Accelerating Optical Quantum Computing: NTT and OptQC Join Forces on Ambitious Timeline

Telecommunications giant NTT, Inc. and quantum startup OptQC Corporation have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development of practical, large-scale optical quantum computers. The collaboration marks a significant push toward commercializing quantum technology that operates at room temperature, leveraging light as the information carrier rather than traditional semiconductors.

Aggressive Development Roadmap

Under the partnership agreement, the companies have set an aggressive acceleration timeline. By 2027, they plan to achieve a landmark of 10,000 qubits, representing a major leap forward in quantum computing capability. The longer-term vision is even more ambitious: reaching one million quantum bits by 2030. These milestones are critical for developing quantum systems capable of tackling complex real-world problems—from molecular simulation to advanced encryption challenges.

Technology Convergence

The acceleration of optical quantum development hinges on combining complementary expertise. NTT will contribute quantum error correction technologies and optical communication innovations developed through its IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) Initiative. These capabilities address two fundamental challenges in quantum computing: maintaining quantum state stability and scaling up operations to practical sizes.

OptQC brings its specialized approach to room-temperature optical quantum computation. The company’s use of optical amplification and multiplexing technologies enables transmitting multiple quantum signals simultaneously through a single channel, effectively boosting the system’s computational efficiency without requiring extreme cooling infrastructure.

Why This Matters

Unlike classical computers, quantum systems operate on the principles of quantum mechanics, enabling rapid processing of specific problem types—particularly those involving quantum system simulation and complex mathematical operations. The shift from physical qubits to logical qubits represents the practical threshold for commercial viability. By combining NTT’s telecommunications infrastructure expertise with OptQC’s quantum innovations, the partnership positions both companies at the forefront of next-generation computing acceleration.

The collaboration also aims to build supporting infrastructure: developing real-world use cases, creating specialized algorithms, and establishing supply chains that make optical quantum computers accessible for addressing societal challenges at scale.