EuroHPC JU Launches Q-Neko Project to Strengthen EU–Japan Hybrid Quantum-HPC Collaboration
Key Takeaways
EU–Japan Quantum Partnership: The EuroHPC JU has launched the Q-Neko project to advance joint development of hybrid high-performance and quantum computing capabilities under the EU-Japan Digital Partnership.
Hybrid Computing Focus: The 36-month initiative targets software platforms, benchmarks, standards, and applications in CO₂ reduction, telecommunications, fluid dynamics, satellite image analysis, materials science, and quantum-enhanced artificial intelligence.
Consortium and Funding: Coordinated by CSC with partners across Europe and Japan, the project receives around €4 million ($4.57 million USD) in European funding from Horizon Europe.
The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has launched the Q-Neko (Nippon-Europe Quantum Koraborēshon) project to strengthen collaboration with Japan in hybrid high-performance computing and quantum computing (HPC+QC). Coordinated by CSC – IT Center for Science in Finland, the project is the result of the HORIZON-EUROHPC-JU-2024-INCO-06 call and supports implementation of the EU-Japan Digital Partnership. It is funded by the Horizon Europe programme with around €4 million ($4.57 million USD) on the European side and co-funded by Japan’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP). The project started on 1 January 2026 and will run for 36 months.
Hybrid HPC+QC Software, Benchmarks and Applications
Q-Neko aims to establish a robust ecosystem for quantum-accelerated high-performance computing by fostering common methodologies, benchmarks, and standards. Activities focus on the development of software and integrated computing platforms for applications in CO₂ reduction, telecommunications, fluid dynamics, satellite image analysis, materials science, and other high-impact scientific and industrial domains. The project also explores quantum-enhanced artificial intelligence to support data-driven scientific discovery. Throughout its duration, Q-Neko will leverage leading EuroHPC systems across Europe and connect them with emerging quantum hardware and simulators in Europe and Japan, including Japan’s ABCI-Q system.
Strategic EU-Japan Partnership and Technology Roadmap
Through expert exchanges and collaborative joint research, Q-Neko enables scientists and engineers from both regions to address complex challenges and develop next-generation quantum computing solutions. The project contributes to the development of a skilled workforce in hybrid HPC+QC research and applications while producing a forward-looking technology roadmap to guide future strategic collaboration and alignment. The consortium brings together the following European and Japanese partners:
European partners:
CSC – IT Center for Science (coordinator, Finland)
IQM Quantum Computers (Finland)
Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany)
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) (Germany)
CEA (France)
Thales (France)
JIJ Europe Ltd (United Kingdom)
Laboratoire National de Metrologie et d’Essais (LNE) (France)
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic)
QunaSys Denmark APS (Denmark)
Aalto University (Finland)
Japanese partners:
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Outcomes are expected to support the creation of new technologies, products, and services while contributing to economic growth in both regions.
Find out more here.
—
Further articles, reports, and the latest quantum computing news may be found at The Qubit Report.
- CEA, CSC IT Center for Science, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, europe, Finland, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Horizon Europe, IQM Quantum Computers, Japan, KDDI Research Inc., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Q-Neko Project, QunaSys, Thales
Related Articles
Quantum Computing Weekly Round-Up: Week Ending July 11, 2026
This week delivered the kind of concrete progress that separates hype from execution. Keyfactor secured over $1B in growth capital while Qiz Security raised $17M
BTQ Technologies and ICTK Complete Design of Next-Generation QCIM-PUF Security Chip
BTQ Technologies and ICTK have completed the design of their next-generation QCIM-PUF security chip. This achievement combines BTQ’s QCIM cryptographic accelerator with ICTK’s VIA PUF
SEALSQ and Quobly Sign $5M Commercial Agreement to Integrate Post-Quantum Security into Silicon Quantum Computing Platforms
SEALSQ Corp and Quobly announced a $5 million commercial agreement to integrate post-quantum security technologies into Quobly’s silicon quantum computing platforms. This deal marks the