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

April 9, 2024

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

Regarding the Adoption of Sub-theme D Innovation Creation Platform and the Start of Participant Recruitment

~Developing and implementing educational programs through industry-academia collaboration to foster leaders who will drive Japan's quantum industry~

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST, Onna-son, Okinawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Karin Markides), the Quantum Technology Innovation Consortium (Q-STAR, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Taro Shimada), and SkillUp NeXt Co., Ltd. (SkillUp NeXt, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shinichi Tahara; formerly SkillUp AI Co., Ltd. at the time of adoption) jointly proposed the "Development and Implementation of a Quantum Human Resource Development Program through Industry-Academia Collaboration." This proposal has been adopted as part of the Cabinet Office's Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) Phase 3 project, "Promoting the Application of Advanced Quantum Technology Infrastructure to Societal Challenges," under "Sub-theme D: Research and Development of Innovation Creation Platform (Initiative Theme ②: Development and Implementation of Educational Programs)." Applications for program participants are now open.

　In this initiative, OIST, Q-STAR, and SkillUp NeXt will collaborate under the leadership of Professor Kae Nemoto (OIST), the R&D Project Leader, to develop and implement educational programs aimed at fostering leaders for Japan's quantum industry. By fostering industry-academia collaboration from the program development stage, we will simultaneously develop two quantum human resource development programs: the "Educational Course Program" for quantum professionals leading in business aspects and the "Research and Technology Program" for those leading in R&D aspects. In parallel, we will develop and implement programs to enhance the presence of these trained individuals in international settings, enabling them to demonstrate strong leadership in global environments. The developed programs will be continuously refined through iterative feedback from practical implementation, leading to the creation of more effective programs.

　This time, we have opened applications for the "Educational Course Program" (capacity 30 participants, free of charge), which is one of these initiatives and will begin accepting participants in June. For program details and application, please refer to the dedicated form below:

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

Furthermore, prior to the start of acceptance, on Thursday, April 18th, at the University of Tokyo Yaesu Academic Commons, we plan to hold individual consultations, including an introduction to the Educational Course Program and matching research themes for the Research and 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 realize this vision, human resource development is essential not only in academia but also in industry. In this initiative, industry and academia will collaborate to develop educational programs targeting individuals with diverse backgrounds, from R&D to marketing and management. The programs will be implemented in a global environment, fostering individuals who will accelerate the utilization and societal implementation of quantum technology, thereby building a quantum innovation creation platform for human resource development. We will particularly focus on developing leaders for quantum technology promotion, aiming to create a virtuous cycle where participants thrive after completing the program and further train and guide others, thereby meeting societal demands.

◆Program Overview

　It consists of the following three programs:

1. Educational Course Program
　A program that primarily provides high quantum literacy to professionals on the business side.

2. Research and Technology Program
　A program that provides primarily R&D personnel with the ability to utilize 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 to demonstrate leadership and succeed in the global market for quantum technology.

◆Respective Roles

Design and Development of OIST Educational Programs
Implementation of Educational Programs, Q-STAR Industry Needs Survey and Analysis
Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration, Development of SkillUpNeXt Quantum Education Management System
Analysis of Feedback

◆Project Progress

　Through program briefings and OIST site visits, we have facilitated exchanges of opinions between industry and academia, and are proceeding with the development of educational courses/programs and research technology programs. Additionally, we have started recruiting participants for the educational courses/programs scheduled to begin in June 2024.

【Contact Information】Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (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

SkillUpNeXt Co., Ltd.
Public Relations Department
pr@skillupai.com