Deepening EU-Japan Quantum Cooperation: From Research to Strategic Innovation

Quantum technology has become a key priority under the EU-Japan Digital Partnership, reflecting its growing role in enabling industrial innovation and next-generation computing applications. Cooperation has advanced steadily in recent years through initiatives such as Q-Neko, demonstrating the deepening and increasing maturity of bilateral engagement.
EU-Japan collaboration is guided by the Digital Partnership launched in 2022 and the Memorandum on quantum science and technology signed in 2025. At its core, Q-Neko represents the first joint quantum technology project between the EU and Japan. It is supported by Japan’s Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) and, on the EU side, by Horizon Europe and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, supporting the development of next-generation computing infrastructures and practical applications.

The Q-Neko kick-off meeting in Helsinki in February 2026 brought together leading research institutions and companies from both regions. Discussions covered high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing (QC), hybrid approaches, and integration with artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting future directions for advanced computing systems and emerging use cases.
Cooperation has also expanded through joint workshops, researcher exchanges, and coordinated research activities, fostering trust and sustainable networks. Building on these foundations, Q-Neko strengthens collaboration through resource sharing, technological roadmap development, and the advancement of quantum-ready applications relevant to industry and scientific use cases.
EU-Japan quantum cooperation is now entering a more strategic phase, involving industry and policymakers alongside researchers, while addressing shared challenges such as standardization, economic security, and responsible innovation. With growing applications in materials, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing, both sides are expected to strengthen their role in global innovation ecosystems.
The EU and Japan have long been natural partners in science and technology. As cooperation deepens, both sides are expected to leverage complementary strengths across research, industry, and policy to advance global development based on openness, security, and trust.

Source: Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

Published: June 2026