The United Kingdom and Japan have announced a major expansion of their science and technology collaboration, focusing on quantum technologies and next-generation digital connectivity. The new partnership aims to strengthen secure communications, improve network resilience, and ensure seamless digital access, while reinforcing both countries’ leadership in emerging technologies. The announcements were highlighted during the UK Prime Minister’s visit to Japan, where both governments reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in science and innovation.
Central to the partnership is a £6 million joint research programme dedicated to advanced connectivity technologies. This initiative will explore ways to build resilient digital networks capable of withstanding cyber threats, natural disasters, and system failures, while providing reliable access to digital services regardless of location. The programme reflects a shared priority to enhance connectivity infrastructure as digital dependence continues to grow worldwide.
Alongside connectivity research, the two countries have launched three major joint quantum technology projects funded by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Japan’s Science and Technology Agency. Beginning in early 2026 and running for five years, these projects will combine expertise from leading institutions in both countries to translate cutting-edge quantum research into practical technologies with real-world applications.
The collaborative projects cover scalable semiconductor quantum-dot technologies, distributed and secure quantum computing, and advanced quantum control and sensing. Together, they aim to enable more powerful quantum computers, establish foundations for a future quantum internet, and develop ultra-precise sensors that can function effectively in noisy or GPS-denied environments. These advancements are expected to support breakthroughs in areas such as drug discovery, secure communications, medical diagnostics, navigation, and resource exploration.
By pooling investments of more than £4.5 million from the UK and over ¥1.1 billion from Japan, the partnership seeks not only to accelerate technological progress but also to train the next generation of quantum specialists. Both governments emphasize that international collaboration is essential in a field as complex as quantum technology, where shared expertise across hardware, software, and applications is critical to delivering innovations that improve security, healthcare, transport, and global digital resilience.
