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

The Israel Innovation Authority and the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) recently announced a $62 million USD collaborative effort to establish a domestic quantum computing (QC) infrastructure. The two-pronged approach calls for the Israel Innovation Authority, part of Israel's Ministry of Economy charged with fostering domestic industrial R&D, to focus on developing QC algorithms, applications, and a related software stack to support both on-premises or cloud QC access models. For its part, the IMOD will stand up a national center to develop a complete quantum computer including a quantum processor expected to consist of 30-40 qubits, quantum control capabilities, and I/O interfacing hardware.

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.