PRESS-RELEASE
Yaqumo, NKT Photonics, and Hamamatsu Photonics Sign MOU on Development and Industrialization of Advanced Photonic Systems for Quantum Computing
Background
As the industrialization of quantum computing accelerates worldwide, the advancement and stable procurement of optical core components and materials that fundamentally underpin system performance have become critical challenges — beyond the development of quantum processors alone. In cold-atom (neutral atom) quantum computers in particular, high-performance optical devices are essential at every stage — atom trapping, cooling, manipulation, and readout — and the development of integrated modules such as optical engines combining these functions has emerged as a key enabler for the industrialization of quantum computing.
Yaqumo Inc. is developing a scalable Ytterbium (Yb)-based neutral atom quantum computing architecture. NKT Photonics A/S possesses world-leading expertise in advanced laser systems and fiber laser technology. Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. is a global leader in the development and manufacture of advanced imaging technologies for photodetectors, including ultra-high-sensitivity cameras capable of detecting signals at the single-photon level.
The three companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on advanced optical systems aimed at the industrialization of quantum computing. Through this MoU, the three companies aim to pursue joint research and development, industrialization of advanced optical systems for cold-atom quantum computing, and the establishment of a global supply chain.
Framework for Collaboration
This MoU establishes a framework for the three companies to explore joint research and development, industrialization of modules, and the building of a global supply chain in the domain of optical core components and materials essential to the industrialization of quantum computing.
Leveraging their respective expertise in quantum computing hardware, laser technology, and photodetection and imaging technology, the three companies will deepen mutual understanding and pursue future collaboration spanning from the development of advanced optical devices to the industrialization of integrated systems.
International Cooperation
This MoU is positioned as a concrete private-sector initiative under the Memorandum of Cooperation on quantum science and technology between Japan and Denmark signed in 2025 (URL), advancing bilateral collaboration in advanced technology fields including quantum technology.
The signing ceremony of this MoU was held in the presence of Mr. Jingo Kikukawa, Director-General of the Innovation and Environment Bureau at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and H.E. Mr. Jarl Frijs-Madsen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to Japan, symbolizing the advancement of quantum computing industrialization grounded not only in private-sector collaboration but in intergovernmental cooperation.
Through this collaboration, Japan is expected to build a robust supply chain of optical core components for its quantum computing industry, while Denmark is expected to achieve industrial growth and employment creation by positioning itself at the core of the global quantum industry supply chain.
Outlook
Yaqumo, NKT Photonics, and Hamamatsu Photonics will combine their respective strengths in quantum computing hardware, laser technology, and photodetection, imaging technologies to contribute to the technological advancement of quantum computing industrialization and to strengthen international cooperation in quantum technology between Japan and Denmark.
Comments
Kazuhiro Nakashoji, CEO, Yaqumo Inc.
“The advancement of optical core components is an essential challenge for the industrialization of quantum computing. We are confident that this collaboration with NKT Photonics, a world leader in laser technology, and Hamamatsu Photonics, a global leader in photodetection and imaging, will be a major step toward realizing advanced optical systems optimized for cold-atom quantum computers. Building on the foundation of intergovernmental cooperation between Japan and Denmark, we look forward to working together to build a global quantum supply chain.”
Carsten Thomsen, CTO, NKT Photonics A/S
With this collaboration, NKT Photonics is taking another important step in our mission to accelerate the quantum computing revolution. Using our unique fiber laser technology and position within the Hamamatsu Photonics Group, we deliver system-level laser- and fiber infrastructure that can scale with our customers.
Tadashi Maruno, President, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
The industrialization of quantum computing requires advanced integration of optical technologies, combining NKT Photonics’ cutting-edge laser technologies with Hamamatsu Photonics’ high-sensitivity photodetection and imaging technologies.
Through this collaboration, together with Yaqumo and NKT Photonics, we aim to contribute to the realization of advanced devices and integrated systems, as well as the establishment of a global quantum supply chain.
We expect this partnership to serve as a significant milestone in accelerating the social implementation of quantum technologies and the creation of new industrial value.
Signing Ceremony Details
| Date & Time | June 3, 2026 (Tuesday), 17:30 |
| Location | Official Residence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Japan |
| Signatories | Kazuhiro Nakashoji (CEO, Yaqumo) Carsten Thomsen (CTO, NKT Photonics) Tadashi Maruno (President, Hamamatsu Photonics) |
| Government Witnesses | Jingo Kikukawa, Director-General, Innovation and Environment Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) H.E. Jarl Frijs-Madsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Japan |
About the Companies
About Yaqumo Inc.
Yaqumo Inc. is a Japanese quantum technology startup developing a scalable quantum computer based on the cold-atom architecture. Through its Ytterbium (Yb)-based approach, Yaqumo aims to realize the industrialization of practical quantum computing.
About NKT Photonics A/S
Headquartered in Denmark and established by scientists and engineers, NKT Photonics is based on a foundation of innovation and passion for photonics. We are the leading supplier of high-performance fiber lasers and photonic crystal fibers. Our main markets are Medical & Life Science, Industrial, Aerospace & Defense, and Quantum & Nano Technology. Our product portfolio includes supercontinuum white light lasers, low noise fiber lasers, ultrafast lasers, and a wide range of specialty fibers. NKT Photonics is a subsidiary of Hamamatsu Photonics.
About Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
Hamamatsu Photonics develops, manufactures, and researches products and technologies based on photonics, ranging from devices such as optical sensors, light sources, and lasers to modules that integrate these devices with dedicated circuits, as well as complete systems. With its core businesses in the electron tube segment, opto-semiconductor segment, laser segment, and imaging and measurement instruments segment, the company expands the possibilities of photonics through both basic and applied research, providing high-value-added solutions across a wide range of fields, including medical, industrial, scientific, measurement, and environmental applications.
