A Conversation between Panasonic Holdings Corporation and QunaSys on Advancing Quantum Computing for Real-World Applications

Introduction

Quantum computing is often described as a future technology that may someday prove useful. However, some companies are choosing not to wait for that “someday.” Instead, they are actively building knowledge today—deepening their understanding, conducting experiments, and critically examining where quantum computing could deliver real value.

Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Panasonic HD) and QunaSys Inc. have been steadily advancing their collaboration through continuous discussions and joint research in quantum technology. In this article, we look back on the journey so far, including Panasonic HD’s participation in the QURI SDK Test User Program, through the voices of the people involved.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

• The background behind positioning quantum computing as a  potential driver of  future business competitiveness, and the process of evaluating  its applicability
• The practical collaboration journey between Panasonic HD and QunaSys, from participation in QPARC to joint research and the test user program
• Key insights into current challenges and future prospects for practical adoption, gained through algorithm validation and hands-on use of development tools

Speaker Profiles

Takahiro Ohgoe
Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Senior Lead Researcher
Advanced Materials Development Center, Green Transformation Division.

After earning his Ph.D. in quantum system simulation from the Department of Physics at the University of Tokyo, he worked as a researcher and faculty at the University of Tokyo and Waseda University, contributing to the national “K computer” supercomputing project and its successor. After joining Panasonic Corporation (now Panasonic Holdings Corporation), he has contributed to materials and device development across various group businesses, primarily through computational simulation, and currently serves as a project leader in this field.

Masaya Kohda
QunaSys Inc. — Quantum Innovation Division, Senior Researcher

After completing his Ph.D. in particle cosmology at the Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, he held research positions at institutions including National Taiwan University, focusing on theoretical particle physics. He joined QunaSys in May 2021 and has since been working on R&D for the industrial application of quantum computers, with a focus on algorithms for quantum chemistry.

Toru Shibamiya
QunaSys Inc. — Quantum Innovation Division, Senior Research Engineer

After completing his graduate studies at the University of Tsukuba, he worked on vehicle dynamics R&D at an automotive company. His firsthand experience in industrial applications sparked a deep interest in quantum computing, which led him to study quantum information at a university in Germany. Since joining QunaSys, he has been central to the development of QURI SDK from its inception. He currently leads product planning and development for QURI SDK Enterprise.

What Led Panasonic HD to Explore Quantum Computing

Kohda: Could you begin by telling us about your current role, and what initially drew you to quantum computing?

Ohgoe: My role is to contribute to  materials and device development across the Panasonic Group using advanced digital transformation technologies, primarily computational simulation and materials informatics. This includes contributing directly to product development at our business companies, developing differentiated technologies that enhance competitiveness, and engaging in foundational initiatives to raise the overall level of digital capabilities across Panasonic Group. Within this broad scope, quantum computing is positioned as a strategic theme—preparation for potential future breakthroughs.

Before joining Panasonic, I worked in academia at the forefront of quantum system simulation, covering areas such as algorithm design, computational code development, and  high-precision large-scale simulations. With this background, I had a technical affinity with quantum computing. As societal interest in quantum computing grew around the time I joined the company, I became interested in the field and took on a leading role in driving related activities internally.

How the Collaboration with QunaSys Began

Kohda: Quantum system simulation is exactly the kind of domain where quantum computers are expected to shine. The potential impact on materials development is enormous, and researchers around the world are actively pushing the boundaries of algorithm development. It’s a major focus for us as well. When did the relationship with QunaSys begin, and how has it evolved?

Ohgoe: Our engagement began in 2020, when QunaSys established QPARC, an industry community aimed at exploring practical applications of quantum computing, and our company joined as a participant. Through lectures and use‑case exploration using quantum computing simulators within QPARC, we deepened our understanding of quantum computing technologies while exploring their potential applicability.

Two years after joining QPARC, we launched a joint research project as a more advanced step toward practical validation. The project aimed to apply NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) algorithms and actual quantum hardware to electronic structure calculations for solid-state material simulations. To date, this work has resulted in two published papers. One of the papers was selected as a Hot Topic by the Physical Society of Japan (JPS) last year, reflecting its academic significance.

Reflections on the Journey So Far

Kohda: Looking back on all of this, how do you see the value of quantum computing for Panasonic?

Ohgoe: I believe the true value of quantum computing for us becomes tangible when it serves as a concrete technology for enhancing the business competitiveness of the Panasonic Group. With this goal in mind, we has advanced efforts from an early stage, treating technology accumulation and talent development as two essential pillars.

One of the most challenging aspects is selecting the areas on which to focus. Given the diversity of both our business domains and quantum technologies, it is essential to make a comprehensive assessment along three axes: business impact, the potential impact of quantum technology, and feasibility. Meanwhile, the accumulation of insights through QPARC and collaborative research efforts has steadily increased the information available to guide our decisions.

From a talent development perspective, even engineers who routinely work with computational simulation face a barrier to practical use, as specialized knowledge such as quantum algorithms and quantum circuit design is required. For this reason, user-friendly software, together with close support from domain experts, has been indispensable.

Background on the QURI SDK Test User Program

Kohda: Could you explain the thinking behind the QURI SDK Test User Program, and give us a quick overview of QURI SDK itself?

Shibamiya: QURI SDK is designed to make advanced quantum computing algorithms and capabilities accessible and easy to use. We’re developing it with continuous user feedback to steadily improve its completeness and usability.

Given our ongoing discussions with Panasonic HD on quantum technology, we felt they were the ideal partner for this kind of hands-on feedback loop. We were confident that the collaboration would help us build a better product together—and that’s how their participation in the program came about.

What Was Covered in the Test User Program

Shibamiya: What specific work did you carry out during the program?

Ohgoe: We designed the program to expand internal adoption by targeting members experienced in materials simulation but with no prior experience using quantum computing simulators.

In the NISQ-focused efforts, we implemented VQE (Variational Quantum Eigensolver)  on small molecular systems such as H₂ and CH₂ and systematically evaluated practical decision points, including active space selection, spin constraints, and energy convergence. As a result, we achieved accurate results in good agreement with numerically exact reference calculations.

In the subsequent FTQC-oriented work, we tackled ground-state energy estimation via quantum phase estimation. By appropriately tuning parameters such as the number of ancilla qubits, we confirmed results with higher accuracy, closely matching the reference calculations.

Impressions of QURI SDK

Shibamiya: You covered a lot of ground—from VQE-based molecular calculations to quantum phase estimation. The regular feedback sessions gave us valuable insights, and it was a genuinely rewarding experience for our team as well. Thank you. How would you assess the usability of QURI SDK?

Ohgoe: Using the scaffolding feature of QURI SDK, we could automatically generate execution examples for VQE and quantum phase estimation, enabling rapid execution and evaluation with minimal changes. While there were some points of confusion regarding function options and their usage, these were promptly addressed through direct discussions with QunaSys engineers and regular feedback meetings, enabling us to work with confidence. Overall, the SDK supports a fast implementation–evaluation–improvement cycle.

Looking Ahead

Shibamiya: It’s encouraging to hear that the scaffolding feature helped create a smooth starting point. At the same time, the fact that even seasoned simulation professionals encountered friction with quantum-specific aspects is an important signal for us. We’re committed to incorporating this feedback so that the implement-evaluate-refine cycle becomes even more seamless. To close, what are your expectations for QURI SDK and QunaSys going forward?

Ohgoe: Looking ahead, I expect that integration with generative AI and AI agents will enable an experience in which questions can be addressed immediately, and the entire workflow—from the design of intended computations to their execution—can be realized seamlessly. Furthermore, looking ahead to the fault-tolerant quantum computing era, I believe that advancing the development of differentiated algorithms and their continuous implementation into QURI SDK will not only enhance its uniqueness as software, but also significantly increase the feasibility of applying it to real-world problems.

QunaSys's Reflections

This program made the potential of quantum computing for practical applications more tangible, while also surfacing concrete challenges. In particular, the specialized nature of algorithm design and quantum-specific parameter tuning remains a significant hurdle, and addressing it will be key to broader adoption.

On the software side, continued improvements to usability—combined with the integration of generative AI and AI agents—could fundamentally change the development experience. If we can create an environment where everything from natural-language instructions to computation design, execution, and interpretation of results happens end-to-end, quantum computing will become accessible to a much wider range of engineers, regardless of their level of quantum expertise.

Additionally, building up a library of algorithms designed for the FTQC era—and the development infrastructure to support them—will be critical for making industrial applications a reality. The evolution of both differentiated algorithms and the platforms that enable them will be a driving force in bringing quantum technology from research into practice.

QunaSys will continue to evolve its products through co-creation with users, while advancing R&D on algorithms that directly address industrial challenges. We remain committed to the steady, step-by-step work of turning quantum computing into technology that delivers real value to society.