Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is advancing efforts to scale quantum computers through two research and development projects selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and an investment in optical quantum hardware startup OptQC Corp.
On September 17, 2026, Mitsubishi Electric announced that two of its R&D projects were selected through a public solicitation by NEDO under the Research and Development Project to Strengthen Post-5G Information and Communication System Infrastructure (Accelerating the Development and Demonstration of Next-Generation Quantum Computers to Solve Societal Issues). The projects are: 1) Research and Development of Multi-Qubit-Control Laser Systems and 2) Development of Ultra-Compact, Multi-Channel, Low-Noise Amplifier Modules for Large-Scale Superconducting Quantum Computers.
Quantum computers are expected to enable larger-scale simulations and optimization than conventional computers in fields including medicine and drug discovery, finance, logistics and energy. Full-scale industrial applications require improved processing capacity and computational accuracy. Qubits are fragile and susceptible to noise, requiring technologies that combine multiple qubits for error correction. Scaling to the level of one million qubits is identified as a key challenge.
Mitsubishi Electric will conduct R&D to scale three types of quantum computers: neutral-atom, trapped-ion and superconducting. For neutral-atom and trapped-ion systems, which use lasers to control neutral atoms and ions, the company aims to develop high-power, highly stable laser systems by leveraging its laser technologies for machine tools, along with low-latency control technologies using logic devices such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). For superconducting quantum computers, which use microwaves to control qubits in cryogenic environments, the company will use its microwave IC technologies to develop ultra-compact, multi-channel, low-noise amplifier modules capable of operating in those environments. The goal is to enable control of larger numbers of neutral atoms, ions and superconducting qubits.
The projects will include technological validation in collaboration with quantum-computing research institutions, including Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. Mitsubishi Electric will provide systems and components for scaling multiple quantum-computing architectures.
Separately, on September 15, 2026, Mitsubishi Electric announced that its ME Innovation Fund has invested in OptQC Corp., a Japanese startup that develops and provides optical quantum computer hardware. This is the fund’s sixteenth investment.
Quantum computing is moving from research toward practical applications that require hardware with a large number of qubits. Optical quantum computing is noted for qubit scalability and energy efficiency. OptQC originated from the University of Tokyo and is based on technologies from the university’s Furusawa Laboratory. The company’s optical quantum computer uses proprietary architecture designed to limit increases in system size as the number of qubits grows. OptQC has delivered its first commercial system to a public research institution and hardware modules to private-sector companies.
Through the investment, Mitsubishi Electric expects to gain insights into OptQC’s optical quantum computer hardware development technologies, related components, customers and market trends, and to apply these to its quantum technologies, software implementation knowhow and application development in industrial fields.
Kan Takase, Representative Director and CEO of OptQC Corp., said: “We are honored that Mitsubishi Electric has recognized the potential of optical quantum computing. Through this investment, we hope to combine the expertise Mitsubishi Electric has cultivated across its broad business activities with our quantum computing technologies. Together, we aim to advance the industrial application of quantum technologies, focusing on initiatives that create new value for global society.”
Komi Matsubara, Executive Officer (Vice President, Business Innovation) at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, said: “OptQC is a startup with advanced technological capabilities in developing optical quantum computer hardware and significant potential for practical applications. Through this investment, we will apply their technological and market insights to our quantum-related technologies and efforts to explore applications across industrial fields. Our goal is to create meaningful new value and promising business opportunities in quantum computing.”
