Tokyo-based software startup JIJ Inc. has signed a multi-year framework agreement with industrial manufacturer Kobe Steel, Ltd. to accelerate the adoption of quantum computing and mathematical optimization across the KOBELCO Group. Under the agreement, the companies will launch a structured initiative to establish a collaborative Quantum Center of Excellence (Quantum CoE). The programmatic rollout is designed to build internal organizational capabilities, develop specialized engineering talent, and transition quantum applications out of isolated pilot phases into active production environments across the Group’s materials, machinery, and electric power business segments.

During its first year, the Quantum CoE framework will target concrete industrial engineering problems where conventional classical computations struggle to manage conflicting variables. Initial technical implementation projects will focus on materials design—such as configuring alloy properties that must balance competing mechanical constraints—alongside production scheduling and process optimization under complex logistics boundaries. Rather than relying on rigid, standalone software packages, JIJ will use its open-architecture mathematical modeling platform to translate these industrial bottlenecks into computable algorithms that run seamlessly across hybrid classical and quantum environments.

                         [ Quantum CoE Functional Roadmap ]
  Technical Deployment ──► Materials design, production scheduling, and process optimization.
  Talent Cultivation   ──► Developing internal domain experts to model complex constraints.
  Governance Base      ──► Setting operational rules and next-generation computing infrastructure.

The long-term deployment strategy aligns with the KOBELCO Group’s current Medium-Term Management Plan, which drives its overarching “KOBELCO-X” corporate transformation initiative. By embedding quantum-inspired optimization into its core workflows, the manufacturing group aims to practice structural ambidexterity—simultaneously protecting its legacy industrial margins while exploring new business models. JIJ will leverage its global industry footprints, including its European divisions and active memberships in the European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) and UKQuantum, to supply the underlying software foundations required to sustain this computing shift.

The official multi-year framework agreement, operational target vectors, and corporate milestones can be reviewed here.

July 2, 2026

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