SoftBank and five Japanese firms selected for NEDO-funded quantum materials platform
SoftBank Group said on October 28 that its joint project with Toppan Holdings, Aisin, Asahi Kasei, AGC and DIC was selected and funded by Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The "Quantum Technology Innovative Materials Development Platform" is scheduled to run from FY2026 to FY2028, with the aim of establishing a commercially viable materials R&D platform within three years. The project combines quantum computing, which the article says suits processing molecular orbitals and electron dynamics, with AI and machine learning screening and prediction, using experimental data feedback to calibrate precision. SoftBank shares rose 4.6% the same day, as the Nikkei 225 passed 64,000, a move the article also links to Asian tech sector momentum after SK Hynix's earnings.