{"id":74650,"date":"2026-02-03T07:25:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T10:25:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tech.einnews.com\/article\/888941663"},"modified":"2026-02-03T07:25:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T10:25:25","slug":"uk-japan-partnerships-advance-quantum-and-future-connectivity-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/uk-japan-partnerships-advance-quantum-and-future-connectivity-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><img data-opt-id=758893364  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ukri.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EPSRC-200126-JaduDashBookerOgutuLabUniversitySouthampton.jpg?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ukri.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EPSRC-200126-JaduDashBookerOgutuLabUniversitySouthampton.jpg?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ukri.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EPSRC-200126-JaduDashBookerOgutuLabUniversitySouthampton.jpg?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/mlmjbqro95r8.i.optimole.com\/cb:bOxR.6a5\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ukri.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EPSRC-200126-JaduDashBookerOgutuLabUniversitySouthampton.jpg?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 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class=\"ff-og-image-inserted\"><\/div>\n<p>The announcements were highlighted during the Prime Minister\u2019s visit to Japan, where he committed to deepening the science and tech ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p>They include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>three new joint quantum technology research projects to address challenges such as drug discovery and secure communications and navigation in environments where GPS is unavailable<\/li>\n<li>a \u00a36 million UK-Japan research programme on advanced connectivity technologies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Developing resilient, seamless digital networks<\/h2>\n<p>The UK and Japan are committing \u00a36 million to a shared research programme exploring advanced connectivity technologies.<\/p>\n<p>These technologies will help to provide seamless coverage so that everyone can access digital services wherever they are and ensure networks can reliably withstand cyberthreats and natural disasters.<\/p>\n<p>Details on this funding opportunity will be available on the funding finder in due course.<\/p>\n<h2>Quantum technology projects<\/h2>\n<p>The new quantum projects are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).<\/p>\n<p>The projects started in early January 2026 and will run for five years.<\/p>\n<h2>World-leading expertise<\/h2>\n<p>The projects will combine each country\u2019s world-leading expertise to turn cutting-edge quantum research into technologies that make life healthier, safer, and more connected.<\/p>\n<p>EPSRC has invested \u00a34.5 million and JST has invested just over \u00a51.1 billion (\u00a35.2 million).<\/p>\n<h2>Funded projects<\/h2>\n<p>The three new projects are:<\/p>\n<h3>Massive scaling of semiconductor quantum-dot technologies<\/h3>\n<p>This project is jointly led by&nbsp;Dr Masaya Kataoka of National Physical&nbsp;Laboratory in the UK and&nbsp;Professor Tetsuo Kodera of the Institute of Science Tokyo in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>It will develop scalable semiconductor quantum-dot devices, enabling powerful quantum computers and ultra-sensitive sensors.<\/p>\n<p>By combining expertise in computing, measurement and precision standards, the collaboration aims to advance quantum technologies and support the development of future researchers in the field.<\/p>\n<h3>Distributed and secure quantum computation<\/h3>\n<p>This project is jointly led by&nbsp;Professor David Lucas of the University of Oxford in the UK and Professor Mio Murao of the University of Tokyo in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>It will build the foundations of a quantum internet using ion-trap nodes and photonic links.<\/p>\n<p>By integrating advanced hardware and privacy-preserving protocols, it will enable ultra-secure communication and faster scientific discovery, while training future specialists to strengthen global quantum networks.<\/p>\n<h3>Quantum control and sensing<\/h3>\n<p>This project is jointly led by&nbsp;Professor Janet Anders of the University of Exeter in the UK and Professor Masahito Ueda of Tokyo University in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>This collaboration will develop smarter control techniques to make quantum sensors faster and more accurate in noisy environments.<\/p>\n<p>These sensors will improve medical diagnostics, navigation without GPS, and resource exploration, while advancing fundamental science and training the next generation of quantum experts.<\/p>\n<h2>Turning science into practical tools<\/h2>\n<p>Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director for Strategy at EPSRC said:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>These investments will help turn quantum science into practical tools that improve security, healthcare and transport, and by developing connectivity technologies we can ensure reliable digital access for everyone.<\/p>\n<p>Bringing together researchers from both countries means we can push the boundaries of science and unlock the real world benefits these technologies can deliver.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2>What quantum technology can do<\/h2>\n<p>Quantum technology uses the unusual rules of quantum physics (the science of particles so small they can exist in two places at once) to achieve things conventional technology cannot.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of working through problems step by step, they can explore many possibilities at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>This makes them much faster for certain tasks, for example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>faster cures for disease: quantum computers can model molecules and chemical reactions with unprecedented accuracy, speeding up drug discovery and improving treatments<\/li>\n<li>reliable navigation: quantum sensors can guide ships, planes, and cars without GPS, which is critical when signals fail in tunnels or remote areas<\/li>\n<li>sharper diagnostics and cleaner energy: ultra-precise sensors can improve medical scans, monitor environmental changes, and make energy systems more efficient<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Why collaborate internationally?<\/h2>\n<p>Quantum technologies are complex and require expertise across hardware, software, and applications.<\/p>\n<p>No single country can tackle all challenges alone.<\/p>\n<p>By joining forces under Japan\u2019s Quantum Technology Innovation Strategy and ASPIRE programme, and the UK\u2019s National Quantum Strategy and National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), the UK and Japan will:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>accelerate progress<\/li>\n<li>train the next generation of quantum specialists<\/li>\n<li>deliver technologies that make life healthier, safer, and more connected<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The UK-Japan partnership<\/h2>\n<p>The UK launched the world\u2019s first national quantum programme, NQTP,&nbsp; in 2014 and has invested over \u00a31 billion to build a thriving quantum ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>Japan brings complementary strengths in quantum communication, ion-trap systems, and advanced manufacturing, guided by its Quantum Technology Innovation Strategy and ASPIRE programme.<\/p>\n<p>Together, the two nations aim to accelerate innovation, share expertise, and set global standards for quantum technologies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"clear-content govuk-!-padding-top-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<p class=\"govuk-body-s\">Top image: &nbsp;Professor Jadu Dash and Dr Booker Ogutu in their lab in the School of Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton. Credit: UKRI<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"share-this-page__container clear-content\">\n<h2>Share this page<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\"> <\/a><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\/acceptable.html\"> <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8230; Joint investments will advance quantum <span class=\"match\">technology<\/span>, boost digital connectivity and strengthen &#8230; to deepening the science and <span class=\"match\">tech<\/span> ties between the two countries &#8230; manufacturing, guided by its Quantum <span class=\"match\">Technology<\/span> Innovation Strategy and ASPIRE programme &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","wpcat-1-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74650"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74650\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}