Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology between Japan and Switzerland

October 5, 2025
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
Office for Science, Technology and Innovation

１．Overview

On October 5, 2025, Mr. Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy (Cabinet Office of Japan), and Dr. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) of Switzerland, signed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Quantum Science and Technology in Kyoto.

署名の様子

２．Background and Purpose

Japan and Switzerland are global leaders in quantum science and technology, possessing outstanding research and innovation capabilities and having established diverse cooperative relationships among academia, industry, and government. In recent years, both countries have made significant progress in quantum policy and bilateral cooperation.

Switzerland is advancing the “Swiss Quantum Initiative” at the national level, undertaking efforts to strengthen its competitiveness in the quantum sector. Japan is also systematically developing and updating its national strategy in this field. In May 2025, Japan announced new measures to build a quantum ecosystem, accelerating initiatives for social implementation and ecosystem development.

This Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) is based on the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Swiss Federal Council on cooperation in Science and Technology signed in 2007, as well as the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) and the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland (SERI) signed in 2023. The MoC further advances bilateral cooperation in quantum technologies by leveraging the strengths of both countries, enhancing collaboration across a wide range of areas—from fundamental research to application, industrialization, talent development, and standardization—and contributing to the development of the international quantum ecosystem.

３．Key Areas of Cooperation

Promotion of dialogue on quantum research and innovation
Facilitating collaboration among research institutions and hubs, sharing best practices, and exploring opportunities for joint research from fundamental to applied science.

Academic and private sector exchanges
Facilitating exchanges through delegations and other initiatives

Education and talent development
Advancing educational initiatives and researcher/expert exchanges to strengthen the quantum workforce.

Security policy dialogue
Discussing the impact of quantum technologies on social, national, and economic security.

Standardization and governance
Promoting discussions on safety, governance, standardization, investment screening, and resilience in quantum technologies.

Joint use of infrastructure and test facilities
Utilizing research infrastructure and test facilities for advanced materials, use case development, technology demonstration, validation, and maturation.

Commercialization and use case development
Accelerating market deployment of quantum technologies through the creation of use cases and demonstration projects.

Promotion of private investment
Expanding investment in the quantum sector through industry consortia and venture capital.

４．Full Text of the Memorandum

５．Contact Information

Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
Office for Science, Technology and Innovation
Quantum & Materials Division: N. Kono, H. Shiraki, S. Arai
Tel: +81-3-6257-1153

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