IBM and University of Tokyo to Enhance Quantum Computing Capabilities with IBM Quantum System One
On May 15, 2025, a significant announcement was made by the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and IBM, marking a new milestone in the field of quantum computing. The two institutions have revealed plans to deploy the latest IBM Heron quantum processing unit (QPU) in Japan. This advanced 156-qubit processor will be integrated into the IBM Quantum System One, which is managed by UTokyo for members of the Quantum Innovation Initiative (QII) Consortium. The Heron QPU, equipped with a tunable-coupler architecture, promises a significant leap in performance compared to its predecessors.
The partnership between UTokyo and IBM has seen the IBM Quantum System One undergo multiple upgrades. Initially equipped with a 27-qubit IBM Falcon QPU, it was later enhanced with a 127-qubit IBM Eagle QPU in 2023. The upcoming transition to the Heron processor represents the system’s second major upgrade. IBM has already deployed four Heron-based systems worldwide, each demonstrating remarkable improvements in performance. Notably, the Heron QPU delivers a 3-4x reduction in two-qubit error rates and a tenfold enhancement in overall device performance, as measured by errors across 100-qubit long layers. Additionally, the system’s speed has increased by 60%, and it boasts an impressive uptime of over 95%. The Heron processor has proven its worth in handling utility-level workloads, with studies showcasing its ability to execute more than 5,000 gate operations.
In an exciting development, UTokyo also plans to connect the IBM Quantum System One to the Miyabi supercomputer later this year, creating a quantum-centric supercomputer. This linkage will provide QII Consortium members with access to unprecedented computational capabilities. The enhanced system will benefit various fields, including chemistry, bioinformatics, high-energy physics, materials science, and finance, among others.
Miyabi is a state-of-the-art supercomputer collaboratively managed by UTokyo and the University of Tsukuba through the Joint Center for Advanced High Performance Computing (JCAHPC). It features cutting-edge CPUs and GPUs and comprises two subsystems, Miyabi-C and Miyabi-G. By integrating with UTokyo’s Heron-powered IBM Quantum System One, the Miyabi supercomputer will allow users to tackle complex computational problems, such as achieving more precise measurements of quantum observables using neural network estimators.
Hiroaki Aihara, Executive Vice President of UTokyo, expressed enthusiasm about the upgrade, stating, "This update to an IBM Heron quantum processor, linked to our Miyabi supercomputer, will enable us to develop use cases that leverage quantum and AI capabilities, broadening the scope of solvable problems in science and accelerating efforts to address societal challenges."
Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum, emphasized the significance of this deployment, saying, "By deploying our latest, best-performing IBM Heron QPU in UTokyo’s IBM Quantum System One and linking it to the Miyabi supercomputer, UTokyo joins the ranks of leading global organizations shaping the future of supercomputing. This quantum-centric supercomputer will empower QII Consortium members with powerful computing resources to tackle problems that we anticipate will achieve quantum advantage."
The collaboration between UTokyo and IBM began in 2019 with the Japan–IBM Quantum Partnership. Since then, UTokyo has played a pivotal role in expanding quantum computing access in Japan. The partnership initiative, which has included the QII Consortium since 2020, aims to foster collaboration among industry, academia, and government to advance Japan’s leadership in quantum science, business, and education. The consortium has published over 140 research papers based on experiments conducted on the IBM Quantum System One in Japan. UTokyo is also part of a consortium of universities in Japan, South Korea, and the United States, aiming to prepare over 40,000 students for the quantum workforce over the next decade.
The deployment of the IBM Heron in UTokyo’s IBM Quantum System One and its connection to the Miyabi supercomputer are contingent upon obtaining the necessary export licenses and finalizing definitive agreements.
About the University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo is Japan’s premier university and ranks among the world’s top research institutions. With a vibrant community of around 15,000 undergraduate and 15,000 graduate students, including over 5,000 international students, UTokyo is a hub of academic excellence. The university’s researchers, numbering approximately 6,000, publish their work in leading journals across various disciplines.
For more information, visit www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en.
About IBM
IBM is a global leader in hybrid cloud and AI solutions, as well as consulting expertise. With a presence in over 175 countries, IBM helps clients leverage data insights, streamline processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. The company’s hybrid cloud platform, powered by Red Hat OpenShift, is trusted by thousands of governments and corporations in critical sectors like financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare. IBM’s innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting provide clients with open and flexible options. This is underpinned by IBM’s longstanding commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.
For more details, visit www.ibm.com.
In summary, the collaboration between UTokyo and IBM marks a significant advancement in quantum computing capabilities. The deployment of the IBM Heron processor, in conjunction with the Miyabi supercomputer, promises to revolutionize computational research across various domains. This partnership not only strengthens Japan’s position in the global quantum landscape but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between academia and industry in the realm of advanced computing technologies. The integration of quantum and classical computing resources opens new avenues for research and innovation, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and solutions to complex problems.
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