Annealing

Hitachi Ltd. is a major Japanese multinational conglomerate founded in 1910, headquartered in Tokyo, developing quantum computing technologies including CMOS annealing and gate-type quantum computers. Hitachi started R&D on CMOS annealing machine in 2013, combining quantum annealing principles with CMOS technology creating quantum-inspired computers for combinatorial optimization problems. In 2020, Hitachi started R&D on silicon quantum computer as part of Japan’s Moonshot Research and Development Program launched by Cabinet Office. In 2018, Hitachi partnered with University of Tokyo to develop high-speed quantum computer, and signed memorandum with Riken research institute and Belgian research organization to develop silicon-based quantum computer. In June 2024, Hitachi developed new qubit control method stabilizing and extending lifetimes by hundred-fold, accelerating quantum computer development. Hitachi offers CMOS Annealing Cloud Service for quasi-quantum computing serving enterprises requiring optimization solutions across logistics, finance, and industrial applications in Japan and globally.

Jij Inc. is a Japanese quantum computing company focused on quantum annealing, developing the open-source software OpenJij for solving Ising Model and QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) problems. The company provides quantum annealing algorithms and software tools to help enterprises leverage quantum optimization for logistics, scheduling, and combinatorial optimization challenges. Jij bridges academic quantum annealing research with practical industrial applications in the Japanese market.

2025 Developments: The company continues to enhance its quantum software platform and developer tools in 2025. Focus remains on improving algorithm efficiency and expanding use case applications. Active engagement with the quantum developer community drives product evolution.

NEC Corporation’s quantum annealing division develops annealing simulators based on vector computers for large-scale combinatorial optimization problems. Building on NEC’s extensive supercomputing expertise including the SX-Aurora TSUBASA vector engine, the quantum annealing division creates classical optimization systems inspired by quantum annealing principles. NEC’s approach provides near-term optimization solutions while positioning the company for future quantum annealing hardware development.

2025 Developments: The company continues its quantum technology initiatives throughout 2025. Focus remains on advancing core technologies and expanding market presence. Ongoing development activities position the company for future growth in the quantum industry.

NEC Corporation launched quantum annealing research and development program in December 2018, developing quantum annealing machines and quantum optimization technologies. The Japanese technology giant applies quantum computing to optimization problems in logistics, scheduling, and resource allocation, while also researching superconducting quantum processors and quantum cryptography solutions as part of Japan’s national quantum initiative.

2025 Developments: The company continues its quantum technology initiatives throughout 2025. Focus remains on advancing core technologies and expanding market presence. Ongoing development activities position the company for future growth in the quantum industry.

Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech is a Barcelona Supercomputer Center spin-off and key contributor to the European Commission’s AVaQus H2020 project on coherent quantum annealing. The company develops quantum annealing technology and has established partnerships including collaboration with Technology Innovation Institute in UAE. Qilimanjaro focuses on quantum annealing applications for optimization problems in logistics, finance, and drug discovery, representing Europe’s efforts to develop competitive quantum annealing platforms.

2025 Developments: The company continues its quantum technology initiatives throughout 2025. Focus remains on advancing core technologies and expanding market presence. Ongoing development activities position the company for future growth in the quantum industry.