Q-Neko, the Nippon-Europe Quantum Koraborēshon, builds on existing Europe–Japan partnerships to establish a robust ecosystem for quantum accelerated High-Performance Computing (HPC+QC).
By fostering the development of common methodologies, benchmarks, and standards, the project Q-Neko aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies and enhance global competitiveness in the field.
In this context, the project brings together European and Japanese experts to advance hybrid HPC+QC environments. Its 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, driving innovation and technological progress. The project also harnesses quantum-enhanced artificial intelligence, opening new frontiers in data-driven scientific discovery.
Through expert exchanges and collaborative joint research, Q-Neko enables scientists and engineers from both regions to tackle complex challenges and develop next-generation quantum computing solutions together. The project also contributes to the development of a skilled workforce, strengthening and reinforcing long-term capacity in hybrid HPC+QC research and applications. Further, a forward-looking technology roadmap will be produced to guide future strategic collaboration and alignment.
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.
More details
The project is the result of the call HORIZON-EUROHPC-JU-2024-INCO-06.
Q-Neko is coordinated by CSC – IT Center for Science (Finland) and involves 10 European stakeholders and 5 Japanese partners: IQM Quantum Computers (Finland), Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany), Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (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), and Aalto University (Finland). Japanese partners include National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), QunaSys Inc., JIJ Inc. Ltd, Chodai Co., Ltd., and KDDI Research, Inc..
The consortium will collaborate closely, sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to achieve its objectives. Its outcomes are expected to support the creation of new technologies, products, and services while contributing to the growth of European and Japanese economies.
Funded by the Horizon Europe funding programme with around EUR 4 million, and co-funded by Japan’s Cross‑ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), the project Q-Neko started on 1 January 2026 and will run for 36 months.
Background
The EuroHPC JU is a legal and funding entity that brings together the European Union and participating countries to coordinate efforts and pool resources with the objective of making Europe a world leader in supercomputing.
To equip Europe with a cutting-edge supercomputing infrastructure, the EuroHPC JU has already procured 12 supercomputers, distributed across Europe including JUPITER and Alice Recoque, Europe’s first exascale systems.
European scientists and users from the public sector and industry can benefit from EuroHPC supercomputers via the EuroHPC Access Calls no matter where in Europe they are located, to advance science and support the development of a wide range of applications with industrial, scientific and societal relevance for Europe.
Currently, the EuroHPC JU is also overseeing the implementation of 19 AI factories (AIF) across Europe, complemented by 13 AI Factory Antennas, to offer free, customised support to SMEs and startups.
Additionally, the EuroHPC JU is deploying a European Quantum Computing infrastructure, integrating diverse European quantum computing technologies with existing supercomputers. In June 2026, the EuroHPC JU launched the quantum pilot access mode to provide quick access to EuroHPC JU quantum infrastructure for testing and development purposes.
The EuroHPC JU also funds research and innovation projects to develop a full European supercomputing supply chain, from processors and software to applications to be run on these supercomputers and know-how to develop strong European HPC expertise.
With the recent adoption of Council Regulation (EU) 2026/150, the EuroHPC JU’s mandate has been expanded with new action pillars dedicated to the deployment of AI Gigafactories across Europe and the advancement of quantum technologies.
- Publication date
- 3 July 2026
- Author
- European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking