Keio University has established the IBM Q Network Hub as a state-of-the-art quantum computing research base at its Yagami Campus, which is home to the university’s Faculty of Science and Technology. IBM Q is an advanced, general-purpose quantum computer being developed by US technology company IBM, and this hub is the only facility in Asia enabled to use IBM Q’s cloud computing system.
To accompany this, a press conference was held on May 17 (Thurs.) in the Multimedia Room, 14th Building (Sosokan) on Yagami Campus. On the day, Professor Kohei Itoh, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, and Dr. Bob Suter, vice president of IBM Q Strategy and Ecosystem, IBM Research, gave opening addresses. These were followed by a description of the IBM Q Network Hub from Associate Professor Naoki Yamamoto, dean of the Quantum Computing Center. Next, the corporate members of the IBM Q Network Hub were introduced, revealing the participation of JSR Corporation, MUFG Bank, Mizuho Financial Group, and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. Afterwards, commemorative photos of the representatives of the member organizations were taken, which was followed by a lively question and answer session. Finally, there was a tour of the IBM Q Hub Common Room and a demonstration on how to access IBM Q, during which members of the press enthusiastically asked questions. An opening ceremony was also held after the press conference, bringing the day to a close on a high note.
The next step for Keio University is to cooperate with researchers at the member companies as well as those at other universities and research institutions and focus on the development of algorithms and software for quantum computing.