractive career path for young researchers.