Fujitsu Limited and RIKEN have announced the development of a new 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer, which represents a significant leap forward in quantum computing capabilities. The new system was established at the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Center and builds on the technology of their earlier 64-qubit quantum computer. The earlier iteration, launched in October 2023 with support from Japan´s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), served as a foundation for this latest advancement, which incorporates high-density implementation techniques to increase qubit capacity.
This development signals substantial progress towards the practical application of superconducting quantum computers. By expanding from 64 to 256 qubits, the new system enhances computational power, enabling researchers and companies to address more complex scientific and industrial problems. This expansion is also expected to facilitate advancements in the analysis of larger molecular structures and the implementation of sophisticated error correction algorithms—both vital for pushing quantum research and application boundaries.
Fujitsu and RIKEN plan to integrate the 256-qubit quantum computer into a hybrid quantum computing platform, which will be made available globally to companies and research institutions from the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The platform aims to accelerate research across domains that rely on high-performance quantum computing, including material sciences, pharmaceuticals, and Artificial Intelligence, reinforcing Japan´s leadership in quantum technology innovation. Both organizations envision the scalable platform as a key contributor to solving intricate computational challenges in the years ahead.
