Fujitsu and the Japanese startup Yaqumo have commenced testing the STAR quantum computing architecture and its underlying software on a real neutral atom quantum computer. The aim is to evaluate how well these components work with this type of hardware.
STAR to be Tested on Actual Hardware
Since April 2026, Fujitsu and Yaqumo have been exploring the theoretical applications of STAR on neutral atom systems. In August, they advanced to physical trials on a quantum computer.
STAR (Space-Time efficient Analog Rotation) is Fujitsu's architecture designed for early fault-tolerant quantum computing (Early-FTQC). It optimizes the implementation of phase rotations and is expected to significantly reduce the number of qubits required for quantum computations.
However, the effectiveness of STAR is contingent on the type of quantum computer used. Therefore, testing on real hardware is essential to determine how compatible the architecture is with neutral atom systems.
Focusing on Neutral Atoms
Yaqumo is developing quantum computers based on neutral ytterbium atoms. These systems facilitate relatively straightforward interactions among a large number of qubits, enabling a "fully connected" setup without intermediary components.
Fujitsu believes this capability opens avenues for computational methods that differ from those in superconducting systems, where qubit connectivity is restricted. Additionally, the characteristics of neutral atom architecture may simplify the implementation of more effective error correction.
As part of their collaboration, the companies aim to determine whether the combination of STAR and neutral atoms can achieve practical quantum computations with fewer physical qubits.
Currently, Fujitsu has not released any results from the tests that would quantitatively assess the advantages of STAR on neutral atom hardware. The ongoing phase of the project focuses on verifying the compatibility of the architecture with actual systems.
A Unified Interface for Various Quantum Computers
Besides STAR, the companies are adapting the Fujitsu Open Quantum Toolchain for use with Yaqumo's neutral atom systems.
This software encompasses environment setup, job management, device status monitoring, and other necessary functions for operating quantum computers via the cloud. Its adaptation aims to enable users to interact with different types of quantum systems through a single interface.
However, the control commands for neutral atom computers differ from those used in superconducting systems, necessitating Fujitsu to modify command translation, job management, monitoring, and calibration processes.
Yaqumo Aims for Hundreds of Qubits
Yaqumo intends to develop a system with several hundred qubits and error correction capabilities by the 2027 fiscal year. The company views its collaboration with Fujitsu as a step towards creating fault-tolerant quantum computers.
Meanwhile, Fujitsu sees STAR as a transitional architecture leading to FTQC—the era when systems will possess tens of thousands of qubits, although full fault tolerance will not yet be achieved.
It’s noteworthy that in September, Fujitsu showcased the first operational prototype of a quantum computer based on diamond spin qubits.