A guide for everyone to learn the basics of quantum in the quantum era
"Quantum Literacy Standard (QSS-L) ver.1.0" Developed and Released

Through a Cabinet Office initiative, Q-STAR and SkillUp NeXt accelerate human resource development through industry-academia collaboration.

The Quantum Technology Innovation Consortium (Q-STAR), a general incorporated association based in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, represented by Taro Shimada, and SkillUp NeXt Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, represented by Shinichi Tahara), today announced the development and release of 'Quantum Literacy Standard (QSS-L) ver.1.0.' This standard systematizes the fundamental knowledge required to adapt to the quantum era, targeting a wide range of individuals, including working professionals and students expected to become future industrial talent.

https://qstar.jp/wp-content/uploads/量子リテラシー標準ver.1.0.pdf

In the "Quantum Future Society Vision" formulated by the government, quantum technology is positioned as a key foundational technology for economic security, aiming to achieve both the resolution of societal challenges and economic growth. Just as AI and data utilization have become prerequisites for industrial activities, understanding quantum technology is now considered essential for a wide range of industrial professionals. The vision emphasizes that expanding the base of human resources, including those who do not specialize in quantum technology, is an urgent task towards 2030.

On the other hand, to accelerate the social implementation of quantum technology, it is essential to cultivate human resources who can appropriately assess the value and risks of the technology in business settings, not only among specialists such as researchers but also within companies, government agencies, and educational institutions.

Based on these national strategies and industry demands, Q-STAR and SkillUp NeXt have standardized the fundamental literacy that all digital professionals should acquire, by adding a quantum perspective, '+Q (Quantum),' to the trend of Digital Transformation (DX) human resource development. The Quantum Literacy Standard (QSS-L) is a common guide for correctly understanding rapidly advancing quantum technologies such as quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing, and for utilizing them in society. Through the application of this standard, we aim to support the development of individuals who can appropriately assess the value and risks of quantum technology, thereby forming a foundation to support future industrial competitiveness.

Going forward, both organizations will work to further refine this standard through active exchanges of opinions and dialogues with industry, academia, and educational institutions, while also striving to expand the base of industrial talent supporting the quantum era.

This standard was developed as part of the initiative 'Development and Trial of a Quantum Human Resource Education Ecosystem,' which is one of the measures under the 'Bridging Research and Development with Society 5.0 Program (BRIDGE)' promoted by the Cabinet Office.
This initiative is being jointly promoted by SkillUp NeXt, Kyushu University's Institute of Mathematics for Industry (IMI), and Q-STAR.

Quantum Skill Standards Overview

The Quantum Skill Standards consist of the Quantum Literacy Standard (QSS-L) and the Quantum Professional Standard (QSS-P).

Name / TargetDefined Content Quantum Literacy Standard (QSS-L) All digital professionals Quantum technology literacy, learning items, learning achievement levels Quantum Professional Standard (QSS-P) Specialized personnel responsible for industrialization of quantum technology Personnel types, roles, skills

Key Points of the Quantum Literacy Standard (QSS-L)

・Coordinated with DSS-L (DX Literacy Standard) and organized along four axes: Why / What / How / Mind-Stance. Covers everything from the social background of quantum technology to its basic principles, social implementation, and required mindset.

・Clarifies 'Example Learning Items,' 'Learning Achievement Levels,' and 'Application Scenarios.' Designed to be directly applicable to corporate training and educational curricula.

・Focus on mindset aspects such as calm expectation management, ethics, diversity, and collaboration, which are essential during technological transitions.

・Targets cross-cutting literacy, not limited to quantum computers, but also including quantum cryptography, quantum sensing, and more.

Public Information / How to Obtain
Public URL:https://qstar.jp/wp-content/uploads/量子リテラシー標準ver.1.0.pdf
Version: ver.1.0 (Update history to be published later)
Target Audience: Working professionals, students expected to become future industry talent, educators, corporate HR development personnel, etc.

General Incorporated Association for Quantum Technology and New Industry Creation Council

The General Incorporated Association for Quantum Technology and New Industry Creation Council (Q-STAR: Quantum STrategic industry Alliance for Revolution) was established in Japan on September 1, 2021, by companies committed to proactively creating new industries and businesses using quantum technology. Starting with 24 member companies, it has now expanded to 151 organizations, including large corporations, SMEs, startups, and academia, with further growth expected. Participating companies span a wide range of industries, such as materials, chemicals, electronics, telecommunications, infrastructure, manufacturing, finance, and construction. QSTAR actively collaborates with organizations in various fields worldwide to collectively build the quantum industry of tomorrow.

https://qstar.jp

SkillUp NeXt Co., Ltd.

SkillUp NeXt Co., Ltd. operates with the mission of "promoting human and organizational transformation and supporting corporate evolution." We assist companies in their transformation from both human resources and organizational perspectives in cutting-edge fields such as AI/DX, GX, and quantum technologies.

Leveraging our expertise gained as a leading company in formulating the "GX Skill Standard" under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's GX League initiative, we are contributing to building Japan's human capital foundation to enhance industrial competitiveness. This includes leading the formulation of the "Quantum Skill Standard" for the social implementation of quantum technology within Q-STAR's human resource development working group.

[Company Profile]
Established: 2018
Representative Director: Shinichi Tahara
Location: 2-40-5 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan
URL:https://skillup-next.co.jp/
Business Activities: AI/DX Business (Consulting, AI/DX human resource development and organizational development, AI development, recruitment support) GX Business (GX human resource development, GX certification operation) Advanced Technology Business (Quantum computing-related services, etc.)

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