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NTT and OptQC partner to commercialize optical quantum computing
Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 02:39 AM
NTT and the startup OptQC are collaborating on the commercialization of optical quantum computing technology, focusing on developing the necessary infrastructure and hardware for practical application.
Context
NTT and University of Tokyo startup OptQC have partnered to commercialize room-temperature optical quantum computing, eliminating the extreme cryogenic cooling required by current superconducting systems. This light-based approach operates at normal atmospheric pressure and is projected to consume only 1/10 to 1/100 the energy of competing architectures. The collaboration leverages NTT’s IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) infrastructure to stabilize quantum states, positioning the technology as a scalable, energy-efficient solution for standard data centers.
The joint roadmap targets the development of a 1 million qubit system by 2030, with a first commercial machine slated for release in April 2026. Interim goals include a 10,000-qubit processor by 2027, supported by $14.3 million in early funding and a broader $100 million development framework. By prioritizing manufacturability and high-speed error correction, NTT and OptQC are establishing a specialized semiconductor supply chain to support next-generation AI, finance, and material science workloads.
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