Japan's NEDO backs six firms to combine quantum and AI for new materials

[Quasar Vulture]

Japan is putting quantum computing to work on materials discovery. Quantum Zeitgeist reports that NEDO, Japan's state research and development agency, has selected six companies to build a platform combining quantum calculations with AI, running from fiscal 2026 to 2028

The companies are TOPPAN, AISIN, Asahi Kasei, SoftBank Corp., AGC and DIC. Together they span printing, car parts, chemicals, telecoms, glass and inks, giving the project a wide range of industrial problems to tackle

Target materials include organic electrolytes, polymers, inorganic electrodes, batteries, optical materials and superconductors. DIC will focus on predicting the properties of colourants and semiconductor materials

The stated aim is to bridge the gap between demonstration and real world application. The headline gives a figure of $130 million, but the article body does not confirm it, and no individuals are named. SoftBank's own announcement was dated 28 October

Materials science is one of the most promising early uses for quantum computing, and pairing it with AI is the realistic approach. Bringing in companies with real products to improve keeps the work grounded. Japan's mix of government funding and industrial partners is a strong model

Will quantum computing help discover new materials soon? And is combining quantum with AI the best approach?

SoftBank Leads Six Firms In $130M Quantum Materials R&D Projectquantumzeitgeist.com