Ostrava, 12 February 2026 – Europe and Japan are entering a new phase of collaboration in supercomputing and quantum technologies through the Q-Neko project. This initiative brings together leading research organisations and technology companies from both regions to jointly develop new types of computing solutions for the future. Czech experts from IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center, part of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, are also involved in the project.
Sixteen partners from across Europe and Japan have joined forces to connect supercomputers with quantum computers and artificial intelligence. By combining these technologies, the initiative aims to create a powerful hybrid system capable of tackling highly complex tasks faster and more efficiently than current supercomputers.
New opportunities for science and industry
The project will focus on integrating quantum computing with artificial intelligence and machine learning. This could open up entirely new possibilities for handling large volumes of data and support faster, more accurate decision-making in both scientific research and industry.
Technologies developed under Q-Neko (The Nippon-Europe Quantum Koraborēshon) could assist in areas such as developing new materials, reducing CO₂ emissions, finding more sustainable solutions, improving telecommunications networks, simulating fluid dynamics (for example, in energy or aerospace sectors), or analysing satellite imagery.
The project will also create a library of quantum-enabled solutions tailored to current scientific and industrial challenges, alongside software that enables seamless cooperation between supercomputers and quantum computers. Experts will develop a roadmap for advancing these technologies and establish common standards and methods for testing and benchmarking them.
A long-term EU-Japan partnership
“Q-Neko represents the first concrete step following the 2025 EU–Japan agreement to strengthen collaboration in quantum technologies. On the European side, it is funded through the Horizon Europe programme via the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, while on the Japanese side, support comes from the national innovation programme,” said Mikael Johansson, coordinator of the Q-Neko effort at CSC.
An important aspect of the project is the exchange of experts between Europe and Japan, enabling them to share knowledge and experience and to access advanced technologies, thereby building a solid foundation for the long-term development of quantum computing.
IT4Innovations’ key role
The Czech national supercomputing centre, IT4Innovations, is playing a significant role in Q-Neko. Its Quantum Computing Research Lab focuses on linking traditional supercomputers with emerging quantum systems to ensure they work efficiently together.
“Our experts are not only connecting supercomputing and quantum computing but also developing new software to bridge these two worlds, optimise calculations, and reduce errors that are currently common in quantum technologies. Part of our work includes testing and evaluating how well the hybrid system functions and its practical benefits,” said Marek Lampart, head of the Quantum Computing Laboratory at IT4Innovations. He added: “Through this involvement, IT4Innovations helps ensure that cutting-edge computational technologies can be applied to real-world challenges in science, industry, and everyday life.”
A broad international consortium
The project is coordinated by CSC – IT Center for Science and brings together a wide consortium of partners from Europe and Japan, including IT4Innovations, IQM Quantum Computers, Forschungszentrum Jülich, German Aerospace Center, CEA, Thales, Aalto University, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, KDDI Corporation, and other institutions.