Q-STAR, UKQuantum Unite to Boost UK-Japan Quantum Tech Ties

30 Apr, 2025

Japan’s Q-STAR and the UK’s UKQuantum have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration between their national quantum industries. The agreement's main objectives are to promote global R&D and industry interactions, advance commercialization, and coordinate cooperative policy development initiatives. This milestone strengthens the growing partnership between the United Kingdom and Japan, two global leaders in quantum science and technology.

The MoU promotes industry and research exchanges by fostering engagement among startups, large enterprises, investors, and academic institutions from both countries. It also emphasizes alignment in policy development and advocacy to support the global growth of the quantum ecosystem. Through international collaboration, both Q-STAR and UKQuantum aim to boost their global presence by participating in joint R&D initiatives and major international quantum forums.

As part of the agreement, Q-STAR and UKQuantum will organize joint events, workshops, and networking opportunities to enhance understanding and cooperation between UK and Japanese stakeholders. In order to ensure that both nations maintain a competitive edge in quantum innovation, Jonathan Legh-Smith, Executive Director of UKQuantum, emphasized that the alliance is a significant step towards deeper international cooperation.

Taro Shimada, Chair of the Board of Q-STAR, underscored the importance of global collaboration in accelerating the deployment of quantum technologies for economic and societal benefits. The partnership also enjoys support from government entities, including the British Embassy in Tokyo, ensuring strong backing at the national level.

Q-STAR, established in 2021, now represents 112 members from a wide range of industries in Japan, committed to advancing quantum technology. UKQuantum, founded in 2022, acts as the voice of the UK’s quantum sector, championing the adoption of quantum technologies across the economy. Together, these organizations aim to build a strong, open, and collaborative quantum ecosystem that drives global progress in quantum science and technology.

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