Japan s first quantum computer was installed on Monday at the Riken research institute in Wako, Saitama Prefecture.
The potential to surpass existing supercomputers is prompting countries around the world to develop this next-generation technology. Japan's first domestically produced model was developed by Riken and other entities, including Osaka University, Fujitsu Ltd. and NTT Corp. The government has contributed a total of about 2.5 billion from fiscal 2018.
The computer uses quantum bits, or qubits, which allow calculations to be carried out at faster speeds than supercomputers.
Universities and research institutes that do research with Riken could have access to the computer via a cloud server on Monday morning.
The computer will provide opportunities to improve the environment in which it can be used, while widening the scope of quantum computing, said Riken Center for Quantum Computing Director Yasunobu Nakamura at a press conference on the day.
Riken hopes to give wider access to the quantum computer and that it will lead to the development of technology for equipment and software, as well as the cultivation of human resources in the field.