UOsaka has been selected for NEDO's Workforce Development Program for the Industrialization of Quantum Computers

On July 14, 2026, the University of Osaka, together with the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI technology (G-QuAT) of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), was selected as the sole recipient to date of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) project “The Post-5G Information and Communications Systems Infrastructure Enhancement R&D Project/(4) Workforce Development/(b) Workforce Development for the Industrialization of Quantum Computers/(b-2) Workforce Development through Collaboration between Quantum Technology Hubs and Academia.”

The project is led by NEGORO Makoto, Deputy Director and Professor of the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) at the University of Osaka.
The University of Osaka has long positioned QIQB as a hub for advanced quantum workforce development and has been dedicated to training highly skilled professionals capable of implementing quantum algorithms and developing quantum hardware.
Through this project, students at UOsaka conducting research in quantum information science will be able to pursue advanced research toward their doctoral degrees using the cutting-edge facilities of AIST’s G-QuAT. This will build a framework for developing and nurturing highly skilled professionals with the advanced expertise demanded by industry.

We will continue to foster globally competitive quantum professionals and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness and sustainable development of Japan’s quantum industry.

【Project Overview】
Project Title:　
The Post-5G Information and Communications Systems Infrastructure Enhancement R&D Project/(4) Workforce Development/(b) Workforce Development for the Industrialization of Quantum Computers/(b-2) Workforce Development through Collaboration between Quantum Technology Hubs and Academia.
Implementing Organization: The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
Project Period (Planned): AY2026–AY2028 (Three Years)
Planned Contract Amount: JPY 2,999,410,700 (the amount is provisional and will be finalized through contract negotiations)

【Message from KUMANOGOH Atsushi, President of the University of Osaka】

I am delighted and honored that the joint proposal submitted by the University of Osaka and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has been selected for NEDO's Workforce Development Program for the Industrialization of Quantum Computers. Quantum technology, recognized as a strategic priority in the government’s growth agenda, is a core technology that will determine the future competitiveness of industry.
This recognition has reaffirmed our conviction that developing and nurturing highly specialized quantum professionals who will drive the future development of quantum technology is a key mission of the University of Osaka, which is home to one of the world’s premier quantum research centers.

This achievement is by no means the result of an overnight effort. Rather, it reflects the longstanding support and dedication of the many individuals who have contributed to and sustained the research and educational activities of our Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB) over the years.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have supported and contributed to these efforts.

We are committed to the Science Commons Initiative, a vision that aims to create new value through close collaboration between the university and society.
This project is truly a core initiative in transforming the entire Osaka–Kansai region into a globally recognized hub for quantum innovation.
By combining AIST’s cutting-edge research environment with UOsaka’s strengths in research and education, we will mobilize the entire university to cultivate outstanding individual capable of leading the future of quantum technology.
Through this project, we will contribute to the advancement of Japan’s quantum industry and the enhancement of its global competitiveness, while also helping to realize a sustainable and prosperous society.

We look forward to your continued understanding and support as we advance our initiatives.

【Message from NEGORO Makoto, Deputy Director and Professor of the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB)】

Industry leaders in quantum computing, including Google and IBM, continue to produce groundbreaking research through teams of hundreds of experts, thereby accelerating industrialization of quantum computers. Across these organizations, highly specialized quantum professionals appear to play key roles at all levels—from researchers and team leaders to executives responsible for quantum research and business developments—supporting informed decision-making and the effective execution of daily operations.

One distinctive feature of this industry is that not only large corporations but also venture companies play a significant role. Even in many of these venture companies, university experts are part of the management team, and highly specialized professionals often make up half of the workforce. Given the severe shortage of highly specialized quantum computing professionals in Japan, I believe that universities have a crucial role to play.
Through this project, we will further enhance our workforce development programs to nurture the next generation of highly specialized individual that will underpin the growth of Japan's quantum computing industry.

〈Related Links〉
The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) project “the Post-5G Information and Communications Systems Infrastructure Enhancement R&D Project/(4) Workforce Development/(b) Workforce Development for the Industrialization of Quantum Computers/(b-2) Workforce Development through Collaboration between Quantum Technology Hubs and Academia.”
https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/CD3_100424.html (Japanese only)

Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, The University of Osaka
https://qiqb.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/home