A-Star Quantum

A-Star Quantum Inc. is a Japanese software development company established in July 2018 by President and CEO Koji Funabashi and Co-founder and Chairperson Sousa Sakura. Funabashi, a self-described 'PC boy' in his youth, later co-authored a book on quantum mechanics, which sparked his interest in the field. After entering the IT industry and working on large-scale service development, he began to see the potential for quantum computers to solve problems that were intractable with conventional methods. This realization led to the founding of A-Star Quantum.

The company focuses on developing quantum computer software and providing related services. Its core offering is the quantum AI cloud service "AQCloud," which utilizes a hybrid approach of quantum computing technology and existing mathematical optimization and AI techniques. A-Star Quantum develops software for both annealing and gate-based quantum computers, aiming to create applications that are accessible to end-users without specialized skills, similar to using Excel. The firm also develops hardware-independent common libraries with the long-term goal of creating its own programming language for these libraries. Revenue is generated through providing these software solutions and consulting services to corporate clients.

A-Star Quantum targets its solutions at complex "combinatorial optimization problems" prevalent in various industries. The company has engaged in proof-of-concept experiments with major corporations in the logistics and advertising sectors, such as Japan Post and Japan Airlines, to optimize delivery routes, scheduling, and TV advertising placements. A significant milestone was a capital and business alliance with Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) in August 2023 to jointly develop and provide software that optimizes production planning and delivery routes for the manufacturing and logistics industries. The company has successfully raised capital through multiple funding rounds, including a Series A in November 2020 and a Series B in August 2023, attracting investment from firms like Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, Plug and Play Tech Center, and Dentsu.

Keywords: quantum computing software, combinatorial optimization, quantum AI, logistics optimization, manufacturing optimization, quantum annealing, gate-based quantum computing, software development,数理最適化, 量子コンピュータ, B2B software, supply chain optimization, advertising optimization, hybrid quantum-classical, application development, platform software, consulting services, financial technology, transportation logistics, production planning