Qubitcore
A Yokohama-based deep-tech startup spun out of OIST, developing distributed ion-trap quantum computers using micro-optical cavities and photonic interconnects for fault-tolerant universal quantum computing. Qubitcore was founded in 2024. The company is led by Ryuta Watanuki. Based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Team size: 1-10. Total funding raised: $9.6M. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include SBI Investment, Abies Ventures, Nissay Capital, Lifetime Ventures, Dual Bridge Capital, Daiwa House Ventures, Yanmar Ventures, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, Blue Lab, SMBC Venture Capital, Bank of the Ryukyus, Canal Ventures.
- Founded
- 2024
- Headquarters
- Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Team size
- 1-10
- Total funding
- $9.6M
Value proposition
Building Japan's first domestically developed distributed ion-trap quantum computer with a modular architecture that connects multiple QPUs via photonic interconnects, overcoming scalability limitations of conventional single-module quantum processors.
Products and solutions
Distributed ion-trap quantum computing systems, micro-optical cavity integrated ion traps, photonic interconnect network for multi-QPU entanglement, roadmap includes cloud-accessible prototype (2026), small-scale Early-FTQC with error correction (2028), second-gen multi-QPU system (2029), commercial deployment (2030)
Unique value
Distributed quantum computing architecture combining ion-trap technology with integrated optical cavities and photonic interconnect network, enabling high-speed, high-fidelity remote entanglement between modules for scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Target customer
Public research institutions, drug discovery companies, materials science organizations, financial institutions, climate modeling organizations, AI model training companies
Industries served
Drug discovery, Materials science, Climate modeling, Financial simulations, Generative AI, Energy materials design
Technology advantage
Proprietary micro-optical cavity design enabling high-efficiency qubit-photon coupling; multiplexed photonic interconnects for distributed quantum computing; semiconductor microfabrication-based process capabilities; exclusive license to foundational IP from OIST's Experimental Quantum Information Physics Unit; participation in Japan's Moonshot Goal 6 program
How they differentiate
Distributed architecture using photonic interconnects between ion-trap modules (vs. monolithic approaches); micro-optical cavity integration for efficient ion-photon coupling; exclusive IP license from OIST's world-class quantum research unit; end-to-end in-house validation from components to full systems
Main competitors
IonQ (US, public, trapped-ion quantum computing), Quantinuum (US/UK, Honeywell spin-out, trapped-ion quantum computing), Oxford Ionics (UK, trapped-ion quantum computing, acquired by IonQ)
Key partnerships
Exclusive IP license agreement with OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology), Participation in JST Moonshot R&D Goal 6 (Phase 2), Selected as EY Innovative Startup 2026 by Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC, Collaboration with OIST's Experimental Quantum Information Physics Unit (Hiroki Takahashi Unit)
Major milestones
Founded July 11, 2024, Exclusive IP license from OIST effective June 1, 2025, Pre-seed funding from OIST Lifetime Ventures Fund (Jan 2025), Seed round of ¥1.53B ($9.6M) led by SBI Investment (Apr 2026), Selected as EY Innovative Startup 2026 (Mar 2026), Joined JST Moonshot Goal 6 Phase 2 R&D Project (May 2026)
Market positioning
Early-stage Japanese deep-tech startup positioned as a domestic leader in ion-trap quantum computing, competing globally with IonQ and Quantinuum but differentiated by distributed architecture approach. Benefits from Japan's ¥148B+ Moonshot Goal 6 national quantum initiative and OIST's world-class research ecosystem.
Geographic focus
Japan (primary), with global ambitions targeting US and European quantum computing markets
Patents and IP
Exclusive license agreement (effective June 1, 2025) for foundational intellectual property from OIST's Experimental Quantum Information Physics Unit (Hiroki Takahashi Unit); patent portfolio covering micro-optical cavity design, photonic interconnect architecture, and distributed quantum computing methods
About Ryuta Watanuki
Ph.D. in Experimental Solid-State Physics (Magnetism) from Yokohama National University; Postdoctoral researcher at University of Tokyo; Assistant Professor at Yokohama National University; CEO of Grace Corporation (nursing-care business, led M&A exit); Founder of EXYNA Inc. (2022)
Latest news about Qubitcore
Official website: https://qubitcore.jp