Advancing Quantum Technology in Japan: AIST and IQM Join Forces

TUKUBA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 18, 2024--

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and IQM Quantum Computers (IQM), a global leader in superconducting quantum computers, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration for the industrialisation of quantum technology in Japan.

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The partnership will also focus on a wide range of areas, including a joint effort in quantum hardware development, algorithm optimisation, error mitigation, and quantum machine learning, while enhancing quantum processors' performance and scalability.

The MoU was announced at the "Finland–Japan roundtable on green and digital transition" conference held in Tokyo, attended by top officials of both countries, including the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo.

The collaboration will also leverage the strengths of AIST's research expertise and IQM's world-class technological capabilities in delivering full stack quantum computers and advance the practical application of quantum computing across various industries.

By boosting Japan’s quantum initiatives, the partnership will leverage the strengths of the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI technology (G-QuAT), including its evaluation testbed, device manufacturing functions and promote hybrid computing environment.

The strengthening of the cooperative system between the two organisations is expected to lead to new technological developments and market creations in the industrialization of quantum technology, which will continue to accelerate in the future.

“Our partnership with AIST represents a significant step to move forward with quantum technology in Japan with our unique technical expertise,” said Mikko Välimäki, Co-CEO of IQM Quantum Computers. “This MoU also enhances our commitment to driving scientific excellence and nurturing talent, and our development roadmap and commercial initiatives are aligned with Japan’s 10-year quantum plan, and together with AIST, we are committed to supporting the country in achieving the plan.”

About IQM Quantum Computers:

IQM is a global leader in designing, building, and selling superconducting quantum computers. IQM provides both on-premises full-stack quantum computers and a cloud platform to access its computers anywhere in the world. IQM customers include the leading high-performance computing centres, research labs, universities and enterprises which have full access to IQM's software and hardware. IQM has over 280 employees with offices in Espoo, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Palo Alto, Singapore and Warsaw.

A group photo of the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo and IQM and AIST officials. Photo credit: Päivi Paasikoski

LONDON (AP) — A British court ruled Wednesday that police can seize more than 2 million pounds ($2.5 million) to cover years of unpaid taxes from influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan.

The Devon and Cornwall Police force went to court to claim the money, held in seven frozen bank accounts, from the Tates and a woman identified only as J.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that financial transactions by the brothers, including transferring almost $12 million into an account in the name of J, were a “straightforward cheat” of the tax authorities.

A lawyer for the force said that the Tates were “serial” tax evaders who failed to pay any tax on 21 million pounds in revenue from their online businesses, including War Room, Hustlers’ University, Cobra Tate and OnlyFans, between 2014 and 2022.

Andrew Tate accused the government of “outright theft” for freezing his accounts and seizing “everything they could.”

“This is not justice; it’s a coordinated attack on anyone who dares to challenge the system," Tate said in a statement. “This raises serious questions about the lengths authorities will go to silence dissent.”

At a hearing in July, attorney Sarah Clarke quoted from a video posted online by Andrew Tate, in which he said: “When I lived in England I refused to pay tax.”

She said J — who can't be named because of a court order — wasn't involved with the brothers' businesses.

A lawyer for the brothers, Martin Evans, argued that the bank transfers were “entirely orthodox” for people who run online businesses. He said the siblings spent money on a number of “exotic motor cars,” but did nothing illegal.

The proceedings are civil, which carries a lower standard of proof than criminal cases. Goldspring had to decide on the balance of probabilities whether the Tates had evaded tax.

Andrew Tate, 37, is a former kickboxer and dual British-U.S. citizen who has amassed more than 10 million followers on X. He has been banned from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook after the platforms accused him of posting hate speech and misogynistic comments.

He and Tristan Tate, 36, face criminal allegations in Romania, including human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to exploit women. They are set to be extradited to the U.K. once those proceedings are over to face further allegations of rape and human trafficking.

The Tates deny all the allegations.

FILE - Andrew Tate, left, and his brother Tristan, right, wait at the Court of Appeals building in Bucharest, Romania, on Oct. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)

Andrew Tate, left, listens to his brother Tristan, right, at the Court of Appeals building in Bucharest, Romania, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)