The RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS) and Singapore’s National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the integration of quantum computing with High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure. This collaboration, formalised at the SCA/HPCAsia 2026 symposium in Osaka, establishes a three-year framework for joint research into middleware, system software, and workflow management tools. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between classical supercomputing and quantum processors, utilizing the ASTAR Institute of High Performance Computing (ASTAR IHPC), the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore, and the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) as core institutional partners.

The technical core of the partnership involves the integration of Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer with commercial quantum systems supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Researchers will focus on developing hybrid middleware capable of managing complex computational workflows in fluid dynamics, linear systems, and quantum chemistry. By providing reciprocal access to national HPC resources, R-CCS and NQCH aim to benchmark hybrid algorithms and optimize the allocation of tasks between classical CPUs/GPUs and quantum processing units (QPUs).

This agreement builds upon the Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing (HQCC 1.0) programme launched by Singapore in 2025 and follows a broader bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation on Quantum Science signed in January 2026. Beyond architectural development, the teams will explore applications in decarbonisation, logistics, and computational biology. The collaboration represents a coordinated effort by A*STAR and RIKEN to establish standardized software tools for the next generation of hybrid platforms, ensuring that quantum acceleration can be practically scaled within established industrial and scientific computing environments.

For further details on the hybrid platform architecture, consult the official SG Press Centre release here.

March 2, 2026

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