NATO Releases First Ever Quantum Strategy: Targeting Dual-Use Quantum Technology Innovation

Japan's NTT, the fourth largest telecommunications company in the world, recently announced the formation of a cooperative organization of Japanese firms designed to promote Japan's technical position in quantum technologies and to help Japan complete globally with US and Chinese rivals in both quantum computing and quantum communications. The inaugural meeting of the group, held in late May 2021, was attended by 11 Japanese companies, including leading IT suppliers Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, and Toshiba as well as industrial partners including Toyota Motor, Mitsubishi Chemical, and the Mizuho Financial Group. More than 50 companies are ultimately expected to join the group.

Ten leading German corporations recently stood up the Quantum Technology and Applications Consortium (QUTAC) to explore and promote the commercial application of quantum computing (QC) targeted for the German industrial base as a way to ensure German competitive advantage across a broad array of industries. The effort spans industrial sectors and founding members that include automotive manufacturing (Bosch, BMW, and Volkswagen), chemical and pharmaceutical (BASF, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Merck), insurance (Munich Re) and technology (Infineon, SAP, and Siemens). AIRBUS is participating as an external contributor.