IonQ Deepens Quantum Collaboration in Japan with AIST’s G-QuAT: Advancing Quantum Computing Innovation in the APAC Region
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a global leader in quantum computing and networking, has announced a significant step forward in its efforts to expand quantum innovation in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT), a division of Japan’s renowned National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). This collaboration aims to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum computing technologies in Japan, further solidifying IonQ’s presence in the region.
Strengthening Quantum Collaboration in Japan
The MOU between IonQ and G-QuAT underscores both organizations’ commitment to advancing quantum computing research, fostering innovation, and building a robust global quantum ecosystem. G-QuAT is a pioneering initiative by AIST focused on integrating hybrid quantum computing technologies with artificial intelligence (AI). Its mission is to drive quantum research and development, accelerate real-world applications, and establish Japan as a leader in the global quantum business landscape.
Under the terms of the agreement, IonQ and G-QuAT will collaborate to facilitate access to IonQ’s cutting-edge Forte-class quantum computers through the IonQ Cloud. This cloud-based platform supports collaborative research, development, and innovation, enabling researchers and enterprises to explore transformative quantum computing applications. By working together, both organizations aim to unlock new possibilities in industries ranging from healthcare and finance to logistics and energy.
A Shared Vision for Quantum Advancement
This partnership reflects a shared vision to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Japan’s research and technology sectors. According to McKinsey, Japan has already made substantial progress in its quantum computing ambitions, with over $1.8 billion in public funding announced and multiple government-sponsored research labs commissioned as of 2024. IonQ’s collaboration with G-QuAT aligns perfectly with Japan’s strategic goals to become a global leader in quantum innovation.
“Our expanded alliance with AIST marks an important step in IonQ’s global expansion and deepens our engagement with the Japanese quantum market,” said Niccolo de Masi, President and CEO of IonQ. “We look forward to our further collaboration with G-QuAT to explore new quantum computing applications that can deliver transformative outcomes across industries.”
Empowering Japan’s Quantum Ecosystem
For G-QuAT, this partnership represents an opportunity to strengthen Japan’s position in the global quantum ecosystem. By leveraging IonQ’s advanced quantum computing capabilities, G-QuAT aims to make quantum technologies more accessible to researchers, enterprises, and institutions both in Japan and worldwide.
“Our goal is to foster a robust, international quantum ecosystem, and our collaboration with IonQ will bring us closer to achieving this,” said Mashiro Horibe, Deputy Director of G-QuAT. “We’re excited to explore new R&D and application possibilities using IonQ’s Forte quantum computer and to make quantum computing accessible to a broader audience.”
This collaboration also highlights Japan’s commitment to developing a skilled quantum workforce. By providing researchers and institutions with access to state-of-the-art quantum computing resources, G-QuAT and IonQ are paving the way for the next generation of quantum innovators.
IonQ’s Global Momentum in Quantum Computing
Today’s announcement builds on IonQ’s growing global momentum. Earlier this year, the company unveiled its first quantum computer in Europe through a partnership with QuantumBasel, further demonstrating its dedication to expanding quantum access worldwide. With this latest MOU, IonQ continues to reinforce its leadership in driving quantum advancements and contributing to the growth of quantum ecosystems in key regions like Japan and the broader APAC market.
The non-binding MOU signifies IonQ’s ongoing focus on supporting Japan’s quantum economy while fostering international collaboration. By working closely with G-QuAT, IonQ aims to contribute to the nation’s quantum ambitions and help bridge the gap between research and real-world applications.
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between IonQ and G-QuAT is more than just a business agreement—it’s a strategic move to advance quantum computing on a global scale. Here’s why this partnership is significant:
- Accelerating Quantum Adoption: By providing access to IonQ’s Forte-class quantum computers, the partnership enables researchers and enterprises to experiment with cutting-edge quantum technologies, accelerating their adoption in real-world scenarios.
- Building a Global Quantum Ecosystem: G-QuAT’s focus on hybrid quantum-AI technologies aligns with IonQ’s vision of creating a connected, international quantum ecosystem. Together, they aim to break down barriers and make quantum computing accessible to a wider audience.
- Driving Economic Growth: Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize industries, creating new opportunities for economic growth. By investing in quantum research and development, Japan is positioning itself as a leader in the quantum economy.
- Fostering Innovation: The collaboration encourages joint research and development, unlocking new possibilities for innovation in fields such as AI, cryptography, materials science, and more.
The Future of Quantum in Japan
As quantum computing continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between IonQ and G-QuAT will play a critical role in shaping the future of the technology. By combining IonQ’s expertise in quantum hardware and cloud platforms with G-QuAT’s research capabilities and AI integration, this collaboration has the potential to deliver groundbreaking advancements that benefit industries and society at large.
For Japan, this partnership represents a key milestone in its journey toward becoming a global quantum leader. For IonQ, it reinforces the company’s commitment to driving quantum innovation and accessibility worldwide. As the quantum era unfolds, collaborations like these will be essential in unlocking the full potential of quantum computing and ensuring its benefits are realized on a global scale.
About IonQ
IonQ, Inc. is a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek’s 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes’ 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, and Built In’s 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ.com.
