Quantum computing startup Qubitcore has raised a total of 1.53 billion yen in a seed funding round led by SBI Investment, as the company accelerates development of distributed quantum computing systems based on research originating from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). The Yokohama-based startup said the funds will support research, recruitment, and commercialization efforts aimed at building fault-tolerant general-purpose quantum computers.

The round included participation from 12 investors spanning venture capital, financial institutions, and corporate investors tied to industries including manufacturing, construction, real estate, and IT services. New investors included Abies Ventures and Nissei Capital, while existing backer Lifetime Ventures also increased its investment. The broad investor base highlights growing interest in quantum technology as countries and corporations race to secure next-generation computing capabilities.

Qubitcore is developing a distributed quantum computing architecture that connects multiple quantum processing units using optical technology. At the center of its platform is a proprietary quantum optical connectivity interface that combines ion-trap technology with miniature optical resonators developed at OIST. The company says the approach could help overcome scalability limits facing conventional quantum computer designs and provide a pathway toward practical fault-tolerant quantum computing.