Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom on Quantum Science and Technology

28th April 2025
Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
Cabinet Office

１．Summary

On 28 April 2025, Mr. Kiuchi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Cabinet Office of Japan, visited the United Kingdom and formally signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on quantum science and technology with Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation of the Government of UK.

２．Background and Objectives

In recent years, quantum technology has attracted growing international attention as a transformative force with the potential to reshape future industries and societies. Collaboration in areas such as quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing is becoming increasingly active on a global scale.

The United Kingdom is a vital strategic partner for Japan, sharing fundamental values and possessing world-class technological capabilities. The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s leading universities and research institutions in the field of quantum science and is also recognised as one of the foremost nations for quantum start-ups. Collaborative efforts between Japan and the UK in the quantum domain are already underway across multiple levels. For instance, a joint research project under the Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem (ASPIRE) programme is set to commence. Furthermore, several Japanese and British companies have set up operations in one another’s countries and are actively collaborating on various initiatives.

This Memorandum of Cooperation aims to deepen the trusted partnership between Japan and the UK across academia, industry, and government. Together, we will advance innovation and promote social and economic development by building a robust, international ecosystem and resilient supply chains for quantum technologies.

３．Key Provisions of the Memorandum

Through this Memorandum of Cooperation, Japan and the United Kingdom reaffirm their strong and diverse relationship in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in the field of quantum science and technology. The two governments commit to pursuing broad and deep collaboration across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors, with the shared ambition of assuming a leading role in the advancement of quantum technologies on the global stage.

●Introduction
　1. Reaffirmation of the Leadership and Collaborative Partnership between the Two Nations
　2. Reconfirmation of Existing Agreements
　3. Recognition of the Strategic Importance of Quantum Technologies
　4. Acknowledgement of the Significance of Collaboration between Nations Sharing Common Values
　5. Expression of Commitment to Supporting the Future Growth of the Quantum Industry
●Areas of Cooperation
　1. Dialogue on research and innovation
　2. Interactions, academia/private sector, and funding opportunities
　3. Education, exchange, talent, and skills
　4. Security policy dialogue
　5. Standards and governance
　6. Infrastructure, test-facilities, and missions
　7. Commercialisation, use cases, and scale up
　8. Private funding, industry, and institutional investors

４．Related Documents

５．Contact Information

Naoya Kono, Hiroaki Shiraki and Satoshi Arai
Quantum and Materials Group, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office
Tel.(Direct): +81 3 6257 1153

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