IMS Developing Japan's First "Cold (Neutral) Atom" Quantum Computers: New Collaboration with 10 Industry Partners toward Commercialization
PUBLISHED ONMarch 12, 2024 3:00 PM
OKAZAKI, Japan, March 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Institute for Molecular Science (hereinafter "the IMS"), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, has established a "Commercialization Preparatory Platform (PF)" to accelerate the development of novel quantum computers, based on the achievement of a research group led by Prof. Kenji Ohmori. The launch of the PF was made possible by collaboration with 10 industry partners, including companies and financial institutions.
The 10 partners that joined the PF include (listed alphabetically): blueqat Inc., Development Bank of Japan Inc., Fujitsu Limited, Groovenauts, Inc., Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hitachi, Ltd., and NEC Corporation.
With the PF in place, the IMS will leverage the expertise of the participating companies and seek for advice and support on matters related to commercialization, such as the processes of establishing a start-up company, developing domestically produced quantum computers, and R&D efforts to enable practical application of quantum computers and their associated services. It plans to launch a start-up company by the end of its FY2024 and begin the development of "cold (neutral) atom" quantum computers.
Background
Fierce competition is underway globally for the development of quantum computers by various modalities. However, there remain a number of issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure that these computers can be used practically; these issues include the need to expand the scale of these computers and the ability to take measures against errors that may occur during computation. In recent years, the "cold (neutral) atom" modality, which uses individual atoms as qubits, has been attracting attention from industry, academia, and governments around the world as a revolutionary new method to overcome these issues. Another feature of the cold (neutral) atom modality is that it operates at room temperature and does not require any refrigerators, which are necessary for the superconducting qubit and silicon qubit modalities.
The Ohmori group at the IMS is leading the world in developing the cold (neutral) atom quantum computers. The group has a number of technological advantages and core competencies (*1), including "optical tweezers" and microscope technologies to control a large number of high-quality qubits on a flat surface, and "ultrafast two-qubit gates" that use an ultrafast laser to create a quantum entanglement between two qubits in just 6.5 nanoseconds. In particular, the two-qubit gates represent an important core technology that enables the extraordinary computational speed of quantum computers. In 2022, the ultrafast two-qubit gates developed by the Ohmori group achieved a disruptive innovation that accelerates the two-qubit gates of the conventional cold (neutral) atom method by two orders of magnitude at once.
By taking advantage of these technical advances and core competencies of the Ohmori group, the IMS will accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum computers in collaboration with its industry partners.
World's first demonstration of quantum supremacy using superconducting quantum computers in 2019 (*2)
Message from Professor John Martinis, University of California, Santa Barbara:
"Professor Kenji Ohmori and his team have recently made a major breakthrough to overcome the weakness of the neutral atom method by using ultrafast lasers to drastically accelerate its two-qubit gate by two orders of magnitude. Their optical tweezers and microscope technology for manipulating individual atomic qubits is also outstanding. The team is therefore an extremely promising candidate for the realization of a practical quantum computer in the near future. I would like to actively participate in and contribute to the practical application and commercialization of their quantum computer by making use of my experience."
Message from Yuki Takemori, General Manager, Innovation Promotion Office, Business Planning & Coordination Department, Development Bank of Japan Inc.
Project General Manager of PF:
"After the bursting of the bubble economy, the Japanese economy spent the 'lost 30 years' without a clue to its further growth. I expect that quantum computing will be a technology that will bring revolutionary evolution to mankind, similar to the Internet and artificial intelligence (AI). It will grow into an extremely important industry for Japan, acting as a catalyst for its development and advancement. The technological capabilities of Professor Kenji Ohmori and his team are a global treasure and a trump card for the revival of the Japanese economy. I expect that this project will spread its wings far and wide."
Message from Professor Kenji Ohmori, Institute for Molecular Science:
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support of such distinguished companies for the development of our cold-atom (neutral-atom) quantum computer. Although we have absolute confidence in our basic technology, the development of practical quantum computers requires the integration of a variety of 'enabling technologies' including conventional electronics, software, system engineering, and architecture. With the launch of this commercialization platform, we will further strengthen our development efforts and work hard to create a quantum computer that can contribute to our society as soon as possible."
Notes:
(*1) Core competency: a defining capability that distinguishes an enterprise from its competitors
(*2) Quantum supremacy: a demonstration of a quantum computer's advantage over classical computers, including supercomputers, to process calculations that would conventionally take a long time to process at unmatched speeds
For more information, please visit:
Research funding: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202403077687-O2-hlc67mcx.pdf
Photo/Figure: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202403077687-O1-coSasezF.pdf
Related links: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202403077687-O3-9KCZgK5F.pdf
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Malaysian police said there were no signs of foul play, and asked the public to stop speculating and spreading information about the girl's death.
PHOTO: Facebook/Leong, Google Photos/Jiann Wu Foo
PUBLISHED ONOctober 04, 2024 2:39 PMByLim KeweiA 13-year-old girl died on Tuesday (Oct 1) after falling from the building of her school in Kuala Lumpur.
Her heartbroken father, surnamed Leong, took to Facebook on Thursday (Oct 4) to mourn his daughter, sharing multiple pictures of the girl taken over the years.
"Baby, daddy has been unable to sleep for the past two days," he began.
"I won't put on a front and don't want to suppress [my emotions] anymore. I want to cry out loud, I really can't hold it in anymore!
"I may seem strong on the surface but actually, there are times when my heart weakens and all I can see when I close my eyes are memories of you, your smile, I miss you so much!"
PHOTO: Screengrab/Facebook
Leong grieved over how his daughter had not confided in her family about her woes, imploring her to "come home" if she was facing troubles.
The girl was reportedly living in the school hostel.
"Right here and now, it is you that has taught me I need to speak out my love; I know that now! But you exchanged your life for [this lesson], it is too high a price to pay and not worth it!
"Daddy was wrong, I'm sorry, I love you, please forgive me!"
Leong ended the letter to his late daughter by expressing his love and forgiveness and thanked her for the 13 years of wonderful memories.
Brickfields police chief Assistant Commissioner Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood told the media on Wednesday that the girl had fallen from the eighth floor of Kuen Cheng High School and was pronounced dead at scene, reported the New Straits Times.
"Further investigations revealed no foul play and the case was classified as sudden death," he said, urging the public to refrain from speculating on her death and stop spreading pictures and videos of her.
According to China Press, the girl had posted a video moments before her death, where she said: "I love you all, I just want to say goodbye."
The girl's funeral was held on Friday morning, with over a hundred students and teachers turning up to bid her farewell.
SINGAPORE HELPLINES
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
- Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222
- Silver Ribbon: 6386-1928
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Encik-approved: Singapore Army launches fashion collection in collaboration with local designer Amos Ananda
All items are available for purchase online on Amos Ananda's website.
PHOTO: Amos Ananda
PUBLISHED ONOctober 03, 2024 2:39 PMByAmierul RashidForget admin tees, this collection of clothes is set to take army fashion up a notch.
On Tuesday (Oct 1), the Singapore Army unveiled an army-inspired fashion collection in collaboration with local fashion designer Amos Ananda.
Don't expect anything too crazy, though. Think cool streetwear aesthetics.
Amos also announced this in an Instagram post, with him donning the Army x Amos Ananda Baseball Shirt, along with six other fashion models.
"Beaming with pride. My greatest honour to work on this project," the caption read.
The 35-year-old designer mentioned that this project can be seen as him using his talents to give back to the country.
He added: "So proud to share this with my family and friends and I hope these will foster a sense of national pride when you guys wear the official pieces."
So, what can we expect in this collection?
If baseball shirts aren't to your taste, there's the Army x Amos Ananda 01 Tee.
This unisex oversized tee is made of premium cotton and costs $69.
There's also a bucket hat ($39) to complement it and comes in free sizes for kids and for adults each.
These are available for purchase online on Amos' website.
In the Singapore Army's TikTok video, Lieutenant Colonel Lee Jingal explained the Army's take on this unique partnership with Amos.
"We are reaching out to collaborate with individuals and companies like Amos Ananda who share the same passions as us, to work together and pave new creations for the army," he said.
The collaboration has certainly made an impression online, with users taking to the TikTok video's comments section.
"Waiting for my encik to approve this," one netizen cheekily said.
The light-hearted nature continued with a few other comments.
Over on Our Singapore Army's Instagram page, netizens continued their lighthearted remarks about the fashion collaboration.
"But I wear admin tee [with] a lot of pride," an Instagram user claimed.
Others also asked about whether these clothes were appropriate for heading outfield or if they could purchase them using credits set aside for eMart, the shopping platform for military personnel.
AsiaOne has reached out to Amos and Our Singapore Army for more information.
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In total, the government has earmarked more than $10 billion for the Assurance Package to help cushion the impact of cost-of-living increases.
PHOTO: The Straits Times file
PUBLISHED ONOctober 02, 2024 1:34 PMByChing Shi JieSingaporeans can look forward to more payouts to tackle cost-of-living concerns in the coming months, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said on Wednesday (Oct 2).
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, PM Wong, who is also the finance minister, said that more help will be given to households to offset their utility bills, and up to $600 in cash payouts for every Singaporean.
There will also be another $300 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers for every household that will be disbursed in January 2025.
These measures to cushion the impact of cost of living increases are part of the government-introduced Assurance Package, which has been enhanced three times since 2022, bringing its total to over $10 billion.
So far this year, every Singaporean household was given $800 in CDC vouchers, and those living in public housing have received up to $400 in utilities rebates.
Eligible Singapore citizens have also received up to $700 in cash payouts.
Acknowledging that cost of living remains a concern for many Singaporeans, PM Wong said that price increases in goods and services will still go up even though inflation in Singapore has been moderating and is expected to come down further this year.
Such price adjustments have to be done "from time to time" as a delay will only "make the pain worse in the future," he added.
"My team and I will do everything we can to help you get through this difficult period," he added.
Giving his economic forecast, PM Wong said Singapore can expect a "favourable outlook" this year with higher economic growth and lower inflation.
More workers should experience increases in their real incomes, he added.
The prime minister said that the government will be monitoring how the country's economic conditions will unfold next year, and expects inflation to continue easing to lower levels before the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We will also continue to push for productivity and innovation across our economy," said PM Wong. "I will share more about our plans in the Budget next year."
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PHOTO: The Straits Times
PUBLISHED ONOctober 03, 2024 4:43 PMByKhoo Yi-HangOnly drivers who have yet to apply for their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will be served warning notices, Malaysia's transport minister Anthony Loke said at a press conference in Johor Bahru on Thursday (Oct 3), The Straits Times reported.
A total of 678 cars have been stopped and checked by Road Transport Department officers at the Causeway and Second Link since enforcement began on Oct 1, he said.
50 warnings have been handed out to owners of Singapore-registered vehicles since, Loke added.
Speaking at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex, Loke said that those who have applied but have not completed the VEP radio frequency identification (RFID) tag installation will not receive warning notices.
Some 112,658 VEP tags have been issued and over 75,000 have been successfully installed and activated.
The warning notices were delivered to drivers at immigration checkpoints booths during passport checks via the LED screens, as well as on paper and via the MDGS phone application.
Drivers who have received warnings can still re-enter Malaysia during the current phase of VEP, CNA reported.
This comes amid posts on social media showing photographs of the warning slip given to drivers, claiming that those who have yet to apply for a VEP will receive warnings.
On the slip, a reminder for the driver to register for a VEP can be seen.
"Failure to register for VEP, legal action can be taken against you," the slip warns.
PHOTO: Facebook/Wang Everleigh
More VEP centres, including at malls
Loke also announced that the ministry aims to open more VEP centres to deal with the large influx of drivers looking to install their RFID tags, reported CNA.
They aim to establish these centres at malls in Johor Bahru, Loke said.
"Shopping malls in Johor Bahru have come forward to offer their venue for RFID installation," he explained.
"We will work with any parties who are interested to help us to help drivers so they don't have to wait at the centres ... (they) can go shopping and within two hours can come back and collect their (tags)," he added.
Loke also stressed that the enforcement of the VEP will be "very gradual".
"For those car owners who have already applied, they have nothing to worry about, because our gadgets will know whether they have applied or not," he said, reported CNA.
"We will not issue you any warning notice. We will not issue you any reminder. The warning notice will only be given to those car owners who have yet to do anything, have yet to submit any application."
Motorists without a valid VEP risk being denied entry into Johor, or fined up to RM2,000 (S$620).
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