Solutions for visualizing, understanding, and streamlining carbon emissions from various angles, such as business sites and products, corporate activities, and consumer behavior.
Efforts to conserve energy have been underway for several decades, but in recent years, the methods used have become more sophisticated, including AI and other technologies and billing methods based on usage. These solutions optimize energy usage.
Solutions related to batteries and hydrogen, such as electrification (EV) of mobility (means of transportation) such as cars and buses, which used to be fueled by gasoline, to reduce CO2 emissions, and to extract hydrogen for industrial use and to encourage its practical application.
Solutions related to batteries and hydrogen, such as electrification (EV) of mobility (means of transportation) such as cars and buses, which used to be fueled by gasoline, to reduce CO2 emissions, and to extract hydrogen for industrial use and to encourage its practical application.
Solutions that contribute to the fixation and absorption of CO2 in the atmosphere through forest protection and forest management, and offset the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that cannot be fully reduced through the purchase of carbon credits.
One solution is to reduce emissions in society as a whole by recycling metals, plastics, and other resources and products at various stages of economic activities.
Quantum Computers Changing the Frontiers of Business--With Quantinuum
Quantum computers have evolved rapidly in recent years and are being put to practical use in the business world. With the promise of applications in finance, logistics, materials, drug discovery, and even decarbonization, how should companies embrace this innovative technology? We spoke with a representative who is exploring new business opportunities through his work with Quantinuum, an integrated quantum computing company.
Quantum refers to the smallest unit that makes up physical phenomena, such as refers to electrons and photons. In the microscopic world, mysterious things beyond our common sense are happening.
One of them is that a quantum has the properties of a "wave" and a "particle" at the same time. Unless observed, it exists in a probabilistic state, like a cloud of possibilities, and once observed, it is determined as a single particle.
Quantum computers take advantage of the coexistence of two states (quantum superposition). While ordinary computers compute information (bits) expressed as 0s and 1s sequentially, a qubit has both 0 and 1 states simultaneously, making it possible to compute instantaneously at ultra-high speeds compared to conventional computers.
Quantum computers can be used in all kinds of businesses!
--First of all, please tell us why Mitsui & Co., Ltd. paid attention to quantum computers.
Koshida: At Mitsui & Co., Ltd., we are working to add value to our business through the use of digital technology (DX strategy). The appeal of digital technology lies in the fact that it not only allows us to verify our own business without the need to install large-scale facilities, but it also allows us to launch a business. In the course of such research and development, we have begun to focus on next-generation computing.
We have been focusing on quantum computers since around 2018, and have been examining how Mitsui can make use of them. After that, we became convinced that it could be used in all kinds of businesses, and in 2022 we created a specialized department that can collaborate with each business division.
Makoto Koshida
General Manager, Corporate Development Div. Quantum Innovation Dept, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mr. Koshida joined Mitsui in 1994. After working in PC/software sales at the Information & Electronics Machinery Department (at that time), he was a trainee in Germany and was transferred to E3 Networks Co. After working in the New Industry Technology Office of Mitsui Deutschland GmbH, the Chemicals Segment of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., the Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Strategic Research Institute and the Warsaw Branch of Mitsui Deutschland GmbH, he joined the Digital Technology Strategy Office, Digital Integrated Strategy Department in 2022. 2024-present
Hamano: Quantum computers have been proven to explosively accelerate calculations, and with the aim of commercialization after 2030, the world is searching for ways to develop not only hardware, but also algorithms (calculation methods) and applications, and how to connect these to business.
Given this situation, Mitsui, as a general trading company, seemed to me like a sandbox environment with diverse business domains where we could examine the uses of quantum computers. We are verifying various algorithms while envisioning various industries and businesses. In the process, we thought we could come up with the best business for quantum computers.
Joined Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in 2019 after completing a graduate degree. Engaged in business development and R&D across various quantum technologies. Subsequently led partnerships with Quantinuum, blockchain R&D, company-wide technology support, MI-related technology initiatives, and AI-driven drug discovery support. Currently responsible for technology leadership and strategy at the Quantum Innovation Office.
--So you are going to explore the use of quantum computers by utilizing the network of a general trading company. Nevertheless, what is the reason why Mitsui & Co., Ltd. should do this?
Koshida: First of all, utilizing quantum computers that can compute at high speeds has the potential to create overwhelming competitiveness and differentiation.
In addition, our business partners in the chemical materials industry and metals industry such as steel are all researching quantum computers in their basic research departments. In creating next-generation businesses, we need to understand what these companies are aiming for. Those who are looking at the world of quantum computers are looking at the creation of new businesses that transcend conventional wisdom.
Moreover, I believe that such new businesses will require a combination of various knowledge and services. In such a case, it is difficult for a single company to complete the task. Mitsui can introduce various functions and partner companies necessary for the creation of new businesses, from marketing to finance.
There is great hope for a decarbonized society.
--I hear that quantum computers are also expected to work in the context of decarbonization.
Hamano: With conventional computers, it is necessary to include various approximations to simulate materials, making it difficult to predict physical properties in some fields. Examples include hydrogen production catalysts for the steel industry and metal-organic structures (MOFs) that can also be used as carbon dioxide adsorbents. The use of quantum computers is being considered in the development of these materials.
In the very long term, we are also focusing on artificial photosynthesis using photochemical reactions. Using catalytic reactions, factories may be created that synthesize water and carbon dioxide to produce fuels and chemical raw materials. This is also a field in which Japan is strong.
-I guess you could imagine having a quantum tell you how to move a quantum.
Hamano: That is exactly how I see it. Moreover, in an increasingly complex supply chain, optimization of manufacturing processes, logistics, inventory management, etc. will enable reductions in waste, fuel consumption, etc. With conventional computers, optimization is difficult due to combinatorial explosion when the number of factors to be optimized increases. However, quantum computers can perform optimization calculations even when there are a very large number of factors, which is expected to enable reductions in CO2 emissions.
-The explosive increase in computation speed means that computation costs are also reduced, right?
Hamano: Yes. Not only will the computation time be greatly reduced, but energy consumption will also be reduced by compressing the number of computation cycles. Current supercomputers and large data centers require MW (megawatt)-class power consumption. Quantum computers, on the other hand, consume only KW (kilowatts) of power, and there is a possibility that their power consumption can be reduced to 1/1000 or less in the future.
In addition to contributing to decarbonization, the combination of GPUs and QPUs (quantum processors) can be an effective solution to the problem of replacing outdated data centers as it becomes increasingly difficult to secure the necessary sites for new data centers. ), it is expected that combining GPUs and QPUs (quantum processors) will improve computing performance while utilizing existing facilities.
Furthermore, generative AI such as ChatGPT uses a large amount of power. With the current power supply configuration, this power demand may indirectly lead to increased CO2 emissions. However, the evolution of AI and the practical application of quantum computers will lead to decarbonization if efficiency and energy-saving designs are improved in various fields.
Quantinuum Gains Attention for High-Performance Quantum Computers and Middleware Development
--In January 2024, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. participated in the investment in Quantinuum, Inc. of the United States and concluded a distributorship agreement for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. What was the reason for your interest in Quantinuum?
Hamano: Since our role is to develop applications for quantum computers, we initially started a relationship with "Cambridge Quantum Computing," a company that is strong in algorithm development, including software and middleware. Since they could handle any quantum computer, we expected them to act as a bridge to the respective hardware.
Later, the company merged with Honeywell Quantum Solutions, the quantum division of Honeywell Inc. of the U.S., which develops hardware, and so the company became Quantinuum. Honeywell also made excellent quantum computers.
--how excellent is it?
Hamano: Quantum computers first attracted attention with the "superconductivity" method used by IBM and Google. It is characterized by the ability to increase the number of quantum bits (bits of 0s and 1s), and it was thought that the greater the number of bits, the better the calculation. The disadvantage of this method is that it is error-prone, which means that its accuracy is low.
However, as hardware developed, it became clear that a smaller number of bits with fewer errors would be more useful. This is where the "ion trap" method used by Quantinium, which lags behind on the bit count scale but has very few errors, is attracting attention.
We have a state-of-the-art quantum computer, develop middleware that runs at high performance, and create optimal solutions on top of that. We were attracted to this construction and decided to invest in the company.
--There are currently six main methods (superconductivity, ion trap, topological, silicon, neutral atom, and optical), and companies, universities, and research institutes are competing with each other. Are any of these methods being put to practical use by around 2030?
Hamano: Each hardware manufacturer has a roadmap. All of them have set 2030 as a milestone, and are aiming to realize and put into practical use a quantum computer that runs error-free algorithms at that stage.
Koshida: Quantinium is also aiming to release a model called "Apollo" in 2029. I have also heard that "Helios," which is scheduled for release this year (2025), will also be mass-produced on a small scale.
--will the world change dramatically when it is put to practical use?
Koshida: I think there will be phases; I think it will be used for certain applications that are not yet visible to the general public as of 2030. You mentioned MOF earlier, but this is in the field of materials development. Materials that combine metals and organic materials need to precisely capture the movement of electrons, but currently there are technical limitations, such as the fact that we have to rely on approximate models. If we can break through this limitation, we may be able to create lightweight and efficient batteries.
Another familiar example is in the field of weather forecasting, such as earth simulators. Predictions of El Niño, for example, may become more precise.
Hamano: In addition to the combination optimization I mentioned earlier, Quantum computing will significantly enhance Monte Carlo simulations and topological data analysis, enabling more accurate modeling and insights in fields such as finance and logistics. In the financial field, the Monte Carlo method is used for portfolio optimization and price fluctuation forecasting, where risk and return are evaluated by simulating a large number of trials. With a quantum computer, it is possible to obtain higher accuracy with a much smaller number of trials.
Topological data analysis, which captures the shape (topology) of complex data to reveal invisible relationships and patterns, makes it possible to handle higher-dimensional data. This could improve the efficiency of power grids and logistics, as well as improve existing AI by learning higher-dimensional features.
Quantum computers can be used in the entertainment industry!
--What kind of companies do you expect to receive inquiries from?
Koshida: Quantum computers have their strengths and weaknesses, but I hope that you will first take an interest in them. In the world of quantum computers, people who understand quantum computers are playing a central role in research and development while making hypotheses. However, I don't think that the way to utilize quantum computers can be created only within such a circle.
-Is it free to inquire regardless of industry?
Koshida: NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) is also looking for ways to utilize quantum computers and is soliciting various social issues. One of the items is "Cool Japan. In other words, they are looking for applications in the entertainment industry. As a side note, the founder of Quantinuum has also launched a startup that uses quantum phenomena to create music.
In light of this, we would be happy to consult freely with any industry.
We are investing in Quantinuum, and our job is to meet the needs of our clients. If you like Quantinuum, we will use it, but if not, we will be flexible to consider other combinations.
-What is the process after the inquiry?
Hamano: At first we will have a sort of brainstorming meeting to explain our approaches and ideas. After that, I would like to hear about your business and find out what we may be able to do to solve the issues.
Koshida: Even major companies can bring in some pretty outlandish ideas, so don't worry (laughs).
Hamano: The ones that will most likely be discussed in reality are "simulation (quantum chemical computation)," "Monte Carlo method," "topological data analysis," "tokens," and "cryptographic keys. If you are doing research or developing a business that falls under any of these five keywords, or if you have an interest or concern in any of them, it will be easier to talk about it. We welcome open brainstorming sessions, so we hope you will contact us first.
--Finally, what is your big dream that you would like to achieve through this business?
Koshida: At Mitsui, we are seeing the budding of new businesses using AI and other data. I believe that quantum is the next step. Quantuum is definitely the industry leader and has the largest number of researchers in the world. I hope to contribute greatly to the next generation of Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Hamano: I would like to pioneer businesses that are possible only with quantum computers, ahead of other companies. And I would like to create innovations in all areas of the world.
--Thank you very much for your time today.
If you are interested in quantum computer-based business, please feel free to contact us!
