Mitsubishi Electric backs OptQC’s optical quantum computer build

Mitsubishi Electric’s ME Innovation Fund has made its sixteenth investment in OptQC Corp., a Japanese startup building optical quantum computer hardware, the company says. OptQC originates from the University of Tokyo’s Furusawa Laboratory, recognized as a world leader in the field, and builds a scalable approach to quantum computing with superior energy efficiency. The company has already demonstrated a commitment to practical application, having delivered its first commercial system to a public entity. “Quantum computing is transitioning from research to practical applications,” Mitsubishi Electric stated, signaling a growing focus on industrial use of the technology. Mitsubishi Electric’s ME Innovation Fund Backs OptQC Mitsubishi Electric’s investment in OptQC represents the sixteenth commitment from its ME Innovation Fund, demonstrating a sustained strategy to bolster early-stage quantum computing companies. This funding arrives as the field pivots from purely academic exploration toward demonstrably useful industrial applications, demanding scalable and efficient hardware solutions. OptQC’s approach, using optical quantum computing, is particularly notable for its potential to address the challenges of qubit proliferation and power consumption. The startup’s origins within the University of Tokyo’s Furusawa Laboratory immediately positions it within a recognized center of excellence for optical quantum computing research. Technologies developed at the Furusawa Laboratory form the foundation of OptQC’s proprietary architecture, designed to minimize physical scaling issues as qubit counts increase. This design philosophy is critical, as building larger quantum computers often presents significant engineering hurdles beyond simply increasing qubit numbers. This initial deployment suggests a focus on translating research into tangible solutions, rather than remaining confined to laboratory settings. Mitsubishi Electric’s partnership network, which includes Quantinuum, NEC, and RIKEN, further supports this practical orientation. In 2026 alone, Mitsubishi Electric collaborated with Quantinuum on a 98-qubit approximate Quantum Fourier Transform and jointly published base algorithms with QunaSys for manufacturing CAE. These collaborations, alongside participation in Japan’s Quantum Leap Flagship Program, underscore Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to fostering a robust national quantum ecosystem and accelerating the development of quantum technologies for industrial use, according to the company. The company has approximately 150386 employees and its status as a public entity further solidify its position as a major player in the global electronics and electrical equipment market. Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260914779447/en/Mitsubishi-Electric-Invests-in-OptQC-Startup-Developing-Optical-Quantum-Computer-Hardware/ More like thisQuantum Computing Business NewsGdańsk conference hears Quantum B on post-quantum securityQuantum Computing Business NewsTOYO Corporation will open two quantum computers to Japan’s researchersQuantum HardwareIndia’s izmo Microsystems builds quantum modules in productionQuantum HardwareResearchers Extend Quantum Error Detection to Higher DimensionsStay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: Rusty Flint Rusty is a quantum science nerd. He's been into academic science all his life, but spent his formative years doing less academic things. Now he turns his attention to write about his passion, the quantum realm. He loves all things Quantum Physics especially. Rusty likes the more esoteric side of Quantum Computing and the Quantum world. Everything from Quantum Entanglement to Quantum Physics. Rusty thinks that we are in the 1950s quantum equivalent of the classical computing world. While other quantum journalists focus on IBM's latest chip or which startup just raised $50 million, Rusty's over here writing 3,000-word deep dives on whether quantum entanglement might explain why you sometimes think about someone right before they text you. (Spoiler: it doesn't, but the exploration is fascinating) Latest Posts by Rusty Flint: Tower Semiconductor shows SiPho and SiGe for AI, telecom at ECOC 2026 September 15, 2026 D-Wave’s quantum aid helps North Wales police solve ten-minute challenge September 15, 2026 Kimi Onoda Visits Delft to Deepen Quantum Ties September 15, 2026