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NEC halts quantum computer development due to ROI concerns

Created at 5 Sep · 2:47 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Japanese technology group NEC has stopped its efforts to build a quantum computer, citing concerns that development timelines would prevent a return on investment. The company had been researching quantum computing since the 1990s.

Key Numbers

1990sdecade NEC began quantum computing research
1999year Yasunobu Nakamura created first superconducting qubit at NEC
March 2023original target completion for RQC's domestic quantum computer

Who's Involved

NEC
Technology group halting quantum computer development
Yasunobu Nakamura
Director of RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing, former NEC researcher
Jaw-Shen Tsai
Led NEC research team publishing in 'Science'
NEC halts quantum computer development due to ROI concerns

↳ Why This Matters

NEC's decision signals potential challenges in commercializing cutting-edge quantum computing technology, despite significant global investment and research efforts. It highlights the long-term nature and high costs associated with developing such advanced computational systems.

Key facts

  • NEC has ceased its development of a quantum computer.
  • The decision was reportedly due to concerns about the long development period and return on investment.
  • NEC has been involved in quantum computing research since the 1990s.
  • The company's research has focused on areas like superconducting qubits and optical quantum computing methods.
  • Other Japanese institutions, like RIKEN, are continuing domestic quantum computer development.

    • Technology group NEC has halted its development of a working quantum computer, reportedly because the long timeline for development would prevent a return on investment. NEC has been researching quantum computing technology since the 1990s.

    Quantum computers, which leverage phenomena like quantum entanglement and superposition, are expected to vastly outperform classical computers in complex calculations. This has led to intense global competition in their development.

    In Japan, research into quantum computing is ongoing. The RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (RQC) in Wakoshi, Saitama Prefecture, is developing a domestically-produced quantum computer using a superconducting method, with a target completion of March 2023. Yasunobu Nakamura, director of the RQC, was instrumental in the field, having created the world's first superconducting qubit while at NEC in 1999. NEC's research team, led by Jaw-Shen Tsai, has published findings on controlling quantum particles and superposition in the journal 'Science'. Despite halting its own quantum computer development, NEC continues to invest resources in quantum computing research as a focus area.

    Frequently asked questions

    NEC reportedly halted development because the long timeline for achieving a return on investment was deemed too extensive.

    NEC has been researching quantum computing technology since the 1990s.

    A quantum computer performs calculations using quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, allowing for potentially ultra-high-speed processing of complex problems.

    Yes, institutions like the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing are actively developing a domestically-produced quantum computer.

    What Happens Next

    01NEC continues to dedicate resources to quantum computing research.
    02RIKEN aims for completion of its domestically-produced quantum computer by March 2023.
    CME Headlines
    • Risk Management and Monitoring Notice: Multi-Factor Authentication Updates - September 12
      3 Sep · 5:00 AM

    How It Developed

    NEC has halted development of a working quantum computer.
    The company determined that development would take too long to yield a return on investment.
    NEC has been researching quantum computing technology since the 1990s.
    The RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (RQC) in Japan is developing a domestically-produced quantum computer using a superconducting method, aiming for completion by March 2023.
    Yasunobu Nakamura, director of RQC, previously created the world's first superconducting qubit while at NEC in 1999.
    NEC's research team, led by Jaw-Shen Tsai, published results in the journal 'Science' regarding controlling elementary particles and superposition.
    NEC is continuing research into quantum computing as a focus area.

    Sources

    T1
    Japan's NEC scraps effort to build a quantum computerNikkei Asia
    T2
    Toward the First Domestically-Produced Quantum Computer: Leading Japan's Comeback | JAPAN Forwardjapan-forward.com
    T2
    Accelerating Research with a Unique Approach NEC's Quantum Computer Research: Featured Technologies | NECnec.com
    T2
    Japanese scientists make key step toward developing quantum computertechnologyreview.com

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