Japan’s Quantum Technology Innovation Strategy Roadmap

April 2022

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Strategies and Action Plans

Quantum Technology Innovation Strategy Roadmap is a strategic roadmap outlining Japan’s advancements in quantum technology. This revision, published on April 22, 2022, by the Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council, serves as a comprehensive guide for the development and implementation of quantum technology across various fields. The roadmap provides a structured plan to advance quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication, ensuring Japan remains at the forefront of this transformative technology.

The primary purpose of this roadmap is to establish a clear direction for research, development, and deployment of quantum technologies, focusing on their integration into real-world applications. It is structured into two main sections: the technical roadmap, which details advancements in specific quantum technologies, and the interdisciplinary roadmap, which explores the integration of quantum technology across different scientific and industrial domains.

1. Technical roadmap

(1) Quantum computing and quantum simulation

The roadmap outlines the expected technological advancements and applications for various types of quantum computing and simulation:

  1. Quantum computers (Superconducting Qubits)
    • By 2030: Implementation of ~1,000 physical qubits with ~50 logical qubits using quantum error correction.
    • Development of large-scale quantum computing cloud services.
    • Advances in cooling, packaging, and fabrication of quantum chips.
  2. Quantum software (Gate Model)
    • Algorithms for chemistry, materials science, machine learning, and financial applications.
    • Hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.
    • Development of scalable quantum software architecture.
  3. Quantum software (Annealing Model)
    • Optimisation applications in logistics, scheduling, and automation.
    • Hybrid systems combining quantum annealing and classical computing.
  4. Quantum simulation (Cold Atoms)
    • Simulations for material science and high-energy physics.
    • Development of new superconductors and quantum materials.
  5. Quantum annealing machines (Superconducting Qubits)
    • Large-scale quantum annealers for real-world optimisation problems.
    • Hybrid cloud-based solutions integrating quantum annealing with classical HPC.
  6. Quantum computers (Ion Trap Qubits)
    • Development of modular ion trap systems.
    • High-precision control with optical interconnects.
  7. Quantum computers (Silicon Qubits)
    • Scalable integration with semiconductor technology.
    • Potential for edge computing applications.
  8. Quantum computers (Photonic Qubits)
    • High-speed, low-power quantum computation using photonics.
    • Integration with quantum communication networks.

(2) Quantum sensing and metrology

This section focuses on advanced quantum sensors and metrology systems:

  1. Solid-state quantum sensors (Diamond NV Centers)
    • Application
    • Room-temperature quantum sensors.
  2. Quantum inertial sensors
  • Navigation systems without GPS dependency.
  • Applications in autonomous vehicles and defense.
  1. Optical lattice clocks
  • High-precision atomic clocks for time synchronisation.
  • Applications in geophysics and disaster monitoring.
  1. Quantum entangled light sensors
  • Advanced imaging and spectroscopy.
  • High-resolution 3D medical imaging.
  1. Quantum spintronics sensors
  • Novel sensors for industrial and medical applications.

(3) Quantum communication and cryptography

This section outlines the advancements in secure quantum communication:

  1. Quantum communication and cryptographic link technologies
  • Development of ultra-secure quantum networks.
  1. Quantum repeater technologies (Quantum memory & entanglement)
  • Enabling long-distance quantum communication.
  1. Quantum network technologies
  • Infrastructure for quantum internet and distributed computing.

2. Interdisciplinary roadmap

This section focuses on the integration of quantum technologies into different fields:

  1. Quantum AI technologies
    • Machine learning enhancements using quantum computers.
  2. Quantum life sciences
    • Advanced quantum imaging and spectroscopy for biology.
    • Quantum-enhanced MRI/NMR.
  3. Quantum security technologies
    • Next-generation cryptographic methods resistant to quantum attacks.

Roadmap timeline (2020–2040)

The roadmap provides a structured timeline with milestones for each technology area:

  • 2025: Demonstration of early-stage quantum systems (NISQ devices, small-scale quantum sensors, quantum-secure networks).
  • 2030: Implementation of scalable quantum computing and secure quantum communication.
  • 2040: Fully fault-tolerant quantum computing, global quantum internet, and widespread quantum-enhanced technologies.