Japanese neutral-atom quantum computing startup Yaqumo Inc. (a spin-off from Kyoto University and the Institute for Molecular Science) has been selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for a national R&D grant under the Post-5G Information and Communication Systems Infrastructure Enhancement R&D Project. Following the award, Yaqumo launched a joint research initiative with semiconductor equipment and precision optics manufacturer SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd. to develop, modularize, and domestically manufacture high-performance optical core devices for neutral-atom quantum processors.
| [ Yaqumo & SCREEN Holdings NEDO R&D Scope ] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Funding & Project Track | Optical Core Hardware R&D | Modularization & Standardization |
| • NEDO Post-5G Infrastructure R&D Grant | • High-Speed Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) | • Standardized Inter-Vendor Optical Modules |
| • Quantum Component Domestic Production | • Multi-Wavelength Objective Lens Arrays | • Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Roadmap |
| • Lead Developer: Yaqumo Inc. | • Low-Thermal-Expansion Robust Optics | • Standardized Interface Specifications |
Advanced Optical Core Components and Modular Integration
Neutral-atom quantum architectures manipulate neutral atom arrays using laser beams in free space. The initiative addresses two main hardware bottlenecks in neutral-atom control chains—insufficient component refresh speeds and a fragmented supply chain—by engineering integrated, mass-producible optical modules:
- High-Speed SLM Modules: SCREEN Holdings will leverage its micro-scale optical control and direct imaging manufacturing capabilities to engineer Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) modules with high refresh rates, enabling high-speed, large-scale individual atom addressing and shorter cycle times.
- Multi-Wavelength Objective Lenses: Developing multi-wavelength objective lenses to deliver flexible optical illumination, aiming to increase gate execution speeds and two-qubit gate fidelity.
- Environmentally Robust Optical Sub-Assemblies: Utilizing low-thermal-expansion materials to maintain optical alignment over long-term operations.
- Standardized Module Architecture: Formulating a standardized optical interface system designed for functional units that can be integrated across multiple neutral-atom hardware vendors, alongside a long-term roadmap toward Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).
Strengthening Japan’s Quantum Supply Chain
Led by Yaqumo CEO Kazuhiro Nakashoji and SCREEN Holdings Executive Officer Masahiko Kokubo, the project connects academic IP from Kyoto University and the Institute for Molecular Science directly with commercial precision optical manufacturing. The program expands Yaqumo’s existing supply chain network, which includes partnerships with Hamamatsu Photonics, Entropica Labs (Singapore), QC Design (Germany), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Review the official press releases via Yaqumo Inc. here and SCREEN Holdings here.
August 31, 2026