Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Foundation
Quantum Technology Innovation Consortium
SkillUp NeXt Co., Ltd.

April 9, 2024

SIP Phase 3 Project: "Promoting the Application of Advanced Quantum Technology Platforms to Societal Challenges"

Adoption of Sub-theme D Innovation Creation Platform and Commencement of Participant Recruitment

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~Through industry-academia collaboration, we will develop and implement educational programs to foster leaders who will drive Japan's quantum industry.~

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Foundation (OIST), located in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture (President and CEO: Karin Markides); the Quantum Technology Innovation Consortium (Q-STAR), located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Representative Director: Taro Shimada); and SkillUp NeXt Co., Ltd., located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Representative Director: Shinichi Tahara; formerly SkillUp AI Co., Ltd. at the time of adoption), have had their joint proposal adopted. The proposal, titled "Development and Implementation of a Quantum Human Resource Development Program through Industry-Academia Collaboration," is part of "Sub-theme D: Research and Development of Innovation Creation Platforms (Initiative) Theme ②: Development and Implementation of Educational Programs" under the Cabinet Office's Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) Phase 3, "Promoting the Application of Advanced Quantum Technology Platforms to Societal Challenges." Recruitment for program participants has now commenced.

　Under the leadership of Research and Development Director Professor Kae Nemoto (OIST), OIST, Q-STAR, and SkillUp NeXt will collaborate to develop and implement educational programs aimed at fostering leaders for Japan's quantum industry. By ensuring industry-academia collaboration from the program development stage, we will simultaneously create two types of quantum human resource development programs: the "Educational Course Program" for quantum professionals leading in business aspects, and the "Research Technology Program" for those leading in research and development. Furthermore, to enable trained individuals to demonstrate strong leadership in global environments, we will concurrently develop and implement programs designed to enhance their international presence. The developed programs will be continuously refined through an iterative process of improvement based on feedback from practical implementation, thereby leading to the creation of even more effective programs.

　This time, as part of these initiatives, we have begun recruiting participants for the Educational Course Program (capacity: 30 people, free of charge), which will start accepting applications from June. For program details and application, please refer to the dedicated form below:

https://skillup-next.co.jp/sip_3period_01

Additionally, prior to the start of participant acceptance, individual consultations will be held on Thursday, April 18, at the University of Tokyo Yaesu Academic Commons. These sessions will include an introduction to the Educational Course Program and discussions on matching research themes for the Research Technology Program.

◆Background and Objectives

　The "Quantum Future Society Vision," formulated by the Japanese government, aims to expand the number of quantum technology users to 10 million by 2030. To achieve this vision, human resource development is essential not only in academia but also in industry. Through this initiative, industry and academia will collaborate to develop educational programs targeting individuals with diverse backgrounds, ranging from research and development to marketing and management. The program will be implemented in a global environment, fostering individuals who will accelerate the utilization and social implementation of quantum technology, thereby establishing a quantum innovation creation platform for human resource development. Our specific focus is on cultivating leaders for quantum technology promotion, aiming to create a virtuous cycle where participants excel after completing the program and, in turn, train and mentor others, ultimately addressing societal needs.

◆Program Outline

　It consists of the following three programs.

1. Educational Course Program
　A program primarily designed to provide high quantum literacy to business-side professionals.

2. Research Technology Program
　A program primarily for R&D personnel, providing them with the skills to leverage quantum technology in the technologies and products they aim to create.

3. Global Leader Program
　A program that provides opportunities to practically acquire various skills necessary to demonstrate leadership and succeed in the global quantum technology market.

◆ Roles of Each Party

Design and development of OIST educational programs
Implementation of educational programs; Q-STAR industry needs survey and analysis
Strengthening industry-academia collaboration; Development of SkillUp NeXt quantum education management system
Analysis of feedback

◆ Project Progress

　Through program briefings and OIST site visits, we have exchanged opinions between industry and academia, and are proceeding with the development of the educational course program and the research technology program. Additionally, we have started recruiting participants for the educational course program, which will commence in June 2024.

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【Inquiries】Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Foundation (OIST)
Media Relations Section
media@oist.jp

General Incorporated Association Council for the Creation of New Industries through Quantum Technology (Q-STAR)
Public Relations and Outreach Section
press@qstar.jp

SkillUp NeXt Co., Ltd.
PR Department
pr@skillupai.com

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